It's getting kinda' hectic.

Taking a well-deserved break from the madness. Who said the Clinton backers don't have heart?
Wow! Are there problems in this Democratic paradise, or what. We knew it wouldn't be pretty with Clinton supporters dragging their feet all the way to the convention, but we are now at a new low where we are comparing who's minority status is worse off in 2008- African-Americans, or women. What really disturbs me is that the tone of the argument creates the image that there is some sort of prize for the worst spot! How does this kind of mentality affect the country. Better question: how about those who happen to be born as both? What's their outlook?

Comparing that with the opening ceremony of the US Open opening ceremony happening right now on USA, and you have a very interesting juxtaposition. I say that because the US Open is celebrating its 40th anniversary, putting its birth appropriately in 1968- the year of complete change and turmoil. The video tribute of past greats included the first male champion at the Open, Arthur Ashe.

What really stands out to me is that we still have to talk about how articulate and poised and calm any great African-American person of greatness is. Never is Boris Becker's aptitude celebrated, or any other non Black player for that matter. John McEnroe is celebrated for having the exact opposite demeanor. No Black tennis player could have ever gotten away with his antics no matter how talented they were.

The same can be said for how a woman athlete is consistently praised more highly if she happens to fit the American standard of attractiveness (see Chris Evert Lloyd Norman). Martina Navratilova was a consistently better all around player that America's sweetheart, Chrissie, but never as celebrated. This way of thinking really created a monster in Anna Kournikova, who never won a tournament, but is a genius at marketing her looks even today. Yet, Serena and Venus have destroyed their peers, but I fear their legacy may prove to be somewhat dimmed because of their physical appeal to the masses.

Have we completely lost it? They play a sport, for heaven's sake! I'm a purist. All I require is that they beat the hell out of their opponents. Save the parlor niceties for later.

Is there some written requirement that to be a great African-American, one must fit into a certain mold? The same question applies to women. If I have to even ask the question, perhaps we're all in the same boat after all!