Conflicting Cultures

America is known as the melting pot of the world. People come here in search of acceptance, greater freedom, or a new beginning. Each group brings with them different customs and an identity all their own. Distant cultures then mold to form new cultures. This molding helps to establish diversity and that diversity can change the way an entire generation advances.

Some people, however, choose not to adjust, rejecting diversity or any new idea that may emerge. And I'm not talking about just one type of person. Ignorance can be found just about everywhere. It has neither racial, nor religious ties. All over this country there are little pockets of people stuck in their ways, unable to see the light. It's called cultural discrimination - and it needs to end.

Within the NCAA -- the collegiate athletic association that claims to support "diversity and inclusion" -- there are many who ignore the core values of this organization. For years, the opinions of these hypocrites have had a direct impact on who some colleges and universities hire to chief positions. For example, the number of minority head coaches at the FBS level, formerly D1-A, is overwhelmingly low and the figure continues to dwindle.

When it comes to the issue of discrimination, I apologize for focusing only on football and only the top division. I'm sure there are other instances in others sports. But the fact is that no other NCAA sport is as big a business as football at the FBS level. The problem here is that those big dollar signs could be why the number of minority head coaches is so low. But why are those doing the hiring so hesitant to give a minority an opportunity this great?

In some cases, it could have to do with the pressure to succeed right away. That really depends on what you consider successful. Today it seems as though resumes are judged solely upon win/loss record. So when it comes to success, wins and losses tend to go a long way. Call me old school if you like, but why does it always have to be about wins and losses? I thought the NCAA stood for more than that. I understand that, financially speaking, there are some great opportunities to capitalize on. It just seems like college football is turning into a minor league of sorts.

On its website the NCAA claims to be "committed to the best interests, education and athletics participation of its student-athletes." That sounds nice, but it seems like the NCAA is more committed to their own interests. If they're facing pressure to hire that perfect candidate, they're bringing it upon themselves. I feel like we're getting away from what's most important. Some people forget that the term is student-athlete.

In many cases, racial and/or religious prejudices play a part. Whether there's a hidden agenda or not, here are the facts: The percentage of Caucasian football players at the FBS level is about fifty, the percentage of assistant coaches is about eighty-five and the percentage of head coaches is currently ninety-seven. It seems like the higher a minority wants to rise, the more difficult it becomes. What ever happened to equality? We, the American people, just came to the conclusion that a bi-racial man named Barack Obama is the best person to lead us into our dismal future. Meanwhile, some universities are unwillig to hire (for example) a black man with a proven track record who recruits well, coaches well and stands for what's right.

Some argue that minorities have little desire to coach. That's false and it's a poor excuse. Excuses are exactly what we need less of. I'm convinced that there are many Ken Niumatalolos and Randy Shannons out there that are being overlooked because of their name or the color of their skin. Some schools say, after they hire who they want to hire, that so-and-so just wasn't a good fit. If a class act like (again, for example) Turner Gill can't relate to any young man out there, who can? Do some research of your own. Turner Gill is the next big thing in the coaching world. He's what a struggling power needs. And the last time I checked, Auburn (for example) is a struggling power.

If you look closely, though, the discrimination only takes place in certain parts of the country. For instance, California -- known for its laid-back approach -- is located within the Pac-10 conference boundaries. No conference has ever hired more minority coaches in its history. On the other hand, the Southeastern Conference -- which is comprised of states famous for segregation and the civil rights movement -- has hired the fewest minorities in college football's history. Coincidence? Absolutely not. To this day, there are conflicting cultures that are blocking the road to equal rights.

In terms of equality, America has come a long way over the last fifty years. If it wasn't for activists, we wouldn't be where we are today. There are many people, however, who know what's right and still aren't saying enough to change things. There's always room for improvement. Putting a minority in the White House isn't the end of the fight. The more people speak up about the discrimination in major college football, the sooner people will see the light, change their ways and begin to hire based solely upon character.