I can't speak on all organizations, but I do know that in several organizations I belong to, including AKA, one may not just say and do whatever one wants, under the banner of the organization. So, if Allen Iverson wants to trade off his NBA fame to market his rap CD, he must abide by the codes of conduct set forth by the organization, or risk censure by the group.
For example, I can't set out a sign in my work cubicle that states "God hates (fill in the blank)" or something like that, because I work for a private entity with rules and regulations that prohibit that type of speech. I could go post that in my car, but if it's on company property, they have the right to tell me to take it down.
If I wanted to pose nude for Playboy in my AKA paraphenalia, you can rest assured that Soror Norma White and the rest of the Directorate would have something to say about it! Why? Because when I promised to uphold AKA, I agreed to certain rules of behavior, and even if they weren't specifically named during the time I made the promise, I'm sure that the organization would point to the "spirit of the law" when reprimanding me for my behavior. Of course, Allen I. is free to challenge the NBA in a court of law, but the NBA is also free to relieve him of his duties of employment.
The difference between Mr. Iverson embarking on a rap career now as opposed to before he became a basketball star is that 1.) He is using his NBA noteriety to increase the success of his rap pursuits and 2.) The NBA would have the right not to employ him in the first place if he were already a rap star whose lyrics the league found offensive. They don't HAVE to give him a job, just because he's talented (see any connections, sorors?), if they find his character to be unsavory.
Now of course, most of this (about character) meansnothing to the league and other sports entities, because they could give a rat's butt about character, except as it pertains to making money.
DoggyStyle: I can't see how Reggie White's speech could be anti-gay yet not hateful...if remarks or behavior are "anti-something," doesn't that dictate that it's hateful, offensive, rude?
All: People can say/do what they want, but that doesn't mean that other individuals or organizations have to accept/put up with it!
[This message has been edited by Discogoddess (edited October 17, 2000).]
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