Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Racial Inequality

Read the following article:
New York Times
November 3, 2009
To Some, Winner Is Not American Enough
By GINA KOLATA
As soon as Mebrahtom Keflezighi, better known as Meb, won the New York City Marathon on Sunday, an uncommon sports dispute erupted online, fraught with racial and nationalistic components: Should Keflezighi’s triumph count as an American victory?
He was widely celebrated as the first American to win the New York race since 1982. Having immigrated to the United States at age 12, he is an American citizen and a product of American distance running programs at the youth, college and professional levels.
But, some said, because he was born in Eritrea, he is not really an American runner.
The debate reveals what some academics say are common assumptions and stereotypes about race and sports and athletic achievement in the United States. Its dimensions, they add, go beyond the particulars of Keflezighi and bear on undercurrents of nationalism and racism that are not often voiced.
“Race is still extremely important when you think about athletics,” said David Wiggins, a professor at George Mason University who studies African-Americans and sports. “There is this notion about innate physiological gifts that certain races presumably possess. Quite frankly, I think it feeds into deep-seated stereotypes. The more blatant forms of racial discrimination and illegal forms have been eliminated, but more subtle forms of discrimination still exist.”
There are few cases parallel to Keflezighi’s in American sports. Some are noteworthy because of how little discussion, by comparison, they generated over the athlete’s nationality. For example, the Hall of Fame basketball player Patrick Ewing (Jamaica) and the gold medal gymnast Nastia Liukin (Russia) were born abroad, but when they represented the United States in competition, they seemingly did not encounter the same skepticism that Keflezighi has.
Richard Lapchick, the director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida, said the argument about Keflezighi “tells us there are people that still have racial red flags go up when certain things happen.”
He added: “Many people think that with an African-American president, we are in a postracial society. Clearly, we are not.”
The online postings about Keflezighi were anonymous. One of the milder ones on Letsrun.com said: “Give us all a break. It’s just another African marathon winner.”
A comment on The New York Times’s site said: “Keflezighi is really another elite African runner by birth, upbringing, and training. Americans are kidding themselves if they say he represents a resurgence of American distance prowess! On the other hand, he is an excellent representative of how we import everything we need!”
In a commentary on CNBC.com, Darren Rovell wrote, “Nothing against Keflezighi, but he’s like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league.”
Keflezighi said on Monday that remarks about his heritage were not new. “I’ve had to deal with it,” he said. “But, hey, I’ve been here 22 years. And the U.S.A. is a land of immigrants. A lot of people have come from different places.”
The last American to win the New York race, Alberto Salazar, was also born in another country. He came to the United States from Cuba when he was 2. When he won, though, he did not hear grumbling about whether he should be considered an American. He pointed out two differences between his case and Keflezighi’s: Salazar is Hispanic, not black; and when he won in 1982, the Internet, in its current form, did not exist.
The argument that Keflezighi is not really an American makes little sense, Salazar said in a telephone interview.
“What if Meb’s parents had moved to this country a year before he was born?” he said. At what point is someone truly American? “Only if your family traces itself back to 1800, will it count?”
The issue previously arose when Keflezighi won a silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics, said Weldon Johnson, a founder of Letsrun.com. So when the negative postings appeared Sunday, he said, “I did not like seeing them, but I was not surprised.”
Perhaps the passion over Keflezighi’s victory stems from the despair over the state of American distance running. Americans used to be the best, in the 1970s and 1980s. But their time of glory waned as East Africans began dominating.
The success of distance runners from Kenya and Ethiopia fostered a lore of East Africans as genetically gifted, unbeatable, dominant because of their biology. Scientists have looked for — but not found — genes specific to East Africans that could account for their distance ability, said John Hoberman, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin who studies race and sports.
But, he said, “there is a difference between saying we don’t have a scientifically respectable conclusion and the very broad and perhaps mistaken claim that there is no physiological phenomenon here whatsoever.”
Regarding the question of whether East Africans have a genetic advantage, Hoberman said, “We don’t know.”
“The more relevant question is, who gets to represent the country?” he said, adding, “Only racists will insist that ‘our’ athletes meet specific racial criteria.”
Consternation over the race of elite American athletes is not new. A century ago, the notion of a “great white hope” emerged — a white boxer who whites hoped could beat the black heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson.
In running, as African-American athletes excelled in sprints, they were said to lack the endurance or the fortitude to prevail in longer distances, Wiggins said. Then, when East Africans started to thrive, the argument changed to one claiming there are special East African genes.
“From my perspective, it is racist thinking at its utmost,” Wiggins said.
In Salazar’s view, Keflezighi’s victory is another indication that American distance running is coming back. Keflezighi never ran competitively before he came to the United States, and he did all his training here.
“Can American-born guys and gals compete?” Salazar said. “I think we are starting to see that.
“Does Meb resolve that argument? No. He wasn’t born here.
“And neither was I.”


1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?

68 comments:

  1. 1.) Keflezighi is an American to the government, so why shouldn't we consider him American just like the rest? I believe that he would be considered American, because if you think about it American's aren't really Americans. All of us have come over to the United States at some point or another in our history. Most of the people who are American, don't stay here in America though...
    2.) What makes him American, is his patriotism, he wants to represent America, and there is no law about him having to be born here in the United States to be considered 'American.'
    3.) This shows inequality because, how are we as "American's" to judge others if we don't even know if we are "American's" ourselves.
    4.) Calling us 'American', and calling him East African. That is sterotyping.

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  2. 1. Yes he is an American
    2. He is an American by a sertent law, I think the law is something like you have to be born in the U.S or have moved to the U.S under a sertant age.
    3. Yes
    4. they wouldnt let him race because of his skin color or because of the fact that he wasnt born in this country

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  3. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Yes
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    He been living here for most of his life and he was under age when he came here so he was acceped as a american after so long
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Yes because hes getting picked onfor not being born here but truth is oure anserters wernt natual americans either.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article
    They are picking oin him becasue of race or becasue the fact that he wasnt born as a american

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  4. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    legally yes. but i would say his culture probably isnt american
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    he is legally an citizen and has been living here for 22 years
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    yes.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    different races are better at different sports. Darren Rovell wrote, “Nothing against Keflezighi, but he’s like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league.”

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  5. 1.Yes, the guy is an American.

    2.He loves America and their is nothing that says you have to be born here to be an American.

    3. Yes, because he gets picked on all the time just because he wasnt born in America.

    4. Saying that we are AMERICAN and that he isnt.

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  6. 1. Mebrahtom Keflezighi is an evident beast (and an American), I think some other Americans are just hating on him cause they aren't beastly! They just wanna win, no matter what. Instead of proclaiming he's not American, they need to work harder so they could possibly beat him. Running your mouth isn't gonna make your legs go any faster :)
    2. Mebrahtom came here from Eritrea when he was twelve. He is an American citizen, therefore he is an Americannnn :)Yep.
    3. Heck yes it does. It proves how far the desperate American will go to win.. it's pathetic and calling Mebratom a non-American is ignorant and immature.
    4. Welllllll duh. Even though he is an American people are questioning it in this article. Hands down, this man is an American. Kbye :)

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  7. Alright so ignore the part in number 3 that makes no sense. Haha. :D I got a little carried away.

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  8. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?

    Yes, he is an American citizen, therefore he is an American.

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?

    He is an American citizen. He did all of his training in America after he moved here so I do not see why people say he has an advantage.

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?

    People who are not able to compete with him or come close to his running times are jealous and they make excuses. It shows a little inequality, but it shows more sterotypes than anything.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?

    -Black people are better runners than everyone else

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  9. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    He has been an American citizen since he was 12. Some say he's not because he's originally from Eritrea.

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American? The fact that he is an American citizen legally and has been since he was 12.

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain? Yes. Keflezighi gets picked on and single out from immigrating here. They say because he is not from American originally, he is not a citizen.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article? Saying that you have to be born in American to be an American citizen. "Race is still extremely important when you think about athletics".. saying that race makes the athlete, not the quality of the player.

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  10. 1. he's american
    2.)makes him American, is his patriotism, he wants to represent America, and there is no law about him having to be born here in the u.s.
    3. yes
    4.

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  11. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    1.yes he a american
    2.he is a american citizen
    3.yes he get pickd on and singleed out by everyone
    4.like about the race makes the athlete

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  12. 1. He's american
    2. That he is an american citizen and hads been since he was 12.
    3. to judge people even know though they don't know if they are american or not.
    4. I think that everyone is a good runner if they put they heart into it.

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  13. 1.) Yes he is American he is a citizen and has practicly been raised in America.
    2.) He is an Amercian citizen.
    3.) Yes, just because he is of a different erace does not make him unAmerican, he is legal and has been here for a long time.
    4.) The comparison to race and athletics, that some other races are better, if you think ab it they ae basically sayin that its not fair that he won and blaming it saying he is not american because they wanted a "true " american to win, but obviously we werent good enough.

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  14. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American? yes
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American? He is a citizen
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    yes, just bc someone isnt a white american, doesnt mean they arent american if they are an american citizen.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    Race

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  15. 1. yes he is an american because he is an american citizen
    2. what makes him an american is he is an american citizen and he has done all of his training and stuff in america.
    3. yes they don't think he is an american based on the fact that he was not born on u.s soil
    4. race and athletics and how they don't think he should have won for america since he wasn't born in the usa

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  16. 1. Yes I think he is an american because he is an american citizen
    2. What makes him an american is that fact that he can prove citizenship
    3. They dont think he is american just because he was born in the states
    4. Race is the main one

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  17. 1)Yes and No. I would consider him Eritrean-American
    2)he was born in Eritrea and raised there for 12 years, but has lived in America most of his life
    3)yes it does because they're saying he's not American, but in part he is, he was raised within an American society and American ideas
    4)that some other races are better runners

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  18. 1.yes because he is an american citizen
    2.What makes him an american is that he been acting like an american citizen an been trainning for it so he is officially one.
    3.They dont think he is an american because he wasnt born in the u.s.
    4.Race

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  19. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American? i do beleive he is american but his name may throw people off

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American? he has been an american for a while

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain? he was critisized bc he was not born here

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article? different races

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  20. MRS. HALL

    WHERE IS THE FUDGIN QUIZ?

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  21. 1. Yes he is an American
    2.You have to be born in the U.S or have moved to the U.S under a certain age.
    3. Yes
    4. race

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  22. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Yes,He's an american citizen.

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    He became an american citizen.

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Yes,People say he's not an american because he was not born in America. But he became a citizen and has been for a while.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    A race sterotype.

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  23. 1) Yes, He is an American

    2) He is an american because he has lived here for so long and he grew up with an american background.

    3) Yes, people think that just because he was born elsewhere that doesnt make him an american citizen but with the background he has makes him a citizen.

    4) Race is a big sterotype in this article.

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  24. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    yes
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    He grew up in America and he lived in America for a long time.
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Yes, because He was born somewhere else and he moved to America and he obviously got his citizenship in America.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    Race Race Race!!!

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  25. He most certainly is.

    He has lived in America for a long time, he grew up knowing our culture.

    Most definately, because of where he was born he is being judged.

    "black people and sports", the different abilities and incapablilities of 'Americans' and those who are from other countries.

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  26. 1.) yes
    2.) he grew up learning american culture so he should be considered an american.
    3.) They dont think he is an american because he wasnt born in the u.s.
    4.) race and a persons ethnicity

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  27. 1. yes he is an american
    2. he's not illegal and he WANTS to be a part of the country and represent us. .
    3.yes! he could be out there representing Eritrea, but hes not. If he would have lost, nobody would care.
    4.race.

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  28. 1. Yes he is an american
    2. what makes him an american is the fact that he is legally a citizen and that he and has been here for 22 years so I don't see how he's not a american. all of us came from some other country at some point in our family history
    3. yes he is called not true american because he wasn't born here even though he is a legal citizen and has spent most of his life here.
    4. east africans being better at running then everybody else

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  29. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    yes.
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    He's an American because he chose to represent his country, and he's proud of his country.
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Well...I don't know. I don't think its inequality, just ignorance.
    4.) What are some stereotypes in this article?
    Blacks running fast.

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  30. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American? Yes

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American? He has been here since he was 12 and is a citizen.

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain? Yes, they are hating on him because he is originally from a different country.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article? Talking about special gifts people have because of there race .

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  31. 1. yes he is an american because he is an american citizen
    2. what makes him an american is he is an american citizen and he has done all of his training and stuff in america.
    3. yes they don't think he is an american based on the fact that he was not born on u.s soil
    4. race and athletics and how they don't think he should have won for america since he wasn't born in the usa

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  32. 1.) Yes
    2.) I think when you were born in one place and raised in another; the place you feel like you belong is where you are from.
    3.) I do not think that it is inequality. I think this was more of if you have to be born in the US to represent the US. I think Salazar might have been accepted as American more than Keflezighi because he was two when he came to America, so all he would remember is America. Keflezighi on the other hand came here at 12, so he would remember and have more of the customs from his birth country.
    4.) Black people can run fast.

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  33. 1. no he's not american he still has the different background, living and mentality of a non american.

    2. his background with his parents and grandparents amd there background.

    3. yes, people may think they can be trusted as an american while others dont.

    4. Blacks run fast.

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  34. 1. Yes he is an American because he grew up here and has been here longer than some Americans.

    2. What makes him American is that he has lived here for the majority of his life. What makes him non-American is where he was born.

    3. Yes, because the previous winner, Alberto Salazar, won the race and you didn't hear people whining and complaining and he was from Cuba. But since this guy is black & from another country we can discriminate against him?? I don't think that's right at all. There is some definite inequality.

    4. “Nothing against Keflezighi, but he’s like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league.” - This is so racist towards black people and it stereotypes them to be kind of stupid and that they're good runners. I don't see how anyone could say this.

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  35. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    - kefleizigh is an american.

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    - because for the fact that hes an american citizen

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    - well yes, i say yes because he might not be a white american doesnt mean there not american citizen.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    - keflezighi is really anothe elite african runner by birth, unbringing and training.

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  36. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    - keflezighi is an american

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    - because for the fact that hes an american citizen

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    - well yes, i say yes because me might not be a white ameican doent mean there not american citizens

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    - keflezighi is really another elite african runner by birth, unbringing and training.

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  37. 1. Yes hes American
    2.You most be born in U.S or move here at a certain age.
    3. Yes
    4. Race

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  38. .) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Yes.

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    He's just like an other immigrant, I suppose. They're just jealous he was on an American team.

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Just because he was born in a different country, doesn't mean he's not American.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    Race most def.

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  39. 1. yes
    2. He had live here since he was 12. Since he has lived here for 22 years he became a citizen after a while.
    3. yes because he is a different race.
    4. His race. Also black can people run fast.

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  40. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Yes, saying otherwise is just blind ignorance.
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    Well legally he's an American because he surpasses the laws necessary to be considered one. Laws really are the only barrior for who is and isn't American. Outside of laws the majority of Americans are immigrants somewhere down the line anyways.
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Clearly so. It shows that when something or someone threantens our "superiority" we rely on discrimination and prejudice to hold them in line.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    The stereotype that blacks have some "super gene" allowing them to run faster.

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  41. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Yes, he may have not been born here, but he is a citizen.
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    To me legality. Patriotism maybe. If he wants to run for an American team and wins for the American team then he has patriotism. That should be enough.
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Yes, it surely does. The previous winners were not discriminated against and they were not born here. Aparently the only reason he recieved discrimination was because he is black, that is defiantly inequality.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    The main stereotype is that black people run fast.

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  42. 1.) It is my belief that any person that legally becomes an american citizen, is a true american.
    2.)He legally became a citizen and he has been here for twenty-two years.
    3.) It shows how most people think that white runners are inferior to the east african runners. Also it seems that America has stopped beliving that it is a melting pot, rather a more exclusive white cheese fandu.
    4.) there is a stereotype that if you are not white, then you really arent american.

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  43. i believe that keflezighi is an american, despite that he wasn't born here, he has met ther requirements to be an american citizen and we as americans should treat him as one.

    He met all the requirements to become a citizen and has been here since he was 12 i believe.

    This shows that many people believe white runners are inferior to african runners. this does show inequality because he is discriminated against because he is black, which is wrong. if your good enough to compete and win national titles, then you should be praised for it.

    the biggest stereotype is that if you aren't white you aren't american which is completely untrue.

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  44. Is Keflezighi an American

    What makes him an American or non-American?
    - because for the fact that hes an american citizen

    yes they don't think he is an american based on the fact that he was not born on u.s soil

    they think he is a terrorist

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  45. 1) I would personally agree that Keflezighi is in fact an American. Keflezighi has been an American citizen since age 12.

    2) Keflezighi is an American because he immigrated to the United States when he was 12 years old, and he has participated in American running programs at a young age through adulthood. Keflezighi is an atheletic representative of our country and should get an equally fair opportunity in acheiving American victory in sports.

    3) The controversary of Keflezighi's race shows inequality because Hall of Fame basketball player, Patrick Ewing, from Jamaica and gold medal gymnast, Nastia Liukin, from Russia did not experience the same doubts that Keflezighi had experienced, when they represented the United States in competition.

    4) Stereotypes are mentioned in the article when it is stated that, “There is this notion about innate physiological gifts that certain races presumably possess." Persuing the belief that East Africans have an advantageous genetic ability in certain sports or that African Americans are excellent runners are both stereotypical information.

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  46. 1)Legally Yes He Is and American so i dont see why we wouldnt consider him one.
    2)I think he should be able to get the same opportunities that other americans get.
    3)the problem here is his ethnicity imparticular because in the past other people from different countries that werent discrminated apon.
    4) there are some stereotypes mentioned in the article thinking that he is a terrorist.

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  47. 1.) Yes he is.
    2.) he became a citizen
    3.) Yes, he wasnt born in america but he still became a citizen, but prople say he is not.
    4.) This is a racial sterotype.

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  48. 1) Keflezighi is an American. He was not born here, but when he came here as a child, and then gained citizenship later, he openly became an American. He lives here, he trains here, and more than likely, he will die here. It is not that hard to see that he is American.

    2) He embraces the culture, he took a test so that he would be a citizen legally, and he grew up here. He understands that America is "a land of immigrants," and he does not claim his birth country as the country he runs for. If someone represents the country where they own citizenship over their home country in the Olympics, then they must have real pride and a sense of belonging in the country they are representing. Keflezighi is an American.

    3) This instance has inequality written all over it. Instead of discussing rather he truly is American or not, the people should have pride in the fact that an American won a race hosted in America. It does not come down to race in that situation, but having pride and supporting the athletes in one's country. However, it is obvious some people have a certain "image" that they want to portray America, and it allows discrimination to still thrive in a country that should be so much farther past that.

    4) The stereotype that Africans can run distance, specifically Eastern Africans, is the major stereotype in this article. One view looked at in the article implies that it is not shocking that another African won the marathon. It also brings up the fact the Africans and blacks are looked at in a more skeptical eye than Hispanics and whites, whether they are born in America or not.

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  49. 1. He is American.
    2. The fact that he passed the citizenship test and lives in America partly makes him American, but the joy/love that he has for America and the fact that he supports and sees himself as an American together make him an American.
    3. It does show inequality. Others dislike the fact that a naturalized American won instead of a born and bread American.
    4. The main stereotype is that Meb is black, an African, people of Afican descent tend to run really fast.

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  50. 1.) Keflezighi is an American to the government, so why shouldn't we consider him American just like the rest? I believe that he would be considered American, because if you think about it American's aren't really Americans. All of us have come over to the United States at some point or another in our history.

    2.). The fact that he passed the citizenship test and lives in America partly makes him American, but the joy/love that he has for America and the fact that he supports and sees himself as an American together make him an American.

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Yes,People say he's not an american because he was not born in America. But he became a citizen and has been for a while.

    4.)race

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  51. 1.He is an American because he came as a child and has lived here for a long time.
    2.What makes him American is the fact that he's lived in the country since he was young, meaning that he's grown up with the American culture.
    3.It does, just because you weren't born here doesn't mean you can't be considered an American. This country is full of immigrants who had to become citizens.
    4.One stereotype is that black people can run fast.

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  52. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?

    well sure it said it in the article that he is an american citizen

    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?

    the fact that he is a legal citizen of the united states of america. and that he uphold the same national values as the rest of us

    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?

    well sure, people are discriminating against the guy. i dont know what else your going to call that.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?

    that african people are good at athletics in general.

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  53. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American? If he is considered a citizen and he has american values and loves his country then, yes he's an american
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    his actions dictate that
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    anything that judges someone on race or color is unequal
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    racial stereotypes

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  54. 1) well, nobody is truly american except for the native americans. but going by today's standards, if an anglo-american is considering themselves american, than an african-american is american too. we're all immigrants, and we're all americans.
    2) his attitude and citizenship dictate whether he is an american or not. i believe he should have some amount of patriotism, which is apparent by the fact that he is competing for america. he already has citizenship, so i'd say he is an american.
    3) it does show inequality... just the fact that people would judge him and say he's not american because he's an immigrant is inequal.
    4) lots of racial stereotypes against east-africans... that they are all very fast and have some sort of performance-altering gene that is unique to their race.

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  55. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    I would say yes, since the law considers him an american.
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    If the law says he is an american, I think we should consider them to be an american also; to not consider them an american is slightly racist, in my view.
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Absolutely. No one is pure, no one really stays in their native country where they were born. People need to accept the fact that no one is pure and that everyone is equal, skin tone, eye color, hair color do not matter. we are one as a whole, as a population, as a planet, we need to work together.

    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    That anyone who is not born here isn't considered a pure american

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  56. 1. Yes, the guy is an American

    2. The fact that he is an American citizen legally and has been since he was 12.

    3. yep

    4. race

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  57. 1.) Yes, he is an American.
    2.) His actions, attidtude, and citizenship dictate that he is indeed an American. He holds some sense of patriotism for this country.
    3.) Absolutely, people are basing their judgement on the fact that he is an immigrant. Hardly anybody nowadays is "fully American" or "purely American". We all differ in skin color and race; there's many forms of what an American is.
    4.) That anyone who isn't born in the United States isn't an American.

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  58. 1 yes he is an american
    2 citizen ship helps determen that but to beconsider you have to act more like us but if you were here since you were 12 i would call them an american
    3 yes he was being picked on for not being from here
    4 that black run better than everyone else

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  59. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Yes he's a legal american he's lived here the majority of he's life, he represents the USA he's American
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American? He has lived here the majority of he's life
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Becuase of race I don't think so but nationality yes
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article? All black guys run track thats one

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  60. 1) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Of course, he's a registered citizen
    2)What makes him american or non-American?
    He is a registered citizen and has lived here all his life
    3)Does this instance show racial inequality? Explain?
    Yes, their discriminating against him because he's an immagrant, WE ALL CAME FROM IMMIGRANTS
    4)What are some stereotypes in this artical?
    That black guys are better at track and can run faster than white guys

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  61. 1.) Yes. I think he is
    2.) He may not have been born here. but he was raised here and he has just as much rights as any other person whether or not he was born here.
    3.) Yes. He is being attacked because he is an immigrant even though he is a legal citizen.
    4.) One stereotype is that immigrants arn't legal and they don't have the same rights as natural born citizens.

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  62. 1. He is technically not an American because he was not born in America. If I moved to France and became a citizen I would not be French. However, he is an American CITIZEN and deserves the rights that are inalienable to all those that live in America.
    2. I would consider him an American because he went through the qualifications and proceedures of becoming an American. It's not fair to say that some people deserve to live in a place more than others do simply because of fait.
    3. It shows inequality by saying that he is inadequate for not being born in America. If he has pride for the country and wants to represent them in a race, whose place is it really to say he can't?
    4. The stereotype that American's are elite and immagrants are not as worthy as those born here is, in my opinion, ludicrous. He came to America for the opportunity of a better live and is stereotyped for being an immagrant. Another stereotype portrade is that black people are faster and more athletic than white people.

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  63. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    Yes.
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    He has lived here for 22 years. He came here at the age of 12. He is definately American.
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Yes it does. Just because he is black people are freaking out that he won and was considered an American champion.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    They talked about different races and how they also won and weren't talked about like that guy.

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  64. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    yes
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    He has been living here all of his life and is registered.
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    Yes because is black so they dont like the fact that he won and is an American Champion.
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    Black people can run fast.

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  65. 1.) Is Keflezighi an American?
    2.) What makes him an American or non-American?
    3.) Does this instance show inequality? Explain?
    4.) What are some stereoptypes in this article?
    1. yes he is an american
    2. he is an american citizen
    3. yes. what difference does it make what race he is. if he won he won.
    4. people saying that he is not american just because he wasnt born here even though he is an american citizen

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  66. 1.) Yes he is legally an American.
    2.) He's lived here for most of his life..he is legally, in the government's eyes, an American citizen.
    3.) Yes, of course it does. As American's, we are a very diverse nation and we pride ourselves on that...on being the Land of the Free. So just because he was a different skin color then the average American people got angry at him for winning.
    4.) That people born in America are better then those who moved here. And that black people are more athletic.

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  67. 1) Yes he is an American.
    2) As long as he believes in American values and beliefs, and is a legal citizen, then he is an American.
    3) What is inequality? Inequality is someones excuse for failure and despair. If this guy won the race then great, it shouldn't really matter where he is from. He can cry inequality all he wants, but in the end he won the marathon and as long as he sees himself as an American, then that is all that matters.
    4) One stereotype in this article is that natural born Americans are superior to people born outside the US. Another one is that black people are better at sports than white people.

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  68. 1.Yes
    2.) He lived in america so long they accepted him.
    3.)Yes because hes getting picked on for not being true american.
    4.)They pick on him because he is not american, and not born here.

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