Zev and Michelle, thanks, you understood what I meant. Simply, that people who have been in minority situations are generally more empathetic when they see others in a similar situation, and are good enough to reach out a hand (or spot). And that no matter how different we look on the outside, we all look the same on the inside. Whopper, don’t let others get you down, keep up the good work. Nuff said.
Jason, where in Chapter 9 does it state that the people of the Cham lineage are black? Cause I don’t see it. In fact, since they are the descendants of Noah, wouldn’t they be of the same race? Plus, I don’t see where god curses the entire lineage. I only see it saying that Canaan as an Individual was made the servant of Japheth (an individual). In fact, It is not only until chapet 11 that I see any races or seperate languages being created. It’s in the telling of the Tower of Babel.
Whopper: About three or so months ago I made my very first post to this Forum. Prior to that post, I varaciously read past issues of “T-Mag” and followed the Forum almost daily. So I REALLY wanted to make that first post “thought provoking” and something that would generate some real back and forth discussion. The essence of the post was Bill Phillips change in buisness stategy from attempting to appeal to teenage boys,drugged out MuscleHeads, and “Think-They-Are-Buffed Gym Fat Boys” to Soccor Moms and Middle Aged Professional Men (the latter of which is a much more profitable and loyal demographic). I related the story through the eyes of one of my friend’s wife, who is as typical a “Soccor Mom” as you can get. I wanted to furthur indicate that she was not some dumb, uninformed “sheep being led to slaughter” by Bill Phillips and EAS, but was a smart, articulate and bright woman who knew exactly who she was and took her training and nutrition as seriously as anyone on this site. The final point of my post was that “Testosterone” catered to a very “niche” kind of market (which is brilliant marketing in itself) and that the “Soccor Mom” Market was no less legitimate. As a matter of fact, the second the average Soccor mom was exposed to the some of the racism, sexism, rudeness and downright vulgarity exhibited on this site, she would probably leave running and screaming to her mini-van.
Well, Whopper, the post was never that first-time, thought-provoking treatise I expected it to be. The Thread became one where guys accused me of haboring latent feelings for my friends wife, to wanting to "do" her, and finally "how" to "do" her, ending with someones post on how to direct my sperm when I ejaculated on her. Never did we even come NEAR to the discussion that I felt we could have had.
Well…I learned some lessons. Post when there is a specific question I need answered in my mind. Don’t respond if someone makes an ignorant comment about my question (even though I must say that at times I simply can’t ignore some of these pricks).Ignore threads that are either ridiculous or have been hi-jacked to the point where the original posters intent is completely lost. And most importantly: I am ALWAYS looking for that Gem or Pearl that will ALWAYS shine through the crap on this Forum. That, and the fact that there are some wonderful and genuine people (like yourself and the “T-Mag” staff) is what keeps me coming back to this site each and every day.
So...hang in there, Bro...the positives on this site ultimately win out over all the garbage....
(P.S. I’m a professional African-American male with emphasis being on American; Me and my Posse that I work out with find it in our hearts to love all men; we don’t gang bang, we all have jobs and have never touched a DIME of welfare; our pants are worn around our WAIST and not down by our knees (that would make us look like White, Teenage Skateboarders, though, huh?) We very seldom play basketball, work out to “Earth Wind and Fire”, “Cameo” and a lot of '70’s Funk. We don’t eat fried chicken (it’s always baked!)or watermelon and we have no desire to impregnate every White Woman we see. Lastly, me and my Posse often wear Doo-rags when we workout! (No jewelry though; too cumbersome!). You would ALWAYS be welcome at the Power Rack with us, Dog!
Whopper, don’t let the bastards get you down. There are a lot of people (like myself) who read this forum and appreciated your story, even though we didn’t bother to post a response. I mean, what more can one say about your experience? It was nice - really nice. And it lightened my day a little, as I’m sure you meant it to. So mission accomplished, man. And don’t worry about Jason, Colin and the rest of the draggers-down. I don’t. The best response to them is a deafening silence.
sorry i didnt chime in earlier, jason aside, good post.
Whopper…a truly great story, and I thank you sincerely for sharing it with us. It’s amazing how something as simple as this iron-lifting business can cross barriers (perceived or real) of all types. Enjoy training at that gym, it’s atmosphere, it’s attitude, and most of all, enjoy the cameraderie of your fellow lifters. To those others who must call names and cause disturbances, you should have something better to do. Heck, I could be pressing some dumbbells right now - come to think of it, that ain’t a bad idea. Keep lifting, t-people!
When are you guys gonna learn to stop answering him? He thrives on pissing people off and getting angry posts thrown back at him…it allows him to come back with what he sees as intelligent and witty responses.
IGNORE HIM!!!
Whopper, good story. How does it feel to work out in a hardcore gym?? 
That is how my gym is except we have a 50/50 split between blacks and whites. No foo foo machines, no pool, plenty of dirty, rusty barbells and dumbbells, four or five squat racks, two or three power racks, benches and all the good stuff. But I got you beat, as I only pay $99 a YEAR for my membership. So if you’re ever down in Florida, we can hook up for a workout.
Oh yeah, I'm white and wear a doo rag quite often. People say it makes me look more like a "bad boy" or gangster, but if you look past how I appear, you'll see that I'm a great guy and quite friendly. And for the teenage girls that see me in the doo rag, they think I look like AJ from the Backstreet Boys. I think that is ruining my "hardcore" look! LOL!
ROTFLOMAO! Mufasa! LOVED that last paragraph.
Whopper, sorry if my post focused too much on Jason. You did relate a great uplifting story. All the bullshit about racism and homoeroticism is truly silly. Take care.
RACISM? HOMOPHOBIA?
Listen, I live in a small mid-western town with that crap going on all the time.
That stuff isn’t cool in this greasy little town, or on the internet.
Opinons, personal beliefs, and religous convictions are fine…but they only apply to you…in your feeble little brains.
It’s a shame that all the effort put into building muscle, can’t be also be put into building human relationships.
And to the few “men” that enjoy giving their racist and homophobic views…there is always someone who is bigger, stronger (both mind and body),smarter, richer, etc. And they just might be black or gay.
Firstly, what has all this got to do with training?
second, calling people who take medication for mental conditions “crazy” is the most pathetic bigoted shit I have ever heard you holier-than-thou politically-correct fools.
Colin, I agree with your post 100%. Enough on this topic, it sounds like a MM2000 board.
Whopper’s story was awesome. People like me who have just begun truely pushing the steel want to hear stories like his. As far as all the homophobic and racist stuff…that stuff only reflects on the complete stupidity of the people posting it.
Yes, racism and homophobia are stupid thoughts, period. If I knew someone who could train me to T-MAN status, I wouldn’t care what they did in bed or what color their skin is (how about green skin, I like green).
Why do people turn a thread about a cool experience into their own personal vendeta. They shoul paint RACIST or HOMOPHOBE on the chests in bright green letters and go for a walk through any major city. Of course, they wouldn't be alive long...but it IS their right to express their personal beliefs...
Thanks for the story Whopper…I’m a little roper wearing white boy that got a taste of racism directed towards me (long story, won’t bore everyone with the details) Those men were cool.
To reiterate what everyone has said, I loved the story and got a lot out of it. I just ignore the crap some people put out there to stir up controversy. Sometimes it’s fun to get off topic and see what people debating skill are made of but most often I’m frustrated by sifting through the crap to find the answer to the post original question or comment.
As for the story breaking down racial barrier and such. It's great. I've studied a lot of a lot of psychology, more specifically social and groupthink. There have been a lot of studies how to mesh two groups with different viewpoint, backgrounds, race, etc. Without getting very deep into the study it could be summed up by the movie "Remember the Titans"
Two groups that are thrown together with a common goal. They must adapt to each other and cooperate or there is no way the goal is achieved. I’ve been lucky enough to have been in situations we’re race and backgrounds are thrown out the window and we get down to business to win.
Thanks for the great post guys.
In response to your post, I would direct the ejaculate to the soccermom’s face, particularly the mouthal area. I hope this has answered your question. If you have any more questions about weight lifting please feel free to post them here. Thanks