More than a few great writers were racially biased. You still have to read the books. London's are that good--from The Sea Wolf to Call of the Wild. Probably the best fiction-adventure writer ever.
London had advance permission from the public. Maybe a lot of that permission and London's passion stemmed from Johnson's recalcitrance and defiance rather than irrepressible racism. Would he have said the same things if Langford had become champion? I don't think so. Would he have passionately enjoined Jefferies to wipe the smile from the negro's {sic} face? Much of the racism surrounding Johnson was cultivated and nurtured by Johnson himself, not that he should be blamed in the least. He DID NOT create racism, but he did create more, just by being the person he was. London had a world perch to broadcast from, yet so did Johnson. Two icons of the 20th century. In a parallel world of our own with only minor differences, I can't help but feel London sits right now writing the official, sanctioned biography of his friend Jack Johnson in glowing language. No one appreciated heartiness and courage more than a focused London.
London had advance permission from the public. Maybe a lot of that permission and London's passion stemmed from Johnson's recalcitrance and defiance rather than irrepressible racism. Would he have said the same things if Langford had become champion? I don't think so. Would he have passionately enjoined Jefferies to wipe the smile from the negro's {sic} face? Much of the racism surrounding Johnson was cultivated and nurtured by Johnson himself, not that he should be blamed in the least. He DID NOT create racism, but he did create more, just by being the person he was. London had a world perch to broadcast from, yet so did Johnson. Two icons of the 20th century. In a parallel world of our own with only minor differences, I can't help but feel London sits right now writing the official, sanctioned biography of his friend Jack Johnson in glowing language. No one appreciated heartiness and courage more than a focused London.
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