....Taylor is a respectable guy who comes across like the nice person he is. He is probably loyal to HBO because they do seem to favor him. Why wouldn't he be respectfull and nice to those guys?
....Taylor is a respectable guy who comes across like the nice person he is. He is probably loyal to HBO because they do seem to favor him. Why wouldn't he be respectfull and nice to those guys?
Taylor should be loyal and respectful up to a point. But, there will come a time when his choices will be contrary to what "Massa" (HBO) wants, then he will be put out in the fields with the other bad negroes.
Back in the days, there was a white boy who spoke politely and said, "Yes, suh", but nonetheless caused such widespread controversy-- with his hips, lusty stare and pouting lips. His name was Elvis.
In his later years, he spawned an even greater controversy, but, again, not always because of the way he talked (he was reportedly less polite when he passed 40).
I cannot say that Elvis was a product of his time. May have been; those being more polite times. Or, he may have been a product of his upbringing, i.e., immediate family environment.
Anyhow, I find Taylor a refreshing change from the stuff we've been getting lately from majority of the boxing people--regardless of race and role in the sport (not only boxers but also promoters and trainers get in the act; sometimes even more so.) I am of the opinion that Taylor is just being himself.
What I am hoping Taylor will do again soon is win decisively. He has not been able to do that lately. Boxing greatness shall come not from how he speaks but from how he won and against whom.
My added respect to Anorak for the courage (others may call it chutzpah?) to ask the question that may, indeed, have simmered to be asked. Hey, pal, I think you've stirred a hornet's nest!
Possibly controversial question, but it's gotta be asked, right?
I like the guy, but seeing him being interviewed by Merchant on Saturday night he came across to me as HBO's new house boy, a guy who gets the nod in (three) close fights because he's got a nice smile and doesn't get "uppity" like Hopkins and Wright.
Check out the interview with Larry again - every other line is "Yes, suh!" It's almost as if he's trying to call on a media lineage with Step'n'Fetchit, only without the thin vineer of satirical intent.
I'm not saying it's bad, but he's the sort of guy PBDS would describe as "one of the good negros". I can quite imagine that he'll get to equal or even surpass Hopkins's 20 defences record just as long as he goes up to Jim "God bless America!" Lampley and say "I'sa been a good bwoy today, boss!"
I've gone too far, haven't I?
Anorak...you're British, so let me explain a little about the Southern US. Down here our parents teach us to say "Yes suh and Yes ma'am"...it's a sign of resepect for our elders ingrained since early childhood.
I remember going to chuch (that's church for those not familiar with Southern dialect ) one Sunday when I was about 5 and riding in the back seat and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Blocker (who went to the same chuch) in the car in front of us. I'd hear my parents say "There goes Faye n them"....so, I mimicked this phrase. To my surprise, my mom reached around, grabbed me by the collar, pulled me half-way over the bench seat and whooped my little behind while telling me..."YOU SAY MRS. FAYE!!"
Respect is real big in the South, if you're a true Southerner, and Jermain is from Arkansas. So....in answer to your initial question, No, he's not. He's just a polite Southern kid showing his elder, Larry Merchant, respect.
Anorak...you're British, so let me explain a little about the Southern US. Down here our parents teach us to say "Yes suh and Yes ma'am"...it's a sign of resepect for our elders ingrained since early childhood.
I remember going to chuch (that's church for those not familiar with Southern dialect ) one Sunday when I was about 5 and riding in the backseat and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Blocker (who went to the same chuch) in the car in front of us. I'd hear my parents say "There goes Faye n them"....so, I mimicked this phrase. To my surprise, my mom reached around, grabbed me by the collar, pulled me half-way over the bench seat and whooped my little behind while telling me..."YOU SAY MRS. FAYE!!"
Respect is real big in the South, if you're a true Southerner, and Jermain is from Arkansas. So....in answer to your initial question, No, he's not. He's just a polite Southern kid showing his elder, Larry Merchant, respect.
Anorak...you're British, so let me explain a little about the Southern US. Down here our parents teach us to say "Yes suh and Yes ma'am"...it's a sign of resepect for our elders ingrained since early childhood.
I remember going to chuch (that's church for those not familiar with Southern dialect ) one Sunday when I was about 5 and riding in the back seat and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Blocker (who went to the same chuch) in the car in front of us. I'd hear my parents say "There goes Faye n them"....so, I mimicked this phrase. To my surprise, my mom reached around, grabbed me by the collar, pulled me half-way over the bench seat and whooped my little behind while telling me..."YOU SAY MRS. FAYE!!"
Respect is real big in the South, if you're a true Southerner, and Jermain is from Arkansas. So....in answer to your initial question, No, he's not. He's just a polite Southern kid showing his elder, Larry Merchant, respect.
Hope that helps.
I'm from the South too and respectful manners doesn't mean you like someone. Ask any Yankee who's spent ime in the South about the so-calles Southern Hospitality. undefined
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