- Apr 5, 2017
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- Oct 13, 2001
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It helped Kenny Omega become a huge star in New Japan.
But it is easier for a Westerner to find success in Japan than a Japanese wrestler to find success in America (WWE) because Promos (speaking) isn't much of a requirement in Japan.
In America, the focus is heavy on the ENtertainment portion of the performance so knowing how to speak the native language is more of a necessity than when a Westerner goes to Japan.
In Japan, the focus is more so on the in-ring combat.
But plenty of Westerners were able to have strong tours of Japan without learning the language.
Also, someone like Bob Sapp was very successful in Japan. The main reason is because of his look (The "Kong" presentation of Black folks is something that wrestling culture has always used) but he also learned the language.
- Mar 6, 2018
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I think all SAS was saying is that Baseball already has a hard time marketing its stars (See Mike Trout), so Ohtani having an interpreter doesn't help his profile.
Thats a true statement. I think people just don't like SAS's crude delivery.
If you look at J Balvin and Bad Bunny and talk about who is more relatable to English speaking fans- the answer is J Balvin because his English is significantly better than Bad Bunny's even though Bunny is in my opinion at least, significantly more talented of an artist.
To Ichiro's point about why he continues to use an interpreter- I understand his point 100%.
Thats the nature of the beast when you come to the states from elsewhere.
Thats a true statement. I think people just don't like SAS's crude delivery.
If you look at J Balvin and Bad Bunny and talk about who is more relatable to English speaking fans- the answer is J Balvin because his English is significantly better than Bad Bunny's even though Bunny is in my opinion at least, significantly more talented of an artist.
To Ichiro's point about why he continues to use an interpreter- I understand his point 100%.
Thats the nature of the beast when you come to the states from elsewhere.
- Apr 18, 2014
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Maybe there are some details I'm missing/ignorant to situation but looking at the original clip SAS point seemed pretty clear in that "Speaking English might help marketability in the country".
I disagree but it didn't sound like a malicious take to me, just sounds like a dumb point people like SAS and Skip make all the time... but it's not my place to say it isn't offensive.
I disagree but it didn't sound like a malicious take to me, just sounds like a dumb point people like SAS and Skip make all the time... but it's not my place to say it isn't offensive.
- Oct 13, 2001
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Goodness
- Mar 6, 2018
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Why don't people ever get mad at the producers of these hot take shows when something is said?
You guys know they have meetings about what is going to be discussed prior to going live.
The graphics that accompany the talking heads while on screen are also an indication that Stephen A didn't just go off script and surprise everyone with his take.
It was discussed, possibly rehearsed and approved.
I saw that SAS was trending and was expecting to see a clip of him saying "Shohei is in America so he needs to speak English!" But that's not what he said. If that was what he said then I think the blowback would be warranted.
People just want to have something to be mad about even when it doesn't make sense to be upset.
You guys know they have meetings about what is going to be discussed prior to going live.
The graphics that accompany the talking heads while on screen are also an indication that Stephen A didn't just go off script and surprise everyone with his take.
It was discussed, possibly rehearsed and approved.
I saw that SAS was trending and was expecting to see a clip of him saying "Shohei is in America so he needs to speak English!" But that's not what he said. If that was what he said then I think the blowback would be warranted.
People just want to have something to be mad about even when it doesn't make sense to be upset.
- Oct 13, 2001
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Kinfolk
I always ask the same question but it's simple. There is a face that can be blamed and that person is going to be the one that speaks the offensive words.
But you are right, these companies know what they are doing.
I am not saying what SAS said wasn't foul.
I am not saying what SAS said wasn't foul.
I am not saying what SAS said wasn't foul.
- Aug 22, 2012
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Who cares honestly, it was commentary about his lack of english not him being asian. No story here
- Jan 12, 2013
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That's not at all what he said though, at least not how I understood it.
It is fair to say that of course it would benefit the marketability of the sport if its star player spoke the national language. That's simple logic.
But what he said came off to me like it was BAD that this Japanese guy, apparently a godlike talent, is the star of the sport because he can't speak English well yet. That's absurd. There is no circumstance in which someone that talented without any baggage is bad for a sport.
- Apr 20, 2021
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Now he (a white man) is trying to pit Asians against blacks
- Mar 6, 2018
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I always ask the same question but it's simple. There is a face that can be blamed and that person is going to be the one that speaks the offensive words.
But you are right, these companies know what they are doing.
I am not saying what SAS said wasn't foul.
I am not saying what SAS said wasn't foul.
I am not saying what SAS said wasn't foul.
Is there some context that is being left out of all of this?
Because what SAS said is true and especially true for baseball. There’s nothing wrong with having an interpreter. It’s super important for a lot of players but having an interpreter doesn’t lend itself to growing a fan base among English speakers.
Just ask Leo Messi why a lot of Americans don’t care about his existence- he doesn’t speak English so for the casual fan it’s hard to relate.
I’m trying to find the quote where SAS said something racist or insensitive about Otahni and it’s just not there.
- Oct 13, 2001
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Yea, I'm not even sure what the actual convo was about that made him feel the need to say that.
But, out of context I definitely see why it can be considered offensive.
Like I said before, I just don't see why he would even touch "that" topic, especially not NOW.
But, out of context I definitely see why it can be considered offensive.
Like I said before, I just don't see why he would even touch "that" topic, especially not NOW.
- Mar 6, 2018
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I took it as him saying it was “bad” because baseball can’t even properly market English speaking players so now their marketing problem is compounded by a language barrier.
- Oct 13, 2001
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But how are you able to separate the man from the ethnicity from the language?
It is all one package.
- Jan 12, 2013
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The graphic certainly didn't help either. How is there even a debate with one of the answers being 'yes, this generational talent is bad for the MLB'?
Because he can't speak English (yet). It's ridiculous.
Because he can't speak English (yet). It's ridiculous.
- Jul 22, 2012
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I remember reading that quote about Ichiro. But the funny thing is, he speaks perfect English and even some folks said it didn't even sound like a second language to him.
Shame people have to write things like this.
- Mar 6, 2018
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The graphic certainly didn't help either. How is there even a debate with one of the answers being 'yes, this generational talent is bad for the MLB'?
Because he can't speak English (yet). It's ridiculous.
Sounds like the producers need to be held accountable for that one.
- Jan 12, 2013
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Well yeah but Stephen A Smith wasn't there arguing for the 'no' side of that debate.
- Aug 22, 2012
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I speak for myself and myself only.
It is not the same. If he was German and he required an interpreter his statement still stands, hence making the anti-asian angle empty.
- Mar 6, 2018
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Sheesh.
First take is gonna need to put a disclaimer at the beginning of the show explaining the format to the uninitiated.
elpablo21
Supporter
- Feb 11, 2008
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Expeditiously
- Oct 13, 2001
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^ Of course.
I wish he cared enough to apologize for disrespecting his own people (black men) any chance he gets. But he won't because disrespecting black folks is fine/accepted.
Dude is funny man.
I wish he cared enough to apologize for disrespecting his own people (black men) any chance he gets. But he won't because disrespecting black folks is fine/accepted.
Dude is funny man.
- Apr 20, 2021
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You can say anything about blacks, but other groups are off limits.
- Sep 10, 2011
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- Mar 6, 2018
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Lol so now that he has apologized the fact remains that Baseball can’t capitalize on Ohtanhi’s success because it still doesn’t know how to market players, especially ones who don’t speak English.
