Yankees stop using Kate Smith's recording of 'God Bless America' while investigating racism

[bluedigger]

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees have suspended the use of Kate Smith’s recording of “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch while they investigate an allegation of racism against the singer.

The New York Daily News reported Thursday there are conflicting claims about Smith’s 1939 song “That’s Why Darkies Were Born.” The song originated in the 1931 Broadway review “George White’s Scandals,” and was considered satire. It was recorded by Smith and also by Paul Robeson, who was black.

The team said in a statement: “The Yankees have been made aware of a recording that had been previously unknown to us and decided to immediately and carefully review this new information. The Yankees take social, racial and cultural insensitivities very seriously. And while no final conclusions have been made, we are erring on the side of sensitivity.”

Smith died in 1986. The Yankees have used her recording of “God Bless America” and sometimes live singers during the seventh inning since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.boston.com/sports/mlb/2019/04/18/yankees-kate-smith-god-bless-america

The song is offensive enough to atheists on it's own.

[Loki Liesmith]

1. Oh sweet Jesus

[TexasBushwhacker]

2. Since when does anyone care about offending atheists? N/t

[Freethinker65]

4. Non believer here. I kind of like her version and I cringe viscerally at "Proud to be an American"

[Auggie]

5. But it's okay for Tom Yawkey to be in the Hall of Fame

[CaptYossarian]

6. Add Ty Cobb and Chipper Jones to "Racists in the HOF".

[Auggie]

7. +1

[bluedigger]

10. I'm mostly okay with judging historical figures in the context of their times.

Which means honoring historical figures for their contributions sometimes, despite their racist acts, i.e. most of our Southern Founding Fathers, for example. Monuments to Rebel traitors, on the other hand, are prima facie monuments to racism as well, and should be melted down or otherwise reduced to rubble. Each should be judged on their merits, or demerits, as the case may be.

[Brother Buzz]

8. I would be happy if they retire ALL versions of God Bless America

Hell, even the title offends me! God Bless America? God shows no partiality towards nations, God blesses the whole world, or so I thought.

And where did they come up with idea you need to stand during the song? Did it become another National Anthem by secret decree, or something?

[Auggie]

9. +1,000,000

[El Supremo]

12. Exactly

It's bad theology.

Tiny Tim had it right.

[LisaM]

13. I'm with you there.

I hate when they play it at baseball games and tune it out.

That said, if she apparently recorded a satiric song with Paul Robeson, people need to get a grip. He was a stalwart warrior against racism, and what's good enough for him is good enough for me.

[RhodeIslandOne]

16. How about America the Beautiful?

“America, America, God shed his grace on thee”

[Brother Buzz]

17. The seventh inning stretch should be some toe tapping baseball music like, say, Centerfield

[stopbush]

11. I really wish the Yankees would get rid of that maudlin "honoring America"

bullshit. What’s wrong with “Take me out to the ball game?”

I have a feeling that Steinbrenner issued some edict before he died that the Yankees would play that song at the 7th-inning stretch as long as his family owns the team.

Big Yankees fan here. I always hit the mute button during this. Truth be told, I often mute the National Anthem because the performances are so embarrassingly awful, whatever sport.

[LisaM]

14. Oh, they do it at all the games now.

We get the baseball package, and you'll find me switching the channel at any game that caves into the BS.

[Iggo]

15. Play "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" instead.

I'm sick of seventh inning jingoism.