PPD: I don’t believe the watermelon eating contest was racist or hazing.
That does not change my opinion on the appropriateness of “running” or “car washing” or the sincerity of those who alleged what I believe to be unacceptable actions.
I agree and therein lies the problem. People who join the feeding frenzy by citing things like the watermelon eating contest as a smoking gun undermine the credibility of people who are complaining or filing suits based on real problems. BTW I can imagine how a white player might say something to a person of color related to the watermelon eating contest, things that could very easily be painful and wrong even without the intention to do harm. I would not surprised at all if that happened in conversations related to the contest, though that does not seem to be the claim. (not sure - correct me if I'm wrong) .
Just because watermelon can be associated with racial stereotypes does not make referring to it - or having an activity around it - wrong. Before long, will it therefore be wrong to sell or even say the word "watermelon"?
That's exactly the kind of reaction that gives energy to the alt-right who are looking for any reason they can to justify real racism and energise their dog whistles.
Not an easy line to walk, mind you. I personally have a lot of time for people who point out how 'little' things that aren't intended as racist can easily feel hurtful to people of color. I've personally learned from people who speak up - and they have influenced my views. But I suppose there is a line somewhere...