Is “Platinum” Mike Perry White? Yes. So… Why Does He Use the “N” Word?
“Platinum Mike Perry is one of the most controversial fighters on the UFC’s roster. As a brash and outspoken brawler, it’s easy to see why a certain demographic would gravitate towards fandom. However, there is an overwhelming amount of spectators that believe Perry’s actions aren’t justified. When it comes to race, Perry speaks freely from a position of a habitual line stepper. Frequently using the “N” word on social media and even making fun of Native Americans. Perry claims that he is 2% black and can say what he wants, but does it justify his actions? Here’s why Mike Perry doesn’t get a pass.
Mike Perry is White
Around the time of UFC 246, Perry got into a back and forth with action movie legend Michael Jai White. In their social media scuffle, Perry used the “N” word multiple times. However, he believes his actions are justified because he is 2% black.
Yes, Perry comes from a complex, working-class childhood, which involved mishaps with law enforcement. Furthermore, Mike certainly was influenced by the world around him which primarily consisted of African-American communities.
With that being said, none of that matters. Perry is still a white man using language towards African Americans with the intent to cause pain. How do we know Mike Perry is white? Well, he said it himself. Here’s that statement Perry made to White after he said Perry’s use of the N-word was distasteful.
Code of Conduct History
The UFC 100% has a Code of Conduct handbook. In fact, the entire document can be found HERE. Furthermore, racially charged language is specifically listed as being unacceptable.
“Derogatory or offensive conduct, including without limitation insulting language, symbols, or actions about a person’s ethnic background, heritage, color, race, national origin, age, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation.”
The UFC’s code of conduct became prominent around the time of Matt Mitrione’s distasteful rant about transgender fighter Fallon Fox. During that time, Mitrione called Fox a “lying, sick, sociopathic, disgusting freak on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.
After the rant, the UFC quickly said that they were allies of the LGBT community, and expects all of its athletes to treat others with dignity and respect.
UFC vs the Black Community
But, it seems like the UFC always turns a blind eye when the subject at hand involves the African-American community. During the current climate, the organization has yet to address the current Black Lives Matter movement happening across the entire world. And, Perry didn’t face any backlash for his comments. In fact, he was praised for it by his own management.
“He’s doing it in his own way. He is changing the game,” said Kawa, Perry’s manager. ” He’s being able to say the N-word as a white guy… that’s not easy.”
UFC Shows their True Colors Regarding Mike Perry
Many fans, fighters, and media have spoken out against Perry’s use of the N-word. However, the UFC seems to not give a damn about it. So why have a Code of Conduct in place if it’s not to be enforced?
The UFC is slowly but surely showing their fans how they feel about the African-American community. Their silence during #BlackLivesMatter speaks volumes. Combine that with their white athletes using the N-word, and the ecosphere of the company is reminiscent of the current climate of the United States of America.
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