Want a history lesson in how it should be done? Look no further than Jesse Owens—the ultimate class act. In 1936, he walked into Nazi Germany, stood in front of Adolf Hitler and a roaring crowd cheering for the so-called “master race,” and then systematically dismantled their propaganda by winning four Olympic gold medals. No protests. No drama. Just raw American excellence that shut down racism and fascism with a pair of track shoes.
Owens didn’t need a microphone—he had greatness. He didn’t throw tantrums, kneel, or scream about injustice. He let his performance do the talking and humiliated Hitler in his own backyard. That’s what real heroism looks like.
Compare that with today’s crop of political performers and athletes who can’t get through a single show or game without making it about them. Nobody bought a ticket to hear you cry, rage, or deliver your “brave” political TED Talk. We came to see you perform, not preach. If you want to be an activist, run for office. If you’re on a stage or a field, do your damn job.
Theaters, sports leagues, and concert venues need to put their foot down. Enough with the political sideshows. There are thousands of hungry, talented people who would give anything to stand in your shoes—and they’d do it without turning every spotlight into a campaign rally.
So here’s the deal: be like Jesse Owens. Rise to the moment. Represent with excellence. Leave the drama in the dressing room and the whining on Twitter. If your politics are more important than your performance, don’t expect an audience to stick around.
Because we’re not clapping for your opinion. We’re clapping for greatness. Either deliver it—or step aside.
