See you again.

Well, Hines Ward is gone now. All we can do is wait and see how much the new-found enthusiasm toward diversity sticks, if at all.


In honor of his departure, here is my one Hines Ward encounter (sort of). While visiting Ewha University Tongdaemun Hospital, I encountered a banner that said this:

Hines Ward, This is the hospital where you had your beginning.
We are very proud of you.
하인즈 워드, 당신이 태어난 병원입니다. 당신이 자랑스럽습니다.

In fact, I saw the same banner in two different places. They were determined that he would see it. I wonder if St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach will ever put up such banners if I make the big time.

While in Pusan, I did happen to catch a TV show focusing on Hines Ward. He seemed very friendly and nice, a really good guy. The man is a devoted son, a hard worker, a good father, and a genuine charmer. All things Koreans have been (indirectly) taught for so long were less likely in a child of mixed heritage, particularly those of Black parentage. As I said before, the problem is ignorance, not malice. And Hines Ward—and his outspoken mother—are shaking the unfounded beliefs of the ignorant to the core.