Former Warriors forward Stephen Jackson has made it abundantly clear how he feels about Jewish people, and his beliefs are appalling.
On Tuesday, Jackson came to the defense of Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who had earlier shared an anti-Semitic and ignorant Instagram post of a fake quote that he attributed to Adolf Hitler. Stephen Jackson said that the post was the "truth," and is needed to teach the community.
DeSean Jackson has since apologized twice, explaining that his intent was to "uplift" the African American community. The Eagles in a statement called Jackson's comments "offensive, harmful and absolutely appalling," and said they would take appropriate action.
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On Wednesday, Stephen Jackson doubled down on his thoughts about Jewish people, speaking on Instagram Live in which he pedaled anti-Semitic conspiracies about the connections between Jews and banks and their world control.
Jackson did say "F--k Hitler," multiple times during his Instagram Live session, and later said, "I love Jews and I love everybody. I stand on love for all who have love for all." But any such backtracking feels hollow: Jackson's true feelings are clear.
The former Warrior has been a major voice in the Black Lives Matter movement of late, after his friend George Floyd was killed while in police custody. Jackson has inspired many to speak up and march against systemic racism, and bring the necessary changes to American society that has plagued the Black community for centuries.
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That partially is why these comments are so disappointing. By preaching equality while demonizing the Jewish people, Jackson has lost credibility for his supposed beliefs of "love for all."
His thoughts on the racial injustices facing the Black community should not be diminished by this horrifying display of ignorance. Those truths are bigger than Stephen Jackson, and his otherwise divisive and hateful beliefs.
However, in a fight against racism and systemic hatred and injustices, this is just another clear example of how important education is. There is no room for hate in this country, for any group of people. Communities such as Blacks and Jews, two groups that have been marginalized and oppressed throughout history, must stick together in solidarity and support for one another if actual change is going to occur.
Jackson's ignorant thoughts are just another clear example of how far we need to go as a society.