From Shirely Temple to Michael Sam -- in one day.

They are linked only by the fact that they made news in one weekend cycle -- and perhaps they define the beginning and the completion of an era.

Shirley Temple was the dimpled darling of Hollywood in the 1930's when the Hollywood studio system nurtured (and exploited) the careers of major film stars, including child stars.   Shirley Temple reigned supreme for as long as her cuteness didn't grow up.

Her films were suffused with goodness, always triumphing over meanness.   She was often cast as Miss Fixer-Up, melting the hard hearts of scrooges or using her cleverness to overcome the evil plots of bad guys.   Characteristically there would be a scene where Shirley Temple would stomp her little foot, cross her arms over her chest, and confront the bully or the scrooge -- and tell him what a bad thing he was doing and he should just stop.

It was a simple time when a good heart and kindness were the answer to everything, even though it might take a dimpled darling stomping her foot to get the point across.

I would never have made the connection if Shirley Temple had not died the day after Michael Sam announced he was gay.    But somehow,I feel that Shirley Temple -- or rather the enduring character she played -- paved the way for the overall positive reception that Michael Sam's announcement seems to be having.

Who would have thought we were quite ready for an openly gay National Football League player?    Well, we're not there quite yet.    Sam made his announcement a couple of weeks prior to the NFL draft for new players.    Some have said that, with his being co-Defensive Player of the Year among 2013 college teams, as well as other awards and honors, makes it highly likely that he will be picked in the draft for a professional team.

A few older manager types have sounded concerns for the effect on "locker room chemistry,  as well as for the amount of publicity they would have to deal with.  And sure, I believe there was one player who said he would be uncomfortable in the locker room -- and lots of ugly Twitter and Tweet comments from bigoted fans.    And then the media megaphones amplified them.

But overall there has been widespread support from potential teammates.   He came out to his own Missouri college team a year ago -- with no bad effects on team morale or team victories have been made known.   As of last night, 15 owners, executives, and coaches of NFL teams have released statements of support and willingness to welcome him to their teams based on his abiliity.   And NFL players themselves had applauded Sam for his courage and given lots of positive responses.  That's the goodness I'm referring to;  it shines far more brightly than the ugly slurs from a few.

The reception from media stars -- and from President and Mrs. Obama -- has been like a hero's welcome home.  So -- as a society, we have come a long long way when the fabled world of manly mayhem in the form of professionqal football can take in stride the prospects of a gay player in the huddle and in the locker-room.

Goodness has overcome meanness.  If Shirley Temple had anything to do with it . . . may she have an extra star in her heavenly crown.

Ralph