Historically, racism presented itself in forms other than sport, however now it is easily seen as was evident at Indian Wells on March 15, 2001 that sport provides a forum to unfortunately prove that beliefs of superiority and inferiority still exist along the lines of skin color. The Williams sisters were persecuted not because of their ability or skill but rather their skin color. Why? One may argue plain racism, however I am suggesting that the sisters were booed and tortured because they were successful. Had the sisters been mediocre players, issues of race would not be so prevalent. I may be wrong but unfortunately I believe my claims have merit.
White privilege has unfortunately made certain individuals believe their race is superior to others as a result of skin color differences. The Williams sisters play a game for the most dominated by whites and their success alarmed fans of the game who viewed the game as predominately white game. I am trying to convey that had the Williams sisters been average players who competed in tournaments and not won often that issues of racism would go under the radar. I am glad the Williams sisters have won and proved that White Privilege and ideas of superiority should no longer exist and that any form of racism are illogical and represent pure stupidity.
Sport represents a venue where change can be made and the more Williams sisters that exist the better off society will be. I believe the Williams sisters represent the best of our society and the manner in which they handle the horrible behavior at Indian Wells can be summed up as extraordinary. I know this much the Williams sisters are pioneers and need to be celebrated on their achievements not persecuted. They have opened many doors for many people who once though it impossible.
Dr. Spencer I would love to hear your thoughts!!
I definitely agree with what you said in the first paragraph when you compared the plight of black quarterbacks to the stereotypes that are often used to describe Venus and Serena Williams. That is so true! I also tend to agree with your speculation that the Williams sisters may have been booed because they were successful, although in 2001, they were at the beginning of their careers. At that point, people had not grown tired of their dominance of women's tennis, as they had by 2002-2003. I also believe you are correct to point out that the Williams' sisters faced racism because they played a sport that was thought of as primarily a white sport. I really like what you said in the final paragraph when you wrote: "I believe the Williams sisters represent the best of our society and the manner in which they handle the horrible behavior at Indian Wells can be summed up as extraordinary." Amen to that! (Now you know my thoughts!)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree- if they had been middle-of-the-road athletes, there would be no problem. But because they are successful, those who believe in white privilege may have been more harsh against the sisters because they are taking over the sport. They might consider tennis as a white sport, and if the Williams' sisters are successful, they might see it as them "taking over". I think that any sport should be played by anyone and the success of an athlete depends more on their determination and hard work that the color of their skin!
ReplyDeleteRelating to the football quarterbacks, do you think that because black athletes are often seen as more athletic, they are more likely to be moved to a position that requires more athleticism? It makes me wonder if the idea of an inability to process quickly is not the issue anymore, but just that the white counterparts are not as skilled in other positions and therefore, quarterback is more fitting for them?