Opinion: Admitting vulnerability has long been anathema to Black Americans striving to win in all kinds of hostile environments, including athletics. Finally, that’s changing.
Simone Biles of Team United States competes on vault during Women's Qualification on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on Sunday. | Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesErin Aubry Kaplan is a journalist in Los Angeles and a contributing opinion writer for theWhen superstar gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from team competition this past week at the Tokyo Olympics, citing emotional exhaustion that was hampering her ability to perform, the world gasped.
The fact it’s happening among Black athletes like Biles and tennis star Naomi Osaka is no accident. Admitting vulnerability was always anathema to Black Americans striving to win in all kinds of hostile environments, most vividly the fight for civil rights in the 1960s that required nonviolent protesters to remain impassive. But it was perhaps especially anathema to athletes striving to win, period — cross the finish line, put points on the scoreboard.
The officers appeared at moments to be at wit’s end — a place Black people are supposed to avoid at all costs. Distress is what Black people are never supposed to acknowledge, either to the world or to themselves, even though distress, discouragement and despair come with the territory of being Black in America. For that reason, not displaying or succumbing to such feelings has long been a key part of racial struggle.
Of course, that message was entirely lost on her conservative critics, chiefly white men like Charlie Kirk and Piers Morgan. Kirk trashed Biles as a “national embarrassment,” while Morgan said she “let down [her] country.” Aaron Reitz, Texas’ deputy attorney general, declared her a “national embarrassment.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Imax Boss Says “Cannibalization” Hurt ‘Black Widow’, Thinks Disney Will Ultimately Return To Theatrical Window ReleasesDespite Disney’s experimentation with releasing movies like Black Widow and Jungle Cruise day-and-date in theaters and in the home on the PVOD tier of their streaming service Disney+ Premier,…
Read more »
Costa Rican Gymnast Luciana Alvarado Paid Tribute to Black Lives Matter at the OlympicsOn Sunday night, Costa Rican Olympic gymnast Luciana Alvarado paid tribute to Black Lives Matter at the end of her floor routine.
Read more »
Olympic fencing legend Peter Westbrook teaches Black kids to embrace the sportPeter Westbrook, who has competed in five Olympics, has made a point to give back.
Read more »
Lady Gaga Went Out in a Black Bustier Dress and Insane 9-Inch Platform HeelsThese shoes are truly crazy, but Lady Gaga wears them so effortlessly.
Read more »
Strictly's Dianne Busswell looks totally different with black hair in throwbackStrictly Come Dancing star Dianne Busswell included some snaps with Ed Sheeran as she took a trip down memory lane on social media this week. One of the shots shows her with black hair instead of her trademark red
Read more »
Black TikTok Creators Grapple With How Far to Take Strike: “Why Should We Have to Leave?”Megan Thee Stallion’s “Thot Shit” is a near perfect blueprint for a viral TikTok dance and sound. The beat is catchy, the chorus is easy to remember, and the lyrics offer clear — and fun — instruct…
Read more »