OPINION:
Iowa Hawkeyes basketball player Caitlin Clark has received Time magazine’s “Athlete of the Year” honor — and once again, African American players, one team owner and liberal pundits are saying that privilege was the reason for the award.
This is disappointing but not surprising, since for the past four years the liberal media have provided platforms for such perspectives based on jealousy and envy, not facts.
I looked up “privilege,” which means something offered to one or some but not to others. Ms. Clark gets the same reward as everyone else for her efforts on the court. She attended college just like the other players.
Where is the privilege? Her critics lack the courage to say that they believe the WNBA to be a racist, discriminatory league. But with most players being African American, such a statement would be illogical.
This issue and others are why African Americans’ influence in sports and politics is fading to the point that future relevance is at risk. This is just the latest expression of misrepresentation of African Americans.
Recent election polling data of African American voters shows a perspective that doesn’t support this narrative. Unfortunately, we continue to read and hear these opinions, which in my opinion are incoherent, uneducated and irrational. We are wasting what little influence our culture has by focusing on race-based dialogue.
Historically, we have sought equal rewards for our efforts based on work ethics and actions, not race or equity. At this point, we as a culture have lost our impact due to most entertainers, athletes, political pundits and journalists advocating narratives that misrepresent our values and beliefs. Sadly, I don’t see African American influence on sports, social issues or political status ever regaining relevance.
GREG RALEIGH
Washington
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