Week 5 Post MU
Dear Serena Williams,
In reality, you should be recognized as one of the most dominant athletes of all time. I purposely make this statement without saying most dominant "female" athlete because you have proven yourself to be one of the greats across gender lines. The public does not recognize your achievements, which is apparent by the comparisons to your mediocre opponent, not rival, in Maria Sharapova. Although you've continuously proven your greatness, it is still downplayed so it can be seen in comparison to your white "counterparts."
Your black body has been mocked in 2012 by your competitors. Your black body has been challenged the treatment you knew it needed by doctors who see it one way. Your black body has been criticized in recent days because you still perform at a high level despite being an anomaly to the conventional athletic body norms associated with whiteness. In your attempts to break down barriers surrounding black women, the sport and media have continually challenged you with greater barriers and more criticism.
Serena, you are the premier athlete of this generation. That title is more than your phenomenal tennis abilities, it is your willingness to speak up and address the barriers that you specifically face due to being a black woman. The sport and the media have not yet caught up, but you are dragging them forward with your strength, indeed a burden. Despite her amazing talent and abilities, her status as a black woman creates a deep divide.
In reality, you should be recognized as one of the most dominant athletes of all time. I purposely make this statement without saying most dominant "female" athlete because you have proven yourself to be one of the greats across gender lines. The public does not recognize your achievements, which is apparent by the comparisons to your mediocre opponent, not rival, in Maria Sharapova. Although you've continuously proven your greatness, it is still downplayed so it can be seen in comparison to your white "counterparts."
Your black body has been mocked in 2012 by your competitors. Your black body has been challenged the treatment you knew it needed by doctors who see it one way. Your black body has been criticized in recent days because you still perform at a high level despite being an anomaly to the conventional athletic body norms associated with whiteness. In your attempts to break down barriers surrounding black women, the sport and media have continually challenged you with greater barriers and more criticism.
Serena, you are the premier athlete of this generation. That title is more than your phenomenal tennis abilities, it is your willingness to speak up and address the barriers that you specifically face due to being a black woman. The sport and the media have not yet caught up, but you are dragging them forward with your strength, indeed a burden. Despite her amazing talent and abilities, her status as a black woman creates a deep divide.
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