Caitlin Clark

 Caitlin Clark's popularity and rise to fame has generated a lot of racial controversy within the WNBA in particular, but also within the sports world generally, and the country as a whole. An organization with predominantly black players, the WNBA has seen it popularity explode with the entrance of Caitlin to it's league. This has generated blatant resentment toward Caitlin by the other, mostly black players, who have subjected her to flagrant fouls and verbal attacks. To her credit, Caitlin has been the ultimate professional throughout, disregarding the attacks and never complaining about her undeserved treatment. She maintains her composure on and off the court and plays with admirable sportsmanship. 

Beginning last year with Caitlin's introduction, attendance to WNBA games has soared, salaries have improved for all players and the teams travel more comfortably. But even with that, it is understandable why the black players should feel resentment. They make up 70-80% of the players, are very talented, but who had received little to no attention prior to Caitlin. Then, here comes this white girl and the sport explodes in popularity. 

It is absolutely clear that it is the fact that she is a white girl successfully competing in a predominantly black sport that has generated this giant leap in popularity and attention to women's professional basketball. This is undeniable and rightly causes resentment amongst some black players who worked so hard for many years, devoting their lives to the sport but generating little interest.

From the viewpoint of the sports fan, seeing a white woman play at such a high level is compelling and draws viewers and attendees. Yes, this is based on her race since if Caitlin were black, she would be just another ordinary but excellent basketball player in the WNBA rolls. The white sports fan sees the anomaly of a white woman competing in a black space and feels intrigued and proud.

But is this any different than a Tiger Woods who shattered the mostly white golf world or a Serena Williams who dominated in tennis. Are Tiger Woods achievements a source of pride for black people? Do black people see Serena Williams as one of their own dominating in a mostly white sport? And for that matter, did black people feel proud when a black man was elected president, twice. I believe the answers to these questions are yeses and black people should be proud of their achievements. So then why cant white people be proud of other white people when they excel in arenas dominated by other races.

Apparently, when white people are proud its considered racist but black pride is acceptable. 

Caitlin Clark's and the WNBA's exploding popularity are being triggered by her white skin. This is difficult to say out loud in our race obsessed culture but it's the truth.