In the world of professional wrestling, there have been countless gimmicks and characters that have come and gone. Some have been memorable and successful, while others have been forgettable and downright cringe-worthy. And then there are those that fall somewhere in between, like the infamous Isaac Yankem, DDS.
But what do these old WWE gimmicks have to do with sports journalism? Well, according to former ESPN pundit Jemele Hill, they have a lot in common with the coverage of female athletes in today’s media landscape.
In a recent tweet, Hill suggested that Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark is receiving more attention and coverage because she is white, while other talented female athletes of color are being overlooked. And while this may seem like a bold statement, it’s not entirely unfounded.
In the world of sports, there has always been a disparity in coverage between male and female athletes. And within that, there is also a discrepancy between the coverage of white athletes and athletes of color. This is not a new issue, but it is one that needs to be addressed and rectified.
Let’s take a look at the facts. In the 2021 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Clark’s Iowa team made it to the Sweet 16, while other talented teams like South Carolina and Texas were eliminated in the first round. Yet, Clark’s name and accomplishments were constantly being highlighted and praised, while the other teams and players were barely mentioned.
This is not to say that Clark is not a talented player. She is undoubtedly one of the best in the country and deserves recognition for her skills. But the question is, why is she receiving more coverage than other equally talented players?
The answer, unfortunately, lies in the systemic racism and sexism that still exists in the world of sports journalism. It’s no secret that the majority of sports media is dominated by white men, and this has a direct impact on the coverage and narratives that are being told.
When it comes to female athletes, there is a tendency to focus on their appearance and marketability rather than their skills and achievements. And this is amplified when it comes to athletes of color. They are often portrayed as aggressive or “too masculine,” and their accomplishments are downplayed or ignored.
This is not to say that white female athletes don’t face their own challenges and discrimination. But the reality is that they are more likely to receive coverage and recognition than their counterparts of color.
So, what can be done to change this narrative? First and foremost, there needs to be more diversity in sports media. This means hiring more women and people of color in decision-making positions and giving them a platform to tell their stories.
Secondly, there needs to be a shift in the way female athletes are portrayed and marketed. They should be celebrated for their skills and accomplishments, not their appearance or marketability.
And finally, it’s up to us, the audience, to demand better coverage and representation for all female athletes. We need to support and uplift athletes of color and demand equal coverage for all.
In conclusion, Jemele Hill’s tweet may have sparked controversy, but it also shed light on a much-needed conversation about the coverage of female athletes in sports media. It’s time for a change, and it starts with acknowledging and addressing the systemic issues that exist. Let’s give all female athletes the recognition and coverage they deserve, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
