04/05.2023
In case you’re not a sports fan, LSU women’s basketball team defeated Iowa’s women’s basketball team for the national championship. The game featured two of the top players, Angel Reese from LSU and Caitlin Clark from Iowa.
At the end of the game Angel gave Caitlin the Cena gesture. John Cena from WWE has been waiving his hand with fingers extended in front of his face as a fun entertaining move toward his opponent when he defeats them. It means, “You can’t see me!” She also pointed to a ring finger, meaning she’ll get a ring for the national championship. These gestures have been done many times before by athletes. It makes things more fun to watch sports and different athlete personalities. In fact, Caitlin used the Cena gesture in prior games after defeating opponents. It's kind of like freestyle rapping where personalities try to outdo each other.
So, what’s the big kerfuffle all about? Angel was slammed by many on social media and by several sports journalists for not winning graciously. To her credit, she stated this is who she is, and she has no intention of stopping. Caitlin actually had no problem with it.
BUT, here’s the elephant --- in the room. Caitlin had done this multiple times to her opponents. She was never skewered on social media. Angel does it and gets slammed, more specifically by two white sports reporters. Caitlin is white. Angel is black.
Now, you can agree or disagree that trash talking or trash gesturing is okay and is just part of the entertainment in sports. But be consistent. If it was okay for Caitlin, why was it not okay for Angel? If you want to slam Angel, shouldn’t you also do that with Caitlin?
The elephant in the room is not named Angel Caitlin. It’s – Richard Alan Charles the Elephant
So, let’s call it what it is because only then can we truly discuss it.
Until next time, this is Dr. Andrew telling you to “Be kind to yourself.”
Tikkun Olam- heal the world. Leave it a better place when you leave.
Comments