When describing an elite athlete, it is only appropriate to describe them all as motivated, powerful, and passionate individuals. They are willing to commit to their passion and do all that is expected of them physically and mentally. So why is it that when we actually have the epitome of excellence in women's tennis, we focus our attention on scrutinizing her rather than celebrating her excellence?
July 11, 2015 marks Serena Williams' 21st Grand Slam championship at Wimbledon. She has created a name for herself that undoubtedly surpasses her counterparts, but the recognition she receives is less than flattering. Comments made about her physique have been at the forefront of her career for over a decade. Well-recognized sports publications as well as professional tennis players have unfortunately contributed to this longtime ridicule.
Williams is a 33-year-old American professional tennis player who got an early start in tennis at the age of 3. The training she received contributed to the sportsmanship we see on the court. Even early on in her career, Serena and her sister faced derogatory racial comments from other competitor's parents. This continued throughout her career when an online commentator described her as a "gorilla" and "savage". Williams' character has been described as dominant, aggressive, and arrogant. These are all attributes of possibly one of the best male athletes, but have a negative connotation when associated with the professional female player. Faced with racial and sexist attacks, her success has been dimmed tremendously.
Serena Williams' physique is a representation of her athletic skill, and instead of an object of appreciation, it has been somewhat of a spectacle for white amusement. Caroline Wozniack, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Roddick, all professional tennis players, have shamelessly contributed to the disrespect. On separate occasions, they have all stuffed their shirts and pants to mimic Williams' body. Yahoo ! Sports would go on to call it "hilarious".
This reminded me of blackface, where black people were made fun of for the amusement of others. The laughter and jokes made about her body are even parallel to those made about Saartjie "Sarah" Baartman, a Kjoikhoi woman that was placed in a freak show in Europe in the 19th century because of her "freakishly" large behind. What others view as harmless banter is blatant disrespect that black women experience in sports, the media, and certain professions where these women not only face the glass ceiling in wages, but also must deal with racism.
Fortunately, not everyone has succumbed to the hurtful jokes. Author J.K. Rowling defended Serena on Twitter by replying to comments about Williams being built like a man.
Serena Williams is a woman that young millennials can look to for inspiration. In the fact of adversity she has continued to dominate the tennis court. She steadily moves forward in pursuits to prefect her craft and is a force to be reckoned with. She has yet to let the ignorant comments knock her off of her game. With millions of opinions launched at her, she proceeds to grace us with her womanly curves. Serena Williams' career offers life lessons on perseverance and dignity that African American millennial girls today can proudly look up to. Williams teaches us that the world is not always nice to you, but you must always love yourself.
