Vegas vibe check, a spiking Fever and the Mystics win not once but twice! Andrew's thoughts on the world of women's basketball for the week of June 17th, 2024.
I really appreciate your last point, about the W not being an activist league. And I say this as someone who’s an activist in my life, and really values the activist efforts that the W has championed. But not every player within it is an activist, not should they be - at least not leading the charge. It’s been crazy to see Cam and Paige be centered in talks about the coverage of black players, when so many black vets have shared their same sentiments, much more in depth, and have actually experienced the issues firsthand. I think the same extends to other forms of activism. I don’t expect nor really need every player to speak up about Palestine, as I imagine most of them are not educated enough on the topic to do so. I appreciate that Natasha Cloud has taken up the cause, I think it’s silly to act like every player in the league is doing so.
Also appreciate you pointing out that Caitlin has maybe had actual in person conversations with her teammates, it’s kind of strange to me nobody’s considered that maybe we as fans don’t know every single thing that happens in the locker room. I too am glad she made clear her stance in general. Maybe I’m being too generous but I’m personally cool with giving 22 year olds space to learn and grow.
Appreciate the comment! The issue with making activism uniform is that it largely promotes performative behavior because it’s what is expected. I’d rather if players have causes and things they want to advocate for it comes out of a genuine place rather than obligation. Otherwise, we run into issues of real activism being stymied because you don’t actually know where people stand.
Completely agree - it’s an overall issue I have with the sort of activism championed on social media, and it extends here. It feels like folks hold carbon copy PR statements as the pinnacle of activism. I get wanting to know where the players you like stand on things, but I think we have to be real about what actually makes tangible change. I agree it feels more genuine to me when people aren’t just responding to what people on the internet want
I really appreciate your last point, about the W not being an activist league. And I say this as someone who’s an activist in my life, and really values the activist efforts that the W has championed. But not every player within it is an activist, not should they be - at least not leading the charge. It’s been crazy to see Cam and Paige be centered in talks about the coverage of black players, when so many black vets have shared their same sentiments, much more in depth, and have actually experienced the issues firsthand. I think the same extends to other forms of activism. I don’t expect nor really need every player to speak up about Palestine, as I imagine most of them are not educated enough on the topic to do so. I appreciate that Natasha Cloud has taken up the cause, I think it’s silly to act like every player in the league is doing so.
Also appreciate you pointing out that Caitlin has maybe had actual in person conversations with her teammates, it’s kind of strange to me nobody’s considered that maybe we as fans don’t know every single thing that happens in the locker room. I too am glad she made clear her stance in general. Maybe I’m being too generous but I’m personally cool with giving 22 year olds space to learn and grow.
Appreciate the comment! The issue with making activism uniform is that it largely promotes performative behavior because it’s what is expected. I’d rather if players have causes and things they want to advocate for it comes out of a genuine place rather than obligation. Otherwise, we run into issues of real activism being stymied because you don’t actually know where people stand.
Completely agree - it’s an overall issue I have with the sort of activism championed on social media, and it extends here. It feels like folks hold carbon copy PR statements as the pinnacle of activism. I get wanting to know where the players you like stand on things, but I think we have to be real about what actually makes tangible change. I agree it feels more genuine to me when people aren’t just responding to what people on the internet want
That first part, it’s like you’re inside my head! They will not take over r/wnba or r/ncaaw while I’m alive!