The world of basketball has always had its own set of rules when it comes to joking about skin color. However, in today’s climate, race-mongers have turned it into a taboo subject, causing exhaustion and a need for less commentary on meaningless physical differences.
Following Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark’s dominant performance against LSU in the women’s NCAA tournament, NBA legend Paul Pierce made a comment about seeing a “white girl in Iowa do it to a bunch of black girls.” While Pierce likely meant it as a compliment to Clark, it may not have been the most appropriate thing to say in today’s politically charged climate.
Pierce made these comments on FS1’s “Undisputed” with Skip Bayless and Keyshawn Johnson. He went on to explain that Clark’s performance gained his respect, as she didn’t just do it against “some other little white girls,” but rather against “some girls from LSU that we thought were some dogs.” Bayless, a white commentator, agreed with Pierce’s comments.
Clark’s remarkable performance included 41 points and 12 assists, leading her team to a 94-87 victory over defending champion LSU. The Hawkeyes will now advance to the women’s Final Four and face traditional powerhouse, Connecticut.
In fact, all four regional finals in the women’s tournament featured a No. 1 seed against a No. 3 seed, making for an exciting and competitive tournament. Legendary coach Geno Auriemma joked about Clark’s performance and recruitment to his team, while LSU coach Kim Mulkey called her a “generational player.”
While Pierce’s comments may have been acceptable in the past, the current climate has made them a sensitive topic. The basketball culture has always included lighthearted jokes and references to skin color. For instance, the 1992 movie “White Men Can’t Jump” starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson showcased the idea that white men cannot excel in basketball. However, no one got angry or pretended to be morally superior based on their skin color.
Basketball has always been about merit, with skin color being a meaningless factor. As Pierce and Clark’s talent and accomplishments speak for themselves, it is unnecessary to bring up race in this context. However, because of the current climate, Pierce’s comment could be seen as inappropriate.
In the past, we were able to talk about skin color without it carrying much weight or causing offense. Today, the race-mongers have made it a sensitive topic, which has changed the way we talk about it. In 1992, skin color was mentioned, but it did not hold any significance. Now, it means everything, and we are restricted in how we talk about it, even when it is meant as a compliment.
Ultimately, Pierce should have thought twice before making his comment, even if it was meant as a compliment. In today’s society, it is all too easy to offend someone unintentionally, and it is best to tread carefully when discussing sensitive topics like race. While we may long for a time where skin color was a harmless joke, we must be mindful of the current climate and how our words may be perceived.