Black women’s image in the media has long been a hotly debated subject- especially over social media war territory.
This time, The New York Times is finding themselves under the gun for an article on pro-tennis player and world-renowned No. 1 single women’s tennis star Serena Williams. In the article, posted on Friday (July 10), Williams’ body is described with “large biceps and a mold-breaking muscular frame.” Sprinkled with other facts and figures on her fellow women’s tennis players, the story adds that “her rivals could try to emulate her physique, but most of them choose not to.”
It definitely didn’t help to follow up with quotes from tiny-framed white women who scrutinized their own physique, poking at insecurities about getting “too big” and feeling “unfeminine” for big arms and muscular builds. This was just before yesterday’s (July 11) classy clapback from author JK Rowling after a Twitter user described Williams’ body as being “built like a man”:
READ: Serena Williams Racks Up Her Sixth Wimbledon Win And 21st Grand Slam Title
.@diegtristan8 "she is built like a man". Yeah, my husband looks just like this in a dress. You're an idiot. pic.twitter.com/BCvT10MYkI
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 11, 2015
The Wimbledon title reigning champion takes on a much more self-accepting approach when speaking about her beautifully-toned structure, however. “I’m really happy with my body type, and I’m really proud of it,” Williams said. “Obviously it works out for me.”
Unfortunately, the NYT article didn’t work for Twitter users:
@nytimes really? Because the only women worth emulating are tiny white girls who attract the gaze of men watching tennis for other reasons?
— Shauna James Ahern (@glutenfreegirl) July 11, 2015
@nytimes Stupid article!!!! Can they win?? Can they beat her?? If not then they NOT good enuf!!! Let them “emulate” her excellence!!
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 11, 2015
@nytimes Had no idea her physique was how she dominated her competition. I guess some will look for any reason to say she has an advantage. — I am Marlo Brooks (@luvmybooks) July 11, 2015
What's fascinating is that the article attempts to normalize/glorify white mediocrity, sexism, and body image pathology @nytimes
— Doc Ock (@OckyJ83) July 11, 2015
.@nytimes I guess her rivals also choose not to emulate her total domination of the sport for a decade…
— Keith Calder (@keithcalder) July 10, 2015
If you think it’s JUST about looks you’re missing the racism of the article. And the white aesthetics it worships.
— Rod TBGWT (@rodimusprime) July 11, 2015
This black people as “beast” thing needs to go down like the #ConfederateFlag…starting with you @nytimes. Seriously. Apologize to #Serena
— A • R y e © (@angela_rye) July 11, 2015
@hsofia @jjconceptsinc @nytimes Its really disgusting how they can’t accept Serena’s work!! Also very clearly racist! SERENA is Beautiful! — CARLA (@Tuniekc) July 11, 2015
Check out the article in full here. Do you think they took it too far?