Michael Phelps deservedly and decisively won his peers’ votes in order to become the United States’ flagbearer during the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic games. Despite his long resume of Olympic success, some aren’t happy with the descicion.
Ibtihaj Muhammad, an African American Muslim woman famous for wearing her hijab during her fencing matches, came in a close second behind Phelps as the choice for flag bearer. Muhammad has also been outspoken against Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump. “When you incite hateful speech and rhetoric like that, the people who say it never think about the repercussions and how that affects Muslims,” she told Time.
Multiple news outlets have run pieces from those calling on Phelps to withdraw from the position.
W. Kamau Bell, in op-ed for CNN addressed to Phelps, argued Muhammad, as a Muslim, would be a better choice than Phelps, a “tall, successful, rich white guy.”
“Muhammad carrying the flag would be much bigger than your one moment,” Bell writes. “It would be a symbol for our country in this moment when we are mostly known for one of the most contentious, controversial, scandal-ridden, hateful, xenophobic, jingoistic, and just generally unlikeable presidential elections in recent memory. This is at a time when we could use some more symbols of unity and togetherness.”
America used to be celebrated for its ability to reward achievements and hard work. Now, according to people like Kamau Bell, one’s success is less special or less worthy of praise if one happens to be white. How white privilege makes someone a better natural athlete is anyone’s guess.
Source: Western Journalism
But I am glad he did,the Rest of the World enjoyed it,good on you Michael.
CNN SUCKS
Now people are too tall to carry our flag and CNN wonders why we are tired of listening to c**p they call news.
And, of course, that’s not prejudiced!
Anthony Reina I understand how u feel, I am a 58 yr old white woman, born and raised in the west end of the hood ! WE ARE ALL RACIEST ! I have many black friends ! whats on the inside is what counts, we all have souls, with no color, I will love and respect you, if you give me the same, But if you bite me ! I will bite you back, even harder, and thats a fact !
No one else could possibly qualify to carry it!
He has more right than anyone else !