Five time grand slam winner, Maria Sharapova announced her retirement today and social media users have skimmed over her doping scandal and congratulated for five grand slam wins.
Every so often the media will remind you of the social formation that privileges whiteness over persons of colour. The latest example of that are reactions to tennis player, Maria Sharapova announcing her retirement on Thursday, 27 February 2020. Social media reactions have been to label the five-time grand slam winner as legend and icon in tennis, skimming over her doping scandal while it is still unclear how that impacted her wins in the past.
The reaction to Maria Sharapova’s retirement highlights the difference between how white and people of colour are treated in mainstream media. Reading through reactions to her news of retirement it is filled with well wishes, and other social media users celebrating her beauty as “the sexiest female tennis player of all time.” While she trended, Serena Williams name also trended because some social media users prompted her on the trends list for having never lost to Maria.
Moreover, Serena Williams trending reminded me of the time the star came back to professional tennis after giving birth two years ago. The star suffered a losing streak as she was working up her stamina. While Serena was going through the losing streak many questioned if she still has it and other commentators suggested that she should have retired after giving birth. Moreover, it is strange how we have skimmed over the many racially charged reactions Maria had towards Serena’s wins.
Reactions to Maria Sharapova’s retirement highlights the still ongoing hegemonic belief of “white is right.” Maria has shown racial prejudice. Additionally, has been found guilty of doping. Something Serena has constantly has to fight against the misnomer that she has. But after announcing her retirement will easily celebrate her “illustrious” career?
Sabelo Makhubo
