The state of South Carolina has decided to pay tribute to Dawn Staley by constructing a statue in her image. As expected, she used this opportunity to discuss the lack of recognition given to black women in America.
During an interview with ESPN’s College GameDay, a panel consisting entirely of black women asked Staley how she felt about this honor. While expressing a surprising amount of humility, she couldn’t help but bring race into her response.
“I wanted A’Ja Wilson to be the sole USC player to receive this honor,” Staley stated before her team’s game against Georgia. “It’s something that the city of Columbia desired, and I didn’t campaign for it. Very few women, especially black women, are granted this honor.”
She is correct in stating that she did not request the statue. A group called “Statues for Equality” (SFE) approached Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann regarding this matter. The group’s objective is to create more statues of women across the country in order to highlight their achievements. If you detect a sense of “wokeness,” rest assured that your intuition is accurate.
When asked which woman Rickenmann wanted to honor, he chose Staley. The bronze statue will take approximately 10-12 months to complete and will be situated in downtown Columbia.
Despite the progressive intentions of SFE, it is reasonable to create a statue of Staley. She has won two national titles and is considered one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history.
However, her illogical response detracted from the sincerity and enjoyment of the moment.
SFE and Staley must acknowledge that statues are not created for just anyone. They are reserved for individuals, both male and female, who have made a significant impact on history or achieved greatness within their respective spheres of influence. This is why most statues are erected to honor presidents, explorers, or individuals who have brought about significant (and commendable) cultural change.
Staley seems to believe that women, particularly black women, are not recognized for their contributions in this regard. When she answered the question, she likely forgot about the 26 monuments erected in honor of Joan of Arc in the United States. Or the 21 monuments for Harriet Tubman. Or the 20 monuments for Sacagawea. It turns out that deserving women are indeed honored in our country.
Dawn Staley couldn’t resist playing the race card when asked about her thoughts on having a statue made in her likeness. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Then there’s the matter of her comparing herself to Wilson, a black forward for the Gamecocks who graduated in 2018. The 2017 NCAA champion already has her own statue on South Carolina’s campus, and Staley seemed determined to ensure that she is the only female basketball figure from the Gamecocks to have a statue made of her.
I understand the sentiment behind that statement. However, it contradicts the rest of her remarks.
Staley believes that it is an issue that black women do not have enough statues made in their honor. So, if she has the opportunity to have one made of herself, why would she undermine her own worthiness? By doing so, she is limiting the chances to address the (false) “problem” that she so clearly cares about.
But that is precisely the point. People like Staley are not concerned with logic; they only seek to sow division. Unfortunately, this comes as naturally to her as winning basketball games.
According to the Source outkick.com