We have talked about the Williams Sister's protesting The Indian Wells Tournament every year since the incident. The incident started when Venus Williams forfeited her semifinals match right before she was supposed to take the court (that was when the announcement was made, that is). Serena makes it to the finals to play against Kim Clijsters. Serena, 19 years of age at the time, was about to play when her father, Richard Williams, and sister Venus entered the stands to watch Serena play her finals match. 
Upon their arrival, there were racists comments yelled by fans were directed toward the Williams family. Richard Williams stuck up his fist, like the the two black people did in the 1968 Olympics. 
That probably did not help the situation, but due to the things being said, I am a fan of what he did. Eventually, the match starts and Serena is booed the entire time, especially when she messed up. Racists comments were made toward Serena, while she was playing. Due to her mental toughness, even at age 19, she won the Indian Wells Championship. I am 100% in favor of the Williams' Sisters protesting Indian Wells. I am very strongly against racism and racist people. That being said, I respect the Williams family, and am sorry that they had to go through it one time, which is one more time then they should have.
Upon their arrival, there were racists comments yelled by fans were directed toward the Williams family. Richard Williams stuck up his fist, like the the two black people did in the 1968 Olympics. 
That probably did not help the situation, but due to the things being said, I am a fan of what he did. Eventually, the match starts and Serena is booed the entire time, especially when she messed up. Racists comments were made toward Serena, while she was playing. Due to her mental toughness, even at age 19, she won the Indian Wells Championship. I am 100% in favor of the Williams' Sisters protesting Indian Wells. I am very strongly against racism and racist people. That being said, I respect the Williams family, and am sorry that they had to go through it one time, which is one more time then they should have. 
Well said, Scott. I agree with you totally that the Williams family should not have had to go through what they experienced at Indian Wells--no more than once!
ReplyDeleteHere is an interesting aside about the 1968 Black athlete revolt. An Australian, Peter Norman received the silver medal in that race, and he supported Carlos and Smith. As a result, he was sanctioned by the Australian Olympic Committee. When he died recently, Smith and Carlos gave eulogies and served as pall bearers in his funeral. Dave Zirin wrote the following article about this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=215x41855
You make some valid points in this blog. I agree with you 100% that the sisters should continue to protest the tournament because I would do that myself. I do not stand for any form of discrimination and think in the 21st century, such actions are pathetic. The sisters need to keep their heads high and show that poor behavior will not be tolerated by them.
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