US Coach Kim Mulkey Calls Out “Awful” and “Sexist” Remarks, Pressing the Los Angeles Times to Edit Contentious Piece
Following the publication of a post that LSU Tigers women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey referred to as “sexist” and “awful,” the Los Angeles Times has faced criticism. The article, which was published in March prior to LSU’s Sweet 16 game versus UCLA, caused a lot of backlash because of how the LSU women’s basketball team was portrayed.
The Contentious Section
The forthcoming game was portrayed in the original essay as a contest between “good” and “evil,” calling the LSU players “villains” and “dirty debutantes.” Coach Mulkey and others took exception with the word choice, considering it insulting and improper. The way the game was portrayed in the editorial reinforced negative preconceptions in addition to undermining the LSU team’s athletic accomplishments.
Reaction from Coach Mulkey
Coach Mulkey could not hold back her emotions following the column’s publication, openly denouncing the piece. It was extremely sexist. In the game today, it was good against evil. Malevolent? referred to as filthy debutantes? Are you joking with me? Mulkey said, voicing her shock and incredulity over her players’ portrayal.
Mulkey defended her team by emphasizing the value of appreciating female athletes for their skill and diligence as opposed to dehumanizing them with archaic and derogatory stereotypes. Her remarks brought attention to the persistent problem of sexism in the sports media and the necessity of treating women’s sports with greater decency and equity.
Reaction from The Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times later changed the piece in response to the criticism. In an attempt to satisfy Coach Mulkey’s and the public’s concerns, the newspaper revised the article and recognized the use of improper language. But the event has already spurred a larger discussion about how female athletes are treated in the media and how journalists should avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Larger Consequences
The difficulties that female athletes and coaches continue to confront in the fight against sexism in sports are brought to light by this occurrence. Due to Coach Mulkey’s prompt and outspoken reaction, there is greater awareness of the significance of holding media sources responsible for how they represent women in sports. It also emphasizes how powerful coaches and athletes are in demanding dignity and equity in their representation.
Coach Mulkey’s support of her squad as the LSU Tigers compete at the highest levels sends a strong message: female athletes should be honored for their accomplishments rather than denigrated by misogynistic discourse. Although the Los Angeles Times’ decision to modify the column is a positive move, it also serves as a reminder of the more work that needs to be done to guarantee fair and courteous coverage of women’s sports.
Concluding Remarks
One of the most compelling examples of the continuous battle against sexism in sports media is the debate over the Los Angeles Times piece and Coach Kim Mulkey’s response. It is hoped that as more people speak out against inaccurate representations, the media will be more careful about how it represents female athletes, making sure that it is courteous and accurately depicts their actual achievements.
Leave a Reply