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While ignorance is bliss, injustices persist.
GQ Magazine recently found itself in the hot seat after honoring tennis star Serena Williams as its Woman of the Year in the magazine’s annual Men of the Year issue. On the cover featuring Williams, the word “Men” in the “Men of the Year” tag is crossed out and replaced with the word “Woman.” What was seemingly a benevolent gesture on the part of GQ — the magazine is geared towards a male audience — became controversial after individuals on social media began questioning why the word “Woman” was in quotes.
Throughout her illustrious career, Williams has been at the center of several controversies. Prior to GQ’s publication, for example, the tennis star had a widely publicized run-in with officials at the US Open Women’s Final during her loss to tennis player Naomi Osaka. However, one of the most notable points of contention with Williams has been her appearance. Various entities have referred to the tennis star as too masculine or “manly” because of her muscular physique. Some have even questioned if she was, in fact, born a woman. Due to this, many were offended that quotes were used when referring to Williams as Woman of the Year.
Individuals who took offense to GQ’s cover can be labeled as such: those who were offended on behalf of Williams and those who identify with the tennis star’s plight as a Black woman. The first…
