Dear Editor,
To paraphrase almost every mother in history, this is why America can’t have nice things.
It isn’t ten years of dysfunctional government, deep distrust between both major political parties, or felonious presidential candidates who still, inexplicably attract donor money. That doesn’t bother me.
You know what does irk me? Our societal pearl-clutching, jealousy-fueled brouhaha over professional basketball player Caitlin Clark. Remember when such peevishness was the purview of the NBA, NFL, and NHL? You know—MEN? I miss those days.
This isn’t Caitlin Clark’s fault. To her credit, she’s managed this media-made spectacle better than fans, churlish podcasters and everyone else obsessed with her every move. She might be the only adult in the room.
Sports used to be an escape from our fretful, complicated lives. Today, we exit front page unpleasantness to face more of the same in the sports section—Women’s Basketball, no less.
I recall a 1980s “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” shampoo commercial that captures our current juvenile obsession with ourselves and all things petty.
Let’s not hate Caitlin Clark because she’s talented. Remember, it’s only a game.
Jim Newton
It’s only a game
