Even though Donald Trump is a racist, misogynistic douchebag, I kind of wonder if the US Women’s Soccer team (USWNT) isn’t *slightly* happy that all of this bullsh-t it happening in the middle of the World Cup. The World Cup is a big deal on its own, of course, and they don’t need Trump to “make” the USWNT into a story. But damn, it certainly helps in all kinds of ways when the women are fighting for visibility in their sport, and when they’re literally suing US Soccer for fair pay and equal funding. There are so many eyes on the USWNT right at this moment and you know what? That’s what they wanted. I don’t believe Megan Rapinoe and the other women of the USWNT are going to shrink and cower after they were attacked by Trump, do you?
So, Megan Rapinoe gave a press conference on Thursday ahead of the quarterfinal clash with France today (at 3 pm EST). Of course she was asked about her comment of “I’m not going to the f–king White House” and of course she was asked about Trump’s Twitter tantrum.
“I stand by the comments I made about not wanting to go to the White House – with the exception of the expletive, my mom will be very upset about that,” Rapinoe said.
“But … considering how much time and effort and pride we take in the platform that we have and using it for good and for leaving the game in a better place and hopefully the world in a better place, I don’t think I would want to go. And I would encourage my teammates to think hard about lending that platform or having it co-opted by an administration that doesn’t feel the same way and doesn’t fight for the same things that we fight for.”
A simple, powerful statement of resistance, protest, integrity. It’s not just about “not backing down” or “doubling down” or “refusing to apologize” or whatever the men will say about her statement. Megan Rapinoe isn’t merely asking her teammates to have her back. She’s asking her fellow Americans to be thoughtful, to take a longer view, to understand that if we give an inch, the misogynistic, homophobic Nazi bigots will take a mile.
The Atlantic is calling Rapinoe “her generation’s Mohammed Ali.” Other outlets are calling her “divisive” and “ridiculous” and probably unpatriotic too. That’s the genius of Megan Rapinoe – she’s not hiding, she’s not apologizing. Take her as she is or GTFO.
Photos courtesy of Backgrid.
I stand with Megan!
And I will be standing on Boston ‘s City Hall plaza today to cheer them on!
I love this woman. “…with the exception of the expletive, my mom will be very upset about that.” I definitely giggled at that.
She is someone I am proud to call a fellow queer American woman. I’m happy our daughters have her to look up to.
Straight woman here but I love her, too. I feel like she is just who we need right now. The Deplorables can go f%^k themselves with their alternating disingenuous and petty, nasty commentary. She’s on the right side of history.
Good for her. Just goes to show that nothing makes a weak man throw a tantrum quite like being challenged by a strong woman.
yup. as noted, he will attack any woman he can’t control or grope.
and her answer is GOLD. so simple and eloquent, and a thoughtful explanation of WHY she said what she said. not just a “well, f*ck that guy” (but that would be OK, too). 🙂
A strong and nasty woman. 😉
I love her and love seeing a team of top-tier women with a big platform hold their middle fingers up to this administration. I only really follow NBA so hear a lot about LeBron/Steph etc and the teams not accepting White House invitations (obvious a moot point this year with the Raptors win)… But I wish more athletes would follow suit, particularly sports with predominately white male athletes – looking at you St. Louis Blues, don’t follow in the Capitals’ foot steps.
And watch Trump say « Well, she wasn’t invited anyway!!! » like the petulant child that he is. What does it say about our society when even a sizeable minority (I.e. his supporters) defend his blatant behaviour? Literally, WTH is wrong with us?
Who’s Trump?
Some orange collection of bad, lazy writing and villainy. Imagine something dumber than the end of GOT.
Oh how I wish this were a real question!
Beelzebub.
Perfect response.
I am here to say it again, I just love her and I hope they shut out France today…I’ll be cheering them on from Indiana!
I can’t believe she would want to miss out on eating cold hamburgers and chicken nuggets at the White House 🙄
Well, quite. Why go to the White House for a cold Big Mac, when your local McDonalds serves them warm?
Stand Strong Megan!
The Lavender Menace are lesbian feminists who celebrate the colour purple. With her witty brain, purple hair and soccer intensity, Go Meghan go!! 💜 ⚽️. As a Canadian, I will cheer you Americans in this one. 😁
The Lavender Menace are lesbian feminists who celebrate the colour purple. With her witty brain, purple hair and soccer intensity, Go Megan go!! 💜 ⚽️. As a Canadian, I will cheer you Americans in this one. 😁
Ms Rapinoe is a real one. My respect to her for standing up for what she believes in (although it’s cost her lots of money in her business ventures). She’s a shining example of what makes your country great ; the willingness to speak truth to power, and using her platform responsibly.
I was so happy when she withdrew the expletive. Remember, only go low in dodgeball!
@Tessycat…I’ve never heard that before!! LOL will use from hereon out, if I may!
Surly, I would recommend watching the Cordon dodgeball segment with First Lady Obama.
Even if I am french, I would almost wish US Team’s win tonight so it can piss off even more your nasty president lol
Good luck for the game
Good luck to YOU, too, and thank you. 🙂
She’s passing up cold hamberders?! 😉
Was she even invited?
No one cares