On a recent episode of “The View,” Sunny Hostin raised questions about Caitlin Clark’s burgeoning popularity, suggesting that “pretty privilege” among other factors might play a role.
Hostin noted, “I do think that there is a thing called pretty privilege, White privilege, and tall privilege, and we have to acknowledge that. Part of it is about race, because if you consider players like Brittney Griner, who had to play in Russia due to inadequate pay, while Caitlin Clark is now attracting sponsorships, hopefully benefiting the league. But I do think she is more relatable to more people because she’s White, because she’s attractive, and unfortunately, there still is that stigma against the LGBTQ+ community.”
Her comments were in response to Jemele Hill’s view that Clark’s popularity could reflect problematically on the perceived value and marketability of existing players.
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Hostin’s perspective met with strong disagreement from basketball enthusiasts. One fan pointed out, “Please stop. This woman broke every record in college basketball history for both men and women. That’s why she is attracting everything that she is attracting.” Others accused Hostin of jealousy and urged her to celebrate Clark’s success instead of attributing it to race.
These discussions underscore the complexities of identity and recognition in sports, particularly as Clark continues to make significant impacts on the court.
Clark is set to play again tonight, as her team, the Indiana Fever, takes on the Seattle Storm.
