Sunny Hostin Discusses How Caitlin Clark's Recognition Is Influenced by 'White Privilege'

Sunny Hostin Argues Caitlin Clarks Hype is Partially Due to White Privilege

Sunny Hostin, Caitlin Clark Gotham/FilmMagic;Michael Hickey/Getty Images(2)

Sunny Hostin praises Caitlin Clark for her contributions to women's basketball but believes there is more to the story. Hostin, 55, mentioned on The View that there is pretty privilege, white privilege, and tall privilege that need to be recognized.

Clark, 22, who was the all-time leading scorer in collegiate basketball during her time at Iowa, recently made her much-anticipated WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever on May 14th.

In a story published on Sunday, May 20th, former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill mentioned to the Los Angeles Times that Clark's race has influenced her popularity. Hostin also agreed, stating that Clark may be seen as more relatable to a wider audience due to her being white and attractive.

Hostin also mentioned that Clark's relationship with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, since August 2023, has also played a role in her rapid success as a basketball star.

Sunny Hostin Argues Caitlin Clarks Hype is Partially Due to White Privilege

Hostin expressed her concern about the stigma against the LGBTQ+ community, especially within the WNBA. She highlighted that 70% of WNBA players are Black, with a third of them identifying as LGBTQ+. Hostin emphasized the need to address and challenge this stigma in our society. She believes that some people struggle with accepting lesbian basketball players.

At that moment, Whoopi Goldberg, one of the hosts of The View, playfully interrupted Hostin and joked about her opinion.

Goldberg, who is 68 years old, shared, "You can't automatically know if someone is a lesbian unless they choose to share that information with you! It's not like you can just look at someone and say, 'Oh, there's a lesbian!' You really can't tell!"

Goldberg strongly supported Clark, expressing her disapproval of Hill's dismissal of Clark's achievements. She argued that Clark's recognition and sponsorship deals are well-deserved because she is an excellent player.

Goldberg emphasized that Clark's sexual orientation should not be a factor in how she is perceived. She stated, "It doesn't matter if she is straight or gay. No one is upset about it!"

Goldberg, a strong advocate for women's sports, expressed concern about the dialogue surrounding Clark and race. She pointed out that comparing Clark's achievements to affirmative action undermines her hard work and talent. Goldberg emphasized that Clark's success is well-deserved, highlighting that while there are other talented players, no one has achieved what she has.

Clark and the Fever return to action Wednesday, May 22, at 10 p.m. ET against the Seattle Storm, available to stream on Prime Video. 

Editor's P/S:

Sunny Hostin's comments on "The View" regarding Caitlin Clark's success highlight the complex intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in women's sports. While Hostin acknowledges Clark's talent and accomplishments, she also raises concerns about the role of "pretty privilege," "white privilege," and "tall privilege" in shaping her popularity. These concepts suggest that Clark's physical appearance and perceived social advantages may have contributed to her rapid rise, even beyond her undeniable abilities on the court.

It is important to recognize the potential bias and stereotypes that can shape perceptions of female athletes. The fact that Clark is white, attractive, and heterosexual may contribute to a more positive public image, while other players from marginalized backgrounds may face greater barriers or scrutiny. Hostin's comments also shed light on the stigma faced by LGBTQ+ athletes within the WNBA, where a high percentage of players identify as such. Addressing these biases and creating a more inclusive environment is crucial for ensuring fair opportunities and recognition for all athletes.