53. Serena Williams

Big Reputations

In this episode, we discuss the multi-record holding tennis superstar, Serena Williams. We look at her early life and experiences with the sport. Then we consider the ways in which the media has covered her over the years including comments on her size, race, and gender as it relates to the game and even beyond the tennis court. We follow this up by breaking down the realities behind the comments on her sportsmanship, the double standards she has been held to and how racism and sexism by reporters and more have twisted reality. And finally, we wrap up with a discussion of what Williams has achieved so far in her life, how she has given back to her community, and the different women she has inspired both on and off the court.

Trigger warnings: Racism, sexism, body shaming

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Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois

Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo

Music: Shawn P. Russell

Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell

Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois

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Sources:

• "Despite Decades of Racist and Sexist Attacks, Serena Williams Keeps Winning," by Jenée Desmond-Harris
• "Serena Williams, Tennis Stars Discuss Body Image in New York Times Interview," by Adam Wells
  
• On the Line, by Serena Williams
• King Richard, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green