Andrew Pace
Women basketball players have been criticized for their choices to wear fake eyelashes, hair extensions, and long nails on and off the court. While some people believe that these choices affect their performance, many players see it as a form of self-expression and embracing their femininity. This has sparked a discussion about the freedom for female athletes to express themselves and the pressure to fit a certain ideal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sport | Basketball |
| Players | Women |
| Self-expression | Lash extensions, nails, different hairstyles |
| Targeted players | Black women |
| Reason for lashes | Self-confidence, embracing femininity, freedom of expression |
| Backlash | Criticism, blame for missed shots, racist comments |
| Player response | Hurtful, weighs heavy on the mind, messes with performance |
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What You'll Learn
Self-expression and individuality
Women in basketball are increasingly embracing self-expression and individuality through their appearance on the court. This includes the wearing of eyelash extensions, with some players also choosing to paint their nails and style their hair in various ways. For these athletes, their choices in styling themselves are an expression of who they are, just as much as their playing style.
The decision to wear lash extensions, for example, is an act of self-expression, with players like Brea Beal commenting on how this form of expression made her feel more confident. Tennessee's Jordan Walker, another player who has received criticism for her choice to wear lash extensions, emphasised that it does not impact her athletic abilities. She stated, "I can see perfectly fine. I just missed the shot".
This form of self-expression is particularly significant for Black women in basketball, who have historically faced pressure to fit a mass-market ideal benefiting straight, white women. By choosing to embrace their femininity and individuality, Black women in the sport are challenging stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of players. They are setting a standard that encourages others to feel comfortable being themselves, whether that means wearing suits, heels, or any other form of expression.
The introduction of name, image, and likeness deals in college sports, along with increased marketing money in professional women's basketball, has also played a role in female players' decisions to embrace their individuality and glam up. This has added a layer of financial incentive to their choices in self-expression, as they navigate the intersection of athletics and personal branding.
Despite facing criticism and backlash, women in basketball continue to assert their right to self-expression and individuality. They are challenging societal norms and showcasing that athletic excellence can coexist with a diverse range of personal styles and expressions.
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Racism and the targeting of Black women
Women in basketball have historically been pressured to fit a mass-market ideal that has long benefited straight, white women. This has resulted in Black women in the sport being targeted for their appearance and self-expression. Several WNBA players, including Jordan Walker, Brea Beal, and Tamari Key, have faced criticism and backlash from fans for wearing fake eyelash extensions, hair extensions, and long nails on and off the court. They have been blamed for missed shots and poor performance due to their choice of styling, with comments suggesting that their lashes or nails interfere with their vision or movement.
Black women in any sport often feel the need to go the extra mile to be included or noticed, which can result in them being put in a box and expected to stand out or be exceptional to gain recognition. This dynamic is evident in the criticism directed at Black WNBA players, where their performance is attributed to their appearance rather than their skills, with comments such as, "she missed that shot because she can't see because of her lashes."
The targeting of Black women in basketball goes beyond the court and extends into the realm of marketing and self-promotion. Female athletes, including Black players, face the constant pressure to prove their marketability and showcase their versatility as models, influencers, or in other roles beyond basketball. This pressure to conform to specific ideals of femininity and beauty standards is a form of racism that specifically targets Black women, who are already underrepresented and undervalued in sports.
The criticism faced by Black WNBA players for their choice of self-expression is not just an attack on their appearance but also carries racial undertones. It reflects a broader issue of racism and the targeting of Black women in sports, where their performance is scrutinized through a different lens than their non-Black counterparts. This dynamic underscores the importance of representation and the need for role models like Diggins-Smith, who inspired young Black players like Walker by embracing her femininity and excellence as a player on a national stage.
The pushback against the criticism of Black women basketball players' self-expression is about more than just lashes and nails. It is a resistance against the racist and sexist expectations imposed on them, a refusal to conform to narrow beauty standards, and a celebration of their freedom to express themselves authentically, both on and off the court.
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Marketing oneself and finding endorsements
Women in basketball have historically been pressured to fit a mass-market ideal that has long benefited straight, white women. However, with the introduction of name, image, and likeness deals in college sports and an increase in marketing money in professional women's basketball, players have more freedom to express themselves through their appearance. This includes wearing eyelash extensions, which some WNBA players have been criticized for by fans who associate their playing ability with their appearance.
Black women's basketball players, in particular, have been targeted for this form of self-expression, with comments directed at them being recognized as racist. Despite the backlash, players continue to embrace their femininity and market themselves, knowing that they have to constantly show how marketable they are as athletes and individuals. This involves not only showcasing their skills on the court but also their ability to model, be pretty, and do other things. By doing so, they are inspiring the next generation of players and setting a standard that it is acceptable to be oneself.
Endorsement deals play a crucial role in this context. For example, Reese, a Black basketball player, has endorsement deals with Xfinity, Amazon, Wingstop, and a Washington, D.C.-area supermarket chain. These deals provide financial stability and the opportunity to increase their marketability and reach a wider audience.
To secure endorsement deals, female basketball players can take several steps to market themselves effectively:
- Build a personal brand: Develop a unique brand that showcases your skills, personality, and values. Highlight what sets you apart from other athletes and how you can benefit potential sponsors.
- Utilize social media: Create and maintain an active presence on social media platforms. Share training routines, game highlights, and personal experiences that showcase your authenticity and engage with your followers.
- Seek sponsorship opportunities: Identify companies or brands that align with your values and approach them with a well-prepared pitch. Demonstrate how partnering with you can benefit them, such as increased brand exposure or positive brand association.
- Network and collaborate: Attend industry events, connect with influencers and decision-makers, and collaborate with other athletes or brands to expand your network and increase your visibility.
- Excel on the court: Continue to develop your athletic skills and excel in your sport. This will naturally attract attention and showcase your potential as a brand ambassador.
By implementing these strategies, female basketball players can increase their marketability and secure endorsement deals that not only provide financial stability but also allow them to inspire and empower others by embracing their authentic selves.
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Advancing the sport and breaking stereotypes
Women's basketball players are breaking stereotypes and advancing the sport by choosing to express themselves through their appearance on the court. This includes styling their hair, wearing eyelash extensions, and having painted nails. This form of self-expression is particularly significant for Black and Latina women, who are embracing their femininity and breaking free from the pressure to fit a mass-market ideal that has historically benefited straight, white women.
The decision to glam up is not just about breaking stereotypes, but also about inspiring the next generation of players. By choosing to wear suits, heels, or other forms of self-expression, these women are setting a standard that it's okay to be yourself and encouraging young players to feel confident in their own skin. This is especially impactful for Black women, who have traditionally been underrepresented and targeted with criticism for their appearance in sports.
WNBA player Evans highlights that female athletes constantly have to prove their marketability and showcase their skills beyond basketball. By embracing their femininity and breaking stereotypes, these women are challenging the notion that athletes must conform to a specific image to be successful. They are demonstrating that they can be basketball players and models, embracing their beauty and multiple talents.
The introduction of name, image, and likeness deals in college sports, along with increased marketing money in professional women's basketball, has added financial incentives for players to express themselves. By doing so, they attract endorsement deals and sponsorship opportunities, which can be lucrative. This empowers female athletes to take control of their brand and image, leveraging their success on the court to benefit their careers off the court as well.
While some critics have blamed players' appearances for missed shots, the players themselves refute this, stating that their choice of self-expression does not impact their performance. They emphasize that their pre-game beauty routines are just as important to them as their playing style and that expressing themselves authentically on the court boosts their confidence and performance.
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Dealing with criticism and backlash
The criticism centres on the idea that these choices affect their performance on the court, with comments suggesting that players miss shots because their eyelashes are obstructing their vision. However, this criticism fails to consider the many non-Black players who also wear eyelash extensions without facing the same level of scrutiny. As player Brea Beal points out, Black women in sports often feel pressured to "do the extra things to be included or to be broadcasted more compared to other athletes".
The backlash against these players is not just about their appearance but also about their freedom of expression and their right to embrace their femininity and individuality. As player Evans notes, the criticism is "not fair" and instead of trying to downgrade these women, people should be supporting them.
WNBA players are constantly having to prove their marketability, and their choices to express themselves through their appearance are often lucrative. As player Reese points out, these choices are part of her pre-game routine and express who she is as much as her playing style.
To deal with this criticism and backlash, players can start by recognising that they are not alone in facing these comments and that their feelings of hurt and heaviness in response are valid. They can also find strength and support in their teammates and the broader basketball community, many of whom have shared similar experiences. Additionally, players can choose to speak out about the backlash they are facing, bringing attention to the unfair and often racist nature of the criticism, as some players have already done. By doing so, they can help shift the narrative and set a standard for future players, letting them know that it is okay to be themselves and express their individuality.
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