Editor’s word: The next article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the creator’s personal. Learn extra opinions on theGrio.
After Megan Thee Stallion introduced she and Dallas Mavericks participant Klay Thompson had parted methods following a whirlwind romance, the web did what it does greatest: It spiraled.
For the reason that information arrived, timelines throughout platforms have been flooded. Help has been pouring in from followers, celebrities, and types alike—even The Sims, which the Scorching Lady is a fan of, chimed in with a cheeky present of solidarity. However in fact, one thing else has emerged.
Amongst these rallying round Meg, there was a loud, nearly gleeful refrain of detractors, individuals who appear much less within the breakup itself and extra invested in what they consider it reveals about her.
In a single clip circulating, the rapper Cam’ron expresses his ideas on the backlash Thompson has been receiving.
“You rap about being a hoe, mad rappers f— you after which Klay Thompson fumbled, however then we gotta be politically right as a substitute,” he mentioned.
When the feminine co-host interjected to say, in the end, no matter how you are feeling about somebody’s character, nobody deserves to be cheated on, the rapper famous we solely have Meg’s phrase to go off of.
Over on X, a consumer who included a clip of Kai Cenant and pals dancing round in a circle and wrote, “Girls have been on this app for the final 6 months genuinely believing Stefon diggs was gonna quiet down with Cardi B and Klay Thompson was gonna marry Megan Thee Stallion.”
In the meantime, one other consumer on the identical platform, in a publish that rattled off an inventory of principally rumored transgressions Meg has looming in her previous, wrote, “Thoughts you, there is no such thing as a proof that Klay cheated on Megan aside from her personal phrases — and everyone knows that Megan is a pathological liar… Kevin Samuels would have had a area day on this content material…You merely can not make these things up.”
The statements might differ—Sherri Shepherd not too long ago “suggested” Meg towards her choice to step down from “Moulin Rouge” amid all of the drama, others say that is proof she’s not “wifey materials”—however the subtext is at all times the identical. At this level, how you are feeling about Megan Thee Stallion, from whether or not or not you consider she’s mendacity as to whether or not she was fumbled, is beginning to come off much less like superstar commentary and extra like a present of coronary heart.
Throughout a latest episode of the podcast “Right here’s The Factor,” hosted by KevOnStage and ThatChickAngel, Kev mentioned Megan Thee Stallion must be a primary date matter at this fee.
“How you are feeling about Megan Thee Stallion general, from all the pieces in her life, is an efficient litmus take a look at for the way you concentrate on relationships, how you concentrate on girls, beginning with girls, how you concentrate on so many issues,” he mentioned. “You wish to date a n—, very first thing earlier than they convey the bread, ‘inform me what you concentrate on Megan Thee Stallion from Tori Lanez to Klay Thompson.’ Assure you that’s gonna inform you what sort of man you’re coping with.”
He’s not alone on this sentiment both. A number of have latched onto this line of pondering. Throughout feeds, girls specifically have additionally been urging their followers to pay shut consideration to who in their very own networks is responding and the way. As a result of the factor is, not not like how some girls side-eye anybody who has a visceral dislike of Beyoncé, reactions to Megan typically middle on company and in the end misogyny.
However this isn’t nearly Megan. It’s about whether or not you see girls like her as credible, and whether or not you suppose their autonomy ought to include penalties. Megan represents a really particular type of womanhood. One that’s outlined by sexual autonomy, being financially solvent, emotionally expressive, and unapologetic about all of it.
If you happen to consider girls like her are “an excessive amount of,” you’re extra prone to see her ache as a consequence. If you happen to consider girls ought to shrink themselves to be liked, you’re extra prone to see her confidence as the issue. If you happen to battle to increase empathy to girls who’re loud, seen, or sexually free, you’re extra prone to discover humor the place there must be care.
So sure, proper up there with who somebody voted for or their beliefs on God, how they discuss Megan Thee Stallion may truly be price understanding on the onset. As a result of if a lady on the prime of her recreation can’t be afforded nuance, empathy, and fundamental respect, it raises a much bigger query: Who, precisely, can?
Kay Wicker is a senior life-style reporter at theGrio, the place she covers the multifaceted methods Black individuals dwell and revel in their lives, specializing in well being, wellness, journey, magnificence, and style. With over a decade of expertise in digital and print media, Kay has constructed a various editorial background, reporting on all the pieces from high-profile superstar information to essential social points.
