A bunch of sportspeople were on hand to have their deservedly earned moment in the spotlight, but they were controversially upstaged by the It reality star du jour: Caitlyn Jenner.
Following an almost-14-minute tribute narrated by Jon Hamm, a clad-in-a-crisp-white-gown Jenner (f.k.a. Bruce Jenner) was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and girlfriend addressed the controversy surrounding the kudos head on. Acknowledging that she owes plenty to sports, including her ability to weather any storm (especially one full of criticisms), the erstwhile Olympian told “the people out here wondering what this [getting the award] is all about, whether it’s about courage or controversy or publicity, I’ll tell you what it’s all about: It’s about what happens from here.
“It’s not about one person, it’s about thousands of people. It’s not just about me. It’s about all of us accepting one another. We’re all different and that’s not a bad thing – it’s a good thing.”
She further asked that folks offer just one vital thing to the trans community: their respect, and.... Oh, heck, just watch Jenner in action. She does a much better work of expressing herself than I could ever do relating what she said to ya:
Powerful stuff, no?
Update: Oh jeez.
Did you catch the ill-advised Instagramming that director Peter Berg took time to get into regarding Caitlyn Jenner and her getting this award? I didn’t get to see it yet, but I’m pretty sure he reposted a meme in which someone crassly contrasted his journey and achievement to merit the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs and that of a wounded soldier.
Berg’s apologized for it – go on and GTS if you care – and tell me that he doesn’t kinda sorta have a point. Jenner’s contribution is palpable and commendable, and while Berg has clarified that he does respect her and believes in equality and trans rights, we all also should probably spend a little more celebrating those who like, you know, fight for our freedom....
Food for thought all around.
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