The article discusses the troubling trend of dehumanization faced by public figures, especially women athletes, who endure abuse in the online space. Recent incidents, such as stalking of Emma Raducanu and racial abuse directed at Khadija Bunny Shaw, raise questions about the responsibility viewers have towards respect and empathy. It emphasizes that despite being in the public eye, these athletes should not be treated as commodities but recognized as human beings. The piece calls for a necessary balance between fan access and player safety.
When did we stop seeing those in the limelight be it athletes, musicians, film stars or anyone else as human? At what point did it become acceptable for some to feel that they have ownership over aspects of their lives or that they have the right to hurl abuse behind the protection of a screen?
The stalking incident that Emma Raducanu had to endure at the Dubai Tennis Championships was an eye-opener into some of the things that are going on overtly and in the shadows.
Abuse of women's sport stars continues to increase in the online space, fuelled by some high-profile figures who all too willingly abandon the responsibility that comes with their position for clicks and engagement.
These are just some examples of the more serious incidents in the game, highlighting the urgent need to balance player access with protection to ensure their safety.
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