If you get most of your news from Snapchat, then you already know about Serena Williams being awesomely pregnant.
If you're like me, and distrust modern technology devoted to posting photos of yourself that's fuelled by the screams of people who inadvertently spy a Kartrashian... then you may get your news from other sources.
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| "But blogging about yourself is fiiine!" |
So it turns out Serena Williams - a woman already known for basically being an ass-kicking tennis Terminator - is expecting a child. Not only that, she was already pregnant when she won the 2017 Australian Open. She also did not drop a set. For those who don't speak fluent Tennis, it's important to note that dropping the set is not comparable to say, dropping the bass. You can drop the bass all you like, but don't you dare drop that set!
Where am I going with this? Oh yes. Something happened to a woman, now the world must have their say, damnit!
There's been a bit of outrage about this because there has been so much speculation about whether she will hang up her tennis boots after all this (is that a phrase? I feel that should be a thing even though boots are a terrible choice for tennis shoes) and it's like.. we've only just been told about this now. There is plenty of time to hear about this later, and you bet the media will milk it.
I mean, is this high school? Are we being forced to choose our fates suddenly?
Not only that, no one else gets a say in this matter because it's not even their lives!
It's got to the point where people are having to point out that she's pregnant not terminally ill because there's so much speculation about if she's going to return to the sport, if other women will now have a chance at the championships, if she will have any motivation after seeing some chubby baby cheeks and the clincher - does she need more?
People shouldn't have to remind the internet that it's actually 2017 and women aren't expected to just stay home and parent all their lives. That male athletes aren't generally subject to this kind of grilling if they start a family. Her publicist has already stated that she's going to return to the sport and I think anyone who has the vaguest idea about what she's about would be stupid to think anything would stop her quest for world sport domination.
But it's not just about Serena. It's about what it means for all women.
Why do we have to justify the choice to return to work or not?
Why are people assuming they get to speculate on anything to do with your life?
People get pissed if you aren't pumping out kids and then the second you do your career is over?
Geez, women, assuming you get to have your own life and stuff, gedda hell oudda here!
Moreover, there are several female athletes who have done amazing things while pregnant or after giving birth. Look at your own life, and think about how many amazing women you know in your life, in your family, workplace, social circle and the ones you see in social media and in magazines, and on TV shows. Chances are, there are some incredible people there, doing the best they can.
Forget that these are women, forget that they're mothers, athletes, accountants, sales clerks or students. THEY ARE HUMAN. They damn well deserve to be treated like it.
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| Returning to work like... |
So to quell any angry pants, here's some humour based off of everyone's mockery of self esteem compared to this tower of power.
Fun fact: I played tennis as a child - before anyone knew I needed glasses. Half my childhood was spent wondering who thought up this insane sport where you barely knew where the ball was, but it did keep life interesting.
Williams' incredible feat led to a bout of introspection on social media, captured by BBC Sport's Sportsday Live debate under the heading:
'Serena Williams won the Australian Open when she was pregnant, but...'
Danny Kibbey: So Serena won a Grand Slam at 8 weeks? Pff, my missus completed IRONMAN WALES at 12 weeks (I watched on telly).
Mike T: Serena Williams was pregnant when she won the Australian Open and I can't even be bothered to finish this senten...
Taryn Finley: Serena Williams was pregnant when she won the Australia Open in Jan, but I can't even get out of bed when I'm on my period.
Raun Anand: Serena Williams won a Grand Slam whilst pregnant and I have trouble reaching for the remote after a McSpicy.
Alison Hennessey: She won the Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant. And I complain about a dynamic yoga class..
Lisa: Serena Williams was pregnant when she won the Australian Open and I struggle to walk upstairs after a big lunch.
Aquelious: Serena Williams won the Aus Open when she was pregnant but I get tired if my FIFA17 match goes to extra time!!!
Chimp: Serena Williams won the Aus Open when she was pregnant, but I once completed a 24 hour Le Mans race on Gran Turismo. AND won.
Jablesfifa: Serena Williams won Aus Open while pregnant, but I got subbed off in the first half of a football match due to a wasp sting.
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