Freedom of speech. According to the First Amendment of the United States, individuals are granted this liberty. Other countries and institutions have also incorporated this ideology as a paramount freedom that extends to all individuals. However, in some cases, this right can be utilized to harm individuals, rather than serve as a conducive tool for individuals to communicate thoughts. In the case of Carlotta Ferlito, an Italian gymnast, she issued this statement upon the announcement of Simone Biles' placement as a World Champion Gymnast, the first black woman to do so:
'Maybe next time we'll paint our skin black so we can win'
The knowledge issue that is posed here is the extent to which one's 'freedom of speech' should be protected.
Some individuals who became aware of Ferlito's comment said that she should not be penalized because it was a 'slip of a tongue' and 'she has a right to express her disappointment of not winning the World Champion Gymnast title'.
Although I agree that individuals have a right to complain and express disappointment, I do not agree with using any racial, homophobic, islamophobic, or any other form of discriminatory and prejudiced remark to express this emotion. It simply has no place. In the context of Carlotta Ferlito's remark, she implies that in order to succeed, one must paint himself/herself black to gain some sort of privilege that 'blackness' (somehow) entails. In response, I have issued the following statements:
Dear Carlotta Ferlito,
Thank you very much for exposing your ignorance to the world. I will take some time out of my day to educate you on a few things. Firstly, I suggest instead of you paining yourself black to gain recognition as the gold medalist in the World Championship, Simone Biles should paint herself white. I think its imperative that in order to be taken seriously, one must resemble those of European ancestry. Ms. Ferlito, don't paint yourself black, it will simply cause a plethora of troubles ahead. You will be subject to racial insults and taunts. Your value will be reduced to stereotypes and any accomplishment you received will be deemed credible only because 'she was black, they gave her the position because she's black.' As you can see, painting yourself black won't do you any good. Last time I checked, you are white. There are no negative stereotypes associated with being white. So take heart dear, your skin color is perfect to society. Stay white. Simone Biles, on the other hand, is black. With this in mind, it would be beneficial for her to paint herself white. That way, she will be taken seriously on her accomplishments because apparently, if one is black, then his or her achievements will be reduced to being 'wanted' on the basis of 'being black'. Black people aren't good enough to be seen for the skills they (apparently) have. If Simone Biles paints herself white, then maybe, just maybe, people will think her winning was authentic and credible.
Sincerely,
T
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