Will Serena Williams’ Celebratory ‘Crip Walk’ Hurt Her Image?
- Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:27pm by
Erica Ritz
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Serena Williams of the United States serves against Maria Sharapova of Russia during the gold medal match of the Women's Singles Tennis. (Photo: Getty Images)
Serena Williams gave a masterful performance at the London 2012 Olympics Sunday, beating Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 for the singles gold.
Barely able to contain her excitement, it seems, Williams broke into a “crip walk” made popular by gang members in her hometown of Compton, California in the 1970′s.
According to the Washington Post, MTV actually banned videos featuring the dance at one point because of its association with violence and murder, but it has become more mainstream in recent years.
Though the dance was brief, Serena managed to stir up quite a bit of controversy for how she expressed her excitement.
Here is video:
Fox Sports wrote:
She was in the city of kings and queens. People were sipping champagne and eating strawberries and cream. And Serena Williams had just ascended to the throne of tennis, becoming the second woman after Steffi Graf to win all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold in singles.
[...]
And there was Serena — the tennis legend, the winner of 14 individual Grand Slams, the best player of her generation, the American girl being crowned at the All-England Club as the queen of tennis — Crip-Walking all over the most lily-white place in the world.
Blogger Debbie Schlussel added: “Yup, that’s what we need representing America, a Gold Medalist who, upon winning, glorifies hardened criminals who murder each other — and innocent Americans — for sport.”
Silver medalist Maria Sharapova of Russia and gold medalist Serena Williams of the United States pose on the podium. (Photo: Getty Images)
But Yahoo sports counters:
Relax, everyone. This makes it seem like Serena crip-walked away from the Queen after stealing the crown jewels. She broke out the dance for three seconds, while looking at her sister sitting in the player’s box! It’s a dance move, not a political statement…
Serena looked at Venus after the move. It was like they were sharing a “can you believe we’re here — two sisters from the inner-city — standing on Centre Court, both gold medal winners at the Olympics?” moment. She was representing. She did a dance move originated in her hometown while representing the United States. How is this wrong?
And Washington Post blogger Clinton Yates volunteered:
Frankly, there was a certain part of me that loved what Williams did. It was one of those subtle moments of celebration that was inclusive and illustrative of her unique upbringing, no matter how complicated that upbringing may be to the outside world.
Williams later told reporters that she didn’t plan the dance, saying: “I didn’t know what else to do. I was so happy, and next thing I know I started dancing and moving. I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”
Do you think the dance will hurt the tennis champion’s image, or was it all blown out of proportion?
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Comments (352)
zipzap
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:26pm95% of complaintants wouldn’t have know that was a “crip walk” without the article and video to demonstrate it – and most weren’t even coherent in the 70s anyway, so find something else to whine about. If we want free speech for our side, you’d better loosen up the vise on the necks of the other side. Got it?
Report Post »gtcogic
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:41pm@zipzap, you clearly speak the truth. Thank you.
Report Post »AintLIBSjuzGreat
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:23amdidn`t they through out a german for neo nazi friends? guess a crip dance is cool they just murder people. if not for the press who would have known about the nazi
Report Post »maumau
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:44amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snWiSIp33nI
just in case you want to see it
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:08amHey, she was just giving a “shout out” to the gan bangers back home.
Keep it real, and get jiggy when you can.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:24amHmmm, I left the “G” off the end of Gang.
Report Post »Spankster
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:33amI don’t see where the story is here,I’m old and fat but I still jiggle and dance around when I get Happy.Drop it and move on with the real stories.
Report Post »mtcountrygrl
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:50amThe Native Americans do a dance very similar to that. I think it is called a grass dance (like you are stomping out a grass fire). Looks almost the same. Leave the poor girl alone, she was celebrating. If she flashed some gang signs at the end, I would agree with you.
Report Post »Deb C
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:52amWhat bothers me most is someone decided that I couldn’t view the video and make my own decision.
Report Post »VoteBushIn12
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:31am@RANGERP
I crip in the club. It’s a popular modern dance. Doesn‘t mean you’re a gang banger just because gang members do it.
You remember what sheltered white America thought of the Charleston when they first saw it… Now it’s an iconic American dance.
Deal with it.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 12:00pmVoteBushIn12
Do you have corn rows, and baggy pants?
Report Post »Huguenot Descendant
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 12:04pmThere is nothing wrong with her dance, she is happy GOOD! She deserves to be happy and can do whatever she wants to, and as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody then WHO CARES!? When has our country become so politically incorrect that people can’t even show expression without having the press shoved down their throats.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:55pmI can’t stand the Williams. All of them from Dad on down. They are the biggest racist snowmen haters in sports today. She is just like her dad. Filled with hate for the white man when it was the white man that carved out the special treatment that blacks get today.
IsThereADifference
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:59pmSERENA WILLIAMS is free to express herself any way she feels like. That being said.
Stay black Serena. Show your pride for the criminals who make up the majority of your people. Way to go and good job.
Report Post »sillyfreshness
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 2:03pmHer inner thug, racist emotions came out in her.
Report Post »sillyfreshness
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 2:05pmDat how we dance in da hood.
Report Post »Independent4233
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 2:07pmzipzap
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:26pm
“95% of complaintants wouldn’t have know that was a “crip walk” without the article and video to demonstrate it .”
We wouldn’t know about the vast numbers of out-of-control flash mob beatings and murders of whites if we didn’t have the conservative media to report it either, so doesn’t that make your point rather idiotic?
She brings a touch of ghettoism to a classy sport and reduces it to the lowest common denominator. There’s no excuse for it.
And, I can tell you this for certain: What she does and the “end zone dancers do in football” is based in unmitigated arrogance instead of the professionalism sports deserve, which is supposed to offer good examples to kids.
These blacks are out in droves, beating killing and stealing. Do you think it might be a bad idea to have them aspire to crip dancing as the rappers inspire them to “kill all he cops and off all the honkies?”
Report Post »Independent4233
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 2:13pmMil-Dot
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:55pm
“I can’t stand the Williams. All of them from Dad on down. They are the biggest racist snowmen haters in sports today. She is just like her dad. Filled with hate for the white man when it was the white man that carved out the special treatment that blacks get today.”
You’re absolutely right on, Mil-Dot.
I didn’t point out her anti-white sentiments, because I do it so much I’m beginning to sound like an echo, but you’re absolutely right on.
In addition to everything else, her and her whole family amount to no more than black ingrates who do no less than spit in the face of white America in spite of the phenomenol opportunities they all have had.
Report Post »johnjamison
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 2:30pmSo I guess you would defend someone sporting the nazi salute after winning a match as well. And what someone else knows means nothing what did serena know…if she knew it was the crip walk then she knew it was wrong.
Report Post »Bluefish49
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:02pmZipzap speak da troff cause he a hood rat too…
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:34pmGet the hell over it. This kid was BORN in COMPTON and because of her father’s DREAM and their hard work, they made it out of the ghetto. Her doing that dance was 1) spontaneous and joyful 2) probably a great encouragement to other kids living in the ghetto…“Hard work and a DREAM” can get you out. GOOD GRIEF!!! There’s not a member of the Crips or whatever who want to be there…not if they had a ‘way out’…it’s up to our society to throw out the bums who try to keep these people enslaved for their votes and sets up Capitalism again so they, like anyone else can get out.
Report Post »I don‘t think that the Williams’ sisters could make it out of there now with all the bogus restrictions that dope in the WH have put out there now.
CAN YOU BELIEVE that SOB snuck his regulations about illegals in his EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE nonsense…Dictator-wanna-be… I loved her enthusiasm and any snotty people who want to stick their noses up in the air…get over it. I love polite society too, but it’s rather impossible nowadays, isn’t it? I mean, we’ve allowed trashy movies, cheap music, we’ve taken GOD out of schools, public arena..what do you expect? SO now we’re going to be upset because a great athlete does a dance she learned in childhood? Brother!
DeavonReye
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:17pmZipZap, I knew exactly what I saw [was watching the olympics when she won her match]. She could have chosen MANY forms of dance. . . AND moves she learned in her youth. The Crip Walk means something. You MAY find people doing it in a club, because like most people, they do what the majority thinks is cool without knowing why. So what?
Yes, . . . she won. She was happy about it. But there is a time and a place for things.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:38pmVote Bush
Remeber the shag?
Report Post »holdenpg
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:59pm@zipzap – WOW!!!! This is what everyone got all up in arms over? I was expecting some really offensive dancing and gestures, like a fist in the air or something. Instead, without the headline about what this dance had to do with I just thought Serena was just dancing because she was happy and just won the gold medal…. I don’t see the issue here.
Report Post »Robert Simpson
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:59pmI’m with you Zip.
Report Post »RonGM
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:11pm1968 Olympics, folks got sent home
Report Post »VoteBushIn12
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:50pm@RANGERP
No, I have rhythm. That’s all you need to dance.
If she did a quick Salsa roll would anyone be complaining? People dance when they’re happy, people are happy when they win an Athletic event, so athletes dance.
If this actually offends you then you have paper thin skin and need to grow up a little bit.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:53pmNot to speak for ranger, but of course no one would have said anything if she had done a Salsa. Big difference between that and the Crip Walk.
Report Post »PoliticiansRCrooks
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 7:02pm@zipzap – But we don’t have free speech.
Report Post »Zarapachi
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:26pmZip Zap gets it. It’s just a dance folks. If you wanna put more meaning into than that well, have at Stew.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:35pmI saw this disgrace last night. Didn’t know it had a name, nor do I care. Demonstrates arrogance and lack of sportsmanship. What an embarrassment. I would rather we (the US) lose, than win and act like a jerk.
Report Post »Jeremy
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 2:49amHey Zipzap, just because it had to be brought to our attention, that means we shouldn’t care about it? That’s great logic. So when the MSM doesn’t tell the public about something, they shouldn’t care because they had to have someone else tell them about it!
As for Serena, be ghetto on your own time. When you’re representing this country, show some class.
Report Post »NukeHaze
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 5:10amIf that white male olympic athlete was not allowed to wear his U.S. flag “grill” gem studded jewelry (which discrimionates against men not being able to wear jewelry by the way not that I would have) then why would she be allowed to “express her freedom of speech” in ENGLAND where the U.S. Constitution does not apply (as if she has diplomatic immunity or something) and him NOT be allowed to do the same thing else he would forfeit his gold medal?
She may have simply made an unintentional slip up by doing this “move” (and no, it is only popular among those who glorify gangsta style life and music, not main stream) but I tend to think it was a planned slap in the face of what has in the past like golf WAS, been a predominantly white dominated sport. Good for her for showing Tiger Woods like talent. I had thought she would have shown more class by resisting the temptation to slap the faces of the “old white folks” that have in years past excluded blacks from essentially being able to compete in an open playing field, so to speak. This wreaks more of disrespecting others rather than celebrating a well deserved victory over great odds. Society has come a lot farther than the Progressive culture has given us credit for and because they run the government indoctrination centers (public schools) the song will remain the same until something big changes. Good for her for the win but shame on her if this was intentionally done to create controversy or be disrespectful to anyo
Report Post »NukeHaze
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 5:20amIt would emotionally stir a lot more people in a positive way to be respectful than it would to stir them in a negative way through disrespect. This may have some aspect of free speech to it but in ENGLAND, speech is CENSORED.
Still though even if that guy’s stars and stripes grill was refused, they could have chastised her. His intentions were not to glorify gang behaviour and apparently insult people by showing the flag (though on teeth in this manner is not quite as bad as wearing it on your seat, it still is more disrespectful to me than it is paying tribute to it) which too many (we probably way overestimate this figure even) people must be offended by seeing the U.S. flag.
If this flag insults you, you do not belong here. Speak against it if you like but I wouldn’t do that around me or another vet. You have the right to do so. I have the right to react as well. It just boggles me that anyone would insult that which provides the means for them to insult, degrade, berate, disrespect, dishonor, etc. You would essentially be saying that you hate the fact that you are free and free to say that meaning that it appears that you wish that someone would take that freedom away so you wouldn’t have to bear the burden of being free to say that you hate the fact you are free.
Just plain stewpudd.
Report Post »marecanine
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:22amWhat bothered me most was the fact that she could not put her hand over her heart during the National Anthem.
Report Post »Macman1138
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 7:58pmMore T.B.N.
Got it?
Report Post »the bean
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:26pmMeh…not surprising, this is who and what she is.
I appreciate her talent and ability,…. She’s a little bit of a immature diva but hey she backed it up on the court….another gold for USA
Report Post »Teufel Hunden
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:26pmI don’t think it would have hurt her image any to have placed her hand over her heart during the playing of the National Anthem. This country provides people all the opportunities to become great. You would think those who attain such an elevated status would at least show her a little respect. Ms. Williams can kiss this Marines ass!
Report Post »HarryBalz
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:23pmWhat hurts her image is that she looks like a man.
Report Post »De-Elect
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:20pmShe has always been classless.
Report Post »dixie63
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 10:34pmAbsolutely right.
Report Post »cmoursler
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:17pmwell…As I weigh in on a subject I have no actual personal experience in…being black and from the ghetto…Did anyone think that A.) maybe she was very happy. B.) She didn’t stop and think. C.) She just danced a dance she saw when other people she knew were happy. Is it her fault she grew up in gang infested neighborhoods? I don’t think so. She didn’t take out a gun and pop a cap, she did a dance. No different, quite frankly, then where I am from. If a redneck bubba from backwoods michigan had won, he probably would’ve yelled yeehaw and shot a stop sign. We can’t all be blue bloods from maryland. pip pip Tom…I think I’ve won…someone fetch me a sparkling water….tallyho…
Report Post »XScramblerX
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:12amShe did nothing wrong, and I don‘t know what IMAGE they’re talking about. Is she an advocate for anti-gang legislation? She an excellent tennis player that happened to grow up in the ghetto. This is her image! Rock on Serena! GOOD JOB ON GETTING GOLD!
Report Post »someonehadtosayit
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:27pmBest response yet, gave me a good laugh. Why are people taking this so seriously? It was a short, unplanned danced. Get over it!
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:47pmFor those of you old enough, her dance was not the Black Power fist in the air. She was happy. Sometimes actions do not have a deeper meaning.
Report Post »ohiowordguy
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:25pm“He probably would’ve yelled yeehaw and shot a stop sign.”
LMAO!
OK, I’m not from the south, but there are a fair number of stop signs around here bearing buckshot scars!
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 7:27amTallyho? Ok, we know you are a Brit. Enough said about that. You let the muslims take over your fricking country, what the hell do you know? Don’t give me that crap about her being from the ghetto. She grew up upper middle class and you know it. She is a spoiled brat. Of course she didn’t think before she did it. Do they ever think before they do something? No.
Report Post »SurhanSurhan
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:15pmNo one said a thing about Ryan Lochte’s blinged out grill, but this dance by Serena Williams is glorifying gangs?! You gotta love that age old American double standard!
Here’s a portion of my comment from the monkey commercial involving Gabby Douglas: “Liberals and conservatives were desirous, of an ALL white, off white, or lily white Olympics! With the exceptions to men‘s and women’s basketball, track and field, and tennis.”
I stand corrected on the Tennis part.
Report Post »Celeste.Christi
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:33pmWhite Trash Grill or Black Trash Dance, neither is appropiate.
Report Post »trinklefinder
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:37pmI thought Lochte’s teeth thingy was hoosier. I‘m glad they didn’t let him wear it. I thought the dance was a little inappropriate, but nothing more than an eyeroll worth. To be honest, were it me, I probably woulda danced a lil jig too.
Report Post »gtcogic
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:46pm@celeste, actually both are appropriate. The thing that makes this country so great and wonderful is that people are free to express themselves HOWEVER they choose to do so. We are not Iraq or Iran or Russia or China, or Cuba or Venezuela, where every behavior is correographed for public consumption. That’s why the last line of the Star Spangled Banner says, O’er the LAND OF THE FREE,…. not the land that Celeste or anybody else deems appropriate.
Report Post »XScramblerX
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:25amThe story headline: Will Serena Williams’ Celebratory ‘Crip Walk’ Hurt Her Image? The image they want to protect is the that “She should have checked with officials before allowing herself to express
Report Post »her excitement freely as she wanted to. I’m glad she chose the real image of an American expressing herself as she pleases. She did not harm anyone in the process. GO GIRL!
wdvander
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:14pmReally, with all the other crap going on with the Olympics and the media coverage by NBC, this is the what you people get ramped up about? IT IS NOTHING BUT SPORTS PEOPLE!!! Get a life.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:42pmI am actually trying to figure out the people that make money from the sport they are competing in can actually compete?? I used to think that professionals were not allowed to compete?
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:58pmI thought the “Icky Shuffle” was much better. Very humble guy, works in a packing plant, now. Lost a teenaged child a year or two ago.
Report Post »midwesthippie
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:20pm…SCOREBOARD!…to all you hateful christians…
Report Post »Independent4233
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 9:08pmHas she ever been verified as a female?
She looks pretty manish.
But I agree the little jig was a spur of the moment reaction she performed without thinking. However, that reveals she does it often.
She overshadowed high class activities with a ghetto beat.
Report Post »mercenary4freedom
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 9:46pmYa right, those pro’s already make a ton of $$, let the amatuers make a name for themselves and win some gold…pro’s should not be alllowed in the games.
Report Post »JediKnight
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:22am@Independent4233: Did you even watch the video? Have you looked for it on YouTube? This is probably one of the least complicated dance moves ever. It looks just like she described, like something you’d break out into in the excitement of everything. She literally shuffled her feet a bit and put her hands into the air (I know, that must be so complex).
Even if she does do the dance move often, that’s still all it is. Just because some lame gang bangers popularized it is really no reason for Fox Sports to call her out for it. Hell, it seems to me that Fox in general knows a lot of gang/race related things that a lot of people have never heard of. If I had seen the video without seeing the story on Drudge, I would not have thought anything of it. Ha, I still don’t think anything of it.
It was a moment of pure excitement from a girl that grew up in Compton. Are we suppose to expect that the things from her childhood played no influence on her whatsoever? Come on folks.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:30amI couldn’t get the video to play, copyright or something, but it seems to me that it would be better descrived as a victory dance, or happy dance. She just used what she was exposed to in her hometown. Doesn‘t mean she’s a Crip. I have a friend who is a teacher and has a lot of students on her facebook, and he posted a picture of himself flashing gang signs…she thought he was trying to count in sign language. It goes both ways, either it meant something or it didn’t. Can‘t we just let these people be people if they aren’t hating?
Report Post »starman70
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 7:58amThe Olympics used to be about young AMATEUR athletes who want to prove they were the best at what they do. With a few exceptions, this is mostly true. Swimming, gymnastics, track and field, just to name a few.
It is sad that we have to use “Professional” athletes in some sports to counter countries like China, Russia and other countries where the athletes become “Employees of the state” and are paid to train 24 / 7. I love the competiton but, the highly paid pros make it less desireable to watch.
As far as the “Crip Walk” is concerned – - – She should have known better. She should have accepted victory with dignity, humility and a reverence for the GOD who gave her the talent to become the best in the world as did the precious young gymnast Gabby.
Report Post »Cadcamtrainer
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:35amYahoo sports calls it “ representing her town and the United States”….. Her gangbanger dance might represent her home town and her beliefs but certainly dos NOT what represents our country. If it is all about sports as you mention, why athletes are being sent home for making racil or political statements on tweeter??
Report Post »Independent4233
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:05amJediKnight
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:22am
“@Independent4233: Did you even watch the video? Have you looked for it on YouTube?”
You’re laboring under the delusion that watching the video will somewhere bring about astark revelation in someone.
What’s to watch?
She did her little ghetto shuffle, and from just knowing it she revealsa lot about her degenerativestate of mind.
Also, as the poster above stated, I don’t trust any celebrity who insults the National Anthem by refusing to place his/her hand over their heart, as Barack Obama failed to do, as well as refuse to wear an American flag pin on his lapel even though everybody else did so.
With fame and fortune comes responsibility and a requirement to respect the country that enabled the opportuniy.
She/he (Which is it?) revealed her disrespect too many times.
Many of us are sick of the denigrations and lack of respect from these black celebrities who seem to always come out as anti-American in the last analysis.
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:11pmI personally don’t see anything wrong with it. She was just dancing she won 6-0, 6-1 she kicked butt! Serena was happy and I was happy for her and the USA!
Report Post »Gumbercules
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:44pmYou don‘t see anything wrong with it because you probably haven’t had any friends or family killed by crips – trying being less ignorant . . .
Report Post »snidelywhiplash
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:53amGumbercules, the Crip Walk is a dance that’s been popular for a number of years with people far outside of the South-Central-LA gang scene.
Report Post »MidwestRay
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:08pmI just think she was excited to win and got caught up in the moment. Nothing intentional, and no meaning….just some excitement with a little celebration. I may be wrong, but that’s how I see it.
Report Post »thop1960
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:06pmI like how people on both sides of this issue think they know what was in the mind of Serena, it’s rather humorous. She may be a crip, she may be just be revealing her upbringing in an innocent, albeit inappropriate moment. Either way, it was kind of stupid the way she reacted…wait, I sound like our President now? Anyone notice that the American flag fell to the ground at her medal ceremony? Not sure who was making a statement there, Serena or some Brit?
Report Post »TAXEVERYONE
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:49pmAgreed.
Report Post »Worried Citizen
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:34amShe also laughed at her opponent after the win in a mocking way, although no one seems to have picked up on that. I think it was unsportsmanlike to do the “crip walk”! As for the flag falling, I think God had something to say about how she acted!!
Report Post »Zipit
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:12amIt is the Olympics! It is certre court, and you just won the gold medal!!! And, you are a professional for God sakes! Show a little flipping CLASS!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »wordweaver
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:05pmThanks for explaining what that was. Like me, I doubt many in the crowd would have connected that little jig with gang activity. I believe her that she didn’t plan it, it just came out, and let’s cut her some slack. She’s had some ugly moments on the tennis court, and I am not a great fan of her grace as a sportswoman, but this was not worthy of getting upset about.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:52pmTotally agree.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:30amMe, too. I’m just astonished that this has become a controversy.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:01amEverything is a controversy these days. I’m so sick of it I could gag.
Report Post »garbagecanlogic
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:05pmI still cannot recall anyone ever verifying that a “sex” verification of this individual has been done. “She” still looks mannish to me. Oh well, guess I just like women to look feminine.
Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
barber2
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:03pmShe played so well. Too bad it had to end in ” controversy.”
Report Post »OlefromMN
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:02pm“crip-walk”, WTF? We are now celebrating gangs?
Report Post »19sleep19
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:01pmJust a dance. Calm down, people.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:09pmThere are so many ways to dance or whatever to show how joyful you are & none of them are associated with murder/violence.
Ya, just a dance! Whatever
Report Post »Paulhgreenbay
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 10:37pmLilly white liberal apologist oblivious to the barbarians at the gates.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:56pmOh yeah don’t you know this is why the Lord made the earth, so people can drool over tennis players, and the tennis players can get meat from your attention.
Report Post »TheAngel
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:54pmWith all that is going on in the world right now who cares about a dance that a tennis player did? I could not care less. If it was meant to be a racial statement let it go, don’t fall into that ditch.
Report Post »eramthgin
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:54pmAgain she demonstrates that she has NO CLASS!
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:13pm(Again) is the right word.
Report Post »dixie63
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:09pmI agree.
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:44pmWhile I don’t think she was intentionally celebrating gangs and the crips, this was in poor taste and she should have known better.
How dumb can you be to imitate a violent & murderous gang sign/signal at international stage representing your country?
She should apologize and denounce these gangs and gang culture.
Crips & violent gangs do not deserve any respect and not be emulated.
Report Post »lordamercy
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:42pm“Didn’t plan it….just started moving…” And a crip dance was the first move that occured to her?
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:54pmYeah… I don’t think that was a good response.
She going to have a fun time trying to walk this back. Can I get a rim shot?
Report Post »Dan_o
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:45pmI would have done the Icky Shuffle personally.
Report Post »DeavonReye
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:13pmAbsolutely. VERY bad taste. THAT “dance”. Really??!!! I saw that and lost all respect that I had. Yes, young kids DO look up to her, . . . and as I see it [now], that is a shame. Play well, . . . compete in the olympics, win gold, . . . . . but give a shout out to the gang culture who thrive on violence, drugs, and racism.
Report Post »justangry
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:40pmNah, it looks like it was all done in fun. I’m glad she won even though Sharapova is a doll baby.
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:49pmI agree but she shouldn’t imitate gang culture and signs at a national or international stage representing USA. It was in poor taste.
I’m glad she won though. I’m a fan of hers. Again it was just in poor taste and sends the wrong type of signals.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 8:02pmThe only thread I want to reply to. I agree, Serena and Venus are great role models for all young people. She was happy and played a wonderful match. As for the Kings and Queens remark in the story, Brits, your papers trash the monarchy on a daily basis, don’t act like “We Trashy Americans” soiled Wimbleton with a dance. This is the same country that gave us “Scary Spice”, Julie Brown, Gary Glitter, and Blood Pudding.
I would like to reply to Britian with one of their own Soccer chants:
If your country has been to the moon, Stand Up.
: crickets :
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:40pmWow that’s incredible, that Serena Williams is just an amazing tennis player. I wouldn’t want to trouble people minds with Jesus being en-route for an earthly rendezvous, the world financial system on the verge of collapse, aliens coming from other worlds, or the Father being on earth. No, lets talk about tennis.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:33pmA lunatic killed six people in Wisconsin today.
Report Post »just slap me
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:39pmSeven
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:41pmDid he win a Gold Medal? Then there is nothing to do with this story. Besides, he got six, 5 makes you an Ace.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:55pm@ JUST SLAP
The lunatic killed six. The shooter was then killed by the police.
@ DARM
Was just pointing out the priority. Serena’s dance seemed irrelevant at the moment.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:30pmlooked like a new version of the hokey pokey.
Report Post »brickmoon
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:43pmIsn’t that where they sent Rod Blagojevich?
Report Post »justangry
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:47pmLOL, OK Mr. Bunker.
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:58pmWow. How do you justify you blatantly racist comment?
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:13pmPlant or not you are just plain stupid.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:31pmThough she has built up an impressive muscle mass, I would be very surprised to hear about Ms. Williams breeding with any white women. As for family problems, the Williams family is rightly seen as setting a good example for other parents of talented children for the way they enabled their daughters to develop their full potential without sacrificing the pleasures of a normal childhood.
Report Post »zipzap
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:47pmSpoken like a true charter member of the movement….the bowel movement. Seriously, go back to your cave.
Report Post »Cosmos102
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:54pm@Realenrico
Seriously Dude, you need to get that superiority complex checked. Stop replying to everyone’s opinion. State your own and end it!
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:54pmOMG…you guys crack me up!
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 11:00pm@Cosmos102 Thank you thought police. Now I know what and how to comment, reply and conversate. Thank you again. I never knew sharing my opinion and conversating = superiority complex but now I’ll check it.
You must the superior since you how and what I need to do and even able deduce that I think of myself superior even though I made no clam to better or smarter anyone else.
Sorry for stating my opinion on matters, I didn’t know my place.
Look in the mirror buddy.
Report Post »Slizzie
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:48pmYou’re trash for leaving a comment like this. This is not about representing gangs and violence. It’s just a dance. Ignorant fools!!
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:51pmLook in the mirror buddy.
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:03pmI have to agree with Mr. Slizzie but does Mr.Slap Me have multiple personality syndrome? How is he a “fools”. I would think he would be a fool.
Anyway…
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:23pm@bannedfromCNN ….what? I’m thinking you should go back to CNN.
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 6:55pmWhy would you want that sir? Could you explain?
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:12pmWhy would you insinuate that? Why would/should anyone save it for any place?
Gangs don’t belong in the ghetto or place.
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:18pmNow why are you calling her names? How brave of you.
Report Post »The-Real-Enrico
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:20pm@Jimm57 and I was think you’re a racist.
Report Post »TAXEVERYONE
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:48pmSpeak English Enrico, or go home.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:51pmWOW…Thank the sweet Lord I’m not in your world…jeez you guys!
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:54pmAs Paul Brown, who started the Cleveland Browns, then came to Cincinnati to create the Cincinnati Bengals, told rookie Bob Trumpy, after celebrating his first touchdown, “act like you’ve been there before.”
Report Post »gtcogic
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 7:39pmYou have no clue.
Report Post »flipper1073
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:36pmENRICO
Report Post »You’re Quickly becoming as big an annonyance
as IMJUSTTIM
Haven’t heard from him in awhile maybe he changed
his name.
DeavonReye
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:11pmIt isn’t “just a dance”. A waltz is just a dance. What she did means something else and you know it! There were thousands of dance moves she could have done, but she chose one that a very violent gang has popularized. Period!
Report Post »canadianlady
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:52pmI agree with you. I think it also cheapens the event.
Report Post »snidelywhiplash
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:59amLike many things, the Crip Walk took on a life of its own divorced from the original meaning and intent. IT’S…JUST…A….DANCE STEP.
Report Post »Stark Industries
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:11pm…. and a clenched fist in the air is a salute to all of us at home to ‘fight the power’. Jeez. Where has all the elegance and tridition in sport gone? ~ Stark
Report Post »IAMMADDOG
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 2:03pmIts converse not conversate also conversing not converating.
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