Title: The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Victimhood in Contemporary Sports Discourse

In a recent analysis, the author of *White Tears/Brown Scars* critiques the portrayal of European women as the epitome of femininity and victimhood, particularly in the context of public outrage surrounding boxer Khelif. The author refrains from speculating on Khelif's intentions but highlights the significant backlash she faced, which drew condemnation from notable figures like JK Rowling, Donald Trump, and Giorgia Meloni. Each of these public figures brought their own ideological perspectives, framing Khelif's situation through a lens of gender and race. The discourse surrounding female athletes has evolved, with expectations for them to conform to a narrow standard of femininity. This shift is exemplified by Bulgarian boxer Svetlana Staneva, who, after her loss, made gestures implying a biological definition of womanhood. Staneva's actions, alongside her personal narrative of overcoming cultural challenges in boxing, have sparked discussions about the complexities of gender identity in sports, further complicating the notion of fairness. The author argues that the narrative is not solely about fairness in competition but also reflects deeper racial dynamics. Black and brown women have historically been portrayed as lacking innocence and deserving of less protection, contrasting sharply with the perceived vulnerability of white women. This dichotomy underscores a broader cultural mythology that positions brown and Black men as threats to white women, reinforcing racial stereotypes. Ultimately, the author contends that contemporary culture wars are inextricably linked to race, revealing how Western narratives of superiority shape perceptions of victimhood and threat, thereby perpetuating a cycle of racial and cultural dominance.