In an era where many believe racism has been eradicated in America, recent events remind us that prejudice still exists. After the election of a Black president, some thought the nation had made significant strides towards unity and acceptance. However, the experience of Mia Thompson from Midland, Michigan, tells a different story.
Mia is a standout kicker for the Dow High School football team, currently ranked second in their league with an impressive 8-1 record. This year marked her debut in football, where she has excelled as a placekicker, successfully completing 29 out of 31 extra points in Saginaw League games. This achievement is unmatched by any other player in the league.
As the first female to participate in varsity football in Midland, Mia has embraced the challenge. With a family background in the sport, including two brothers who played for the Chargers, she has demonstrated an unwavering determination to break barriers and embrace new challenges. Her coach commends her talent, stating that she is “the best kicker in the program and one of the best we’ve seen in years.”
In addition to her football commitments, Mia is also dedicated to soccer, participating in two traveling teams and balancing a demanding schedule that leaves her with no days off. Her hard work has paid off, as she earned a partial soccer scholarship to Northwood University, alongside an academic scholarship due to her commendable 3.2 GPA.
Despite her accomplishments, Mia has become a target for racism. During a recent Midland-Dow football game, an Instagram user, Sarah Jenkins, posted a photo of herself with a friend dressed in a gorilla suit, captioning it, “got a pic with Dow’s kicker ;)”. The boy in the suit wore Midland-blue shorts, and while it’s unclear if the intent was to mock Mia, the association of Black individuals with gorillas perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The post gained some traction before being removed, and there has yet to be any disciplinary action taken against those involved.
Mia is a student deserving of recognition for both her academic and athletic achievements. Nevertheless, she faces the ugly reality of racism, which attempts to diminish her success with derogatory stereotypes about intelligence and strength. When Mia joined the football team, she was welcomed as an equal, with her coach emphasizing that she is not just “Mia, the girl kicker,” but “Mia, a valued member of the team.” Mia herself noted that her teammates and the community have been supportive, highlighting the acceptance she has found.
This incident serves as a reminder that racism remains a pervasive issue in America, affecting individuals across various communities. If you still doubt its existence, consider the experience of Mia Thompson.
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In summary, Mia Thompson’s journey as a pioneering female kicker is marred by a recent racist incident that underscores the ongoing issue of racism in America. Despite her remarkable achievements in sports and academics, she faces challenges that serve as a stark reminder of the work still needed to combat prejudice and promote equality.