The historical plight of Indigenous Americans, the brutal enslavement of Black individuals, and the ongoing mistreatment of Asians highlight a persistent theme of oppression that spans centuries. Despite these struggles, there are calls to “build a wall,” illustrating a troubling disconnect. Various marginalized communities have faced their unique challenges, yet the enduring specter of misogyny remains a constant thread throughout history. Recent events, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the removal of Affirmative Action, and the backlash against the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) after their World Cup defeat signal a disturbing trend that may place white women in the crosshairs of societal ire.

“Avoid blaming the messenger here. The current iteration of the #USWNT has become a divisive topic. Their political statements, social causes, and behavior have alienated a significant portion of the American audience. This team has built its reputation on excellence and victory; however, if they fail to maintain that, they risk fading into obscurity,” tweeted Alexi Lalas, a prominent figure in American soccer — and a white male — following the USWNT’s defeat against Sweden in the World Cup.

“If we exclude the game against Thailand, she has only scored two goals in the last 17 matches in the World Cup. This is the striker who is expected to be the most dynamic player on the field, yet she has not found the back of the net since the mid-2010s at the national level. And yet, it’s still Alex Morgan. She’s designated as the next big star. We need to stop propping her up and pretending she’s something she’s not — a superstar. The truth is, she has never truly been a superstar,” asserted American sports columnist — and white male — Bill Simmons.

“Then there’s Megan Rapinoe, who at 37 years old is undeniably a legendary figure in soccer. Yet, when athletes reach their late 30s, their performance typically declines. She appeared to be a shadow of her former self during the last 25 minutes of the match and even missed a crucial penalty kick,” he further noted.

This is the public narrative surrounding your most talented female athletes, white women. Just imagine the conversations happening behind closed doors.

The concept of “sisterhood” feels like an illusion in a moment like this. Two main factors contribute to this: the pervasive nature of misogyny and the complicity of its victims in upholding it. Historically, white women have not consistently supported each other. The 2016 presidential election serves as a stark reminder of this reality. The aftermath, along with the criticism directed at one of the nation’s most successful sports teams, underscores the deep entanglement of sports and politics. White women, take heed; there’s a target on your backs.

The groundbreaking achievements of the “99ers” shattered the glass ceiling for women in sports. However, the “53 Percent” are the reason the 2023 United States Women’s National Soccer Team is suffering from the fallout.

The consequences of Donald Trump’s presidency are multifaceted, extending beyond his impeachment — which occurred twice — or the events in Charlottesville during his term. The narrative isn’t solely about the numerous allegations of sexual harassment and assault or his ongoing conflicts with the NFL. Rather, his legacy is defined by the incitement of the January 6 events and his appointments of Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, aimed at dismantling decades of progress.

There’s a reason Barrett was the only (white) woman on the bench who supported the termination of Affirmative Action while having benefited from it throughout her life.

Skeptical? Consider this:

“While individuals from marginalized communities have gained from affirmative action over the years, data indicates that women — particularly white women — have reaped the lion’s share of these benefits. A 1995 study revealed that 6 million women, mostly white, held jobs they would not have otherwise obtained were it not for affirmative action.”

TIME Magazine (2013) – “Affirmative Action Has Helped White Women More Than Anyone”

“Although affirmative action is often viewed as a tool for combating discrimination against people of color, studies indicate that the most significant beneficiaries of these policies are white women. Over the years, white women have seen increased educational attainment and a larger presence in the workforce, thanks to affirmative action initiatives. They have also made strides in corporate leadership roles that remain elusive for women of color and other marginalized groups.

USA TODAY (2023) – “White women benefit most from affirmative action. So why do they oppose it?”

“I hypothesize that white women benefit from affirmative action because, ultimately, when white women succeed, it often translates to advantages for white men as well. White women are typically connected to white men as partners, daughters, and sisters, placing them within their social circles. It has primarily been white men who have made the decisions to implement affirmative action. When hiring, who are you most inclined to choose? Typically, it’s someone who resembles you and shares your interests.”

Politico (2023) – “What Women Have Gained From Affirmative Action”

Those iconic pink hats failed to shield white women after they marched to protest Trump’s election. Similarly, their closeness to white men has not offered protection against misogyny or shielded them from future harm — a hard lesson that Rapinoe has acknowledged in her journey.

“In the days following my kneeling in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, I came to realize I had misjudged the situation,” she expressed in her memoir, One Life. “There exists a unique form of bewildered outrage that white people reserve for fellow whites they perceive as ‘betraying’ their race.”

Racism and hate are woven into the very fabric of what America represents. In this country, soccer—the world’s most beloved sport—remains labeled a “white sport.” This is reflected in the stereotype of the Caucasian woman with children commonly referred to as a “soccer mom.”

Nevertheless, many were still taken aback, disheartened, or confused by the reactions of white men celebrating the defeat of a team comprising outspoken white women who dared to take a stand, as if they had “forgotten their place.” This event transcended mere sports; it illustrates the intricate interplay of politics, race, and culture. More crucially, it serves as a forewarning of the potential fate awaiting white women. Soon enough, they may face backlash similar to that experienced by other marginalized groups, unless the very community that supports, nurtures, and protects white men chooses to take action and hold them accountable — for once.