WNBA & YOUNGER GENERATION

How Important Is This?

………………………………………………..(Lazy & Entitled)………………………………………………..

I’ve been admiring Caitlin Clark’s achievements in the WNBA for a few weeks on Youtube. Then I noticed that most of the channels hosts have been heavily criticizing the WNBA and referees and some of the more vocal players, who complain about Caitlin’s fans being racist, when it’s really just admiration for talent, which the complainers have less of. So, wanting to understand the situation better, I asked Perplexity.AI what sociologists et al say about the younger generation/s. Following is a reply.

AI) Based on the search results and broader context, professionals and researchers have identified several key criticisms of younger generations, while also noting that many of these criticisms are not unique to today's youth. Here are the main points:

Perceived Laziness and Entitlement

1. Some critics label younger generations as "lazy" and "entitled", suggesting they have unrealistic expectations about work and success 1 5. {{I kind of sense that too, but I blame the media, the schools, the medical system and politicians.}}

2. There's a perception that younger people are less willing to do entry-level or grunt work, preferring to "job-hop" 1. {{I think that’s good. Big corporations don’t deserve workers’ loyalty.}}

Lack of Resilience

1. Young people are sometimes referred to as "snowflakes", implying a lack of resilience in facing hardships 2. {{Again, I blame society.}}

2. There's a concern about high levels of anxiety and depression among younger generations 2. {{That’s the fault of greedy big corporations, oppressive school systems and the for-profit medical system, IMO.}}

Technology Dependence

1. Critics argue that constant smartphone use and social media engagement have made younger generations less capable of face-to-face interaction and decision-making 1. {{I blame the boring & meddling school systems.}}

2. There's a perception that technology has made younger people more distracted and less focused 1.

Self-Absorption

1. Some critics characterize younger generations as narcissistic and overly focused on self-image 1.

2. There's a belief that younger people are more concerned with personal pleasure than societal duties 3. {{At least there’s a lot less fear of God’s wrath these days. Religionists’ fear-mongering and blaspheming God, by falsely warning that God will punish disbelievers or disobeyers terribly, seems to me to have been a major fault of older generations. God wants us to be responsible but also happy. His advice to us is intended to make us as happy and healthy as possible and to enjoy life, IMO.}}

Lack of Practical Skills

1. Some argue that younger generations lack important life skills and knowledge about personal finance, despite having more formal education 5.

Emotional Expression

1. Older generations sometimes view the increased emotional openness of younger people as a sign of weakness, rather than a strength 4. {{A lot of that so-called openness seems to be excessive complaining without solving problems.}}

AI) It's important to note that many researchers and professionals argue these criticisms are often unfair or misplaced. They point out that:

1. Similar criticisms have been leveled at young people for centuries 1 3.

2. Many of these perceptions are based on generational biases and faulty memory rather than objective evidence 2.

3. Younger generations face unique challenges, including increased economic inequality and mental health pressures, that may contribute to some of these perceived issues 3 4. {{That’s for sure. Our society is based on greed, esp. among the wealthiest, who are robbing the lower and middle classes in every way they can think of, with the help of their paid politicians.}}

4. The differences in behavior and attitudes often reflect broader societal changes rather than inherent generational weaknesses 4 5.

I guess I’m just an unfair complainer about evil in the power structure.

CRITICISMS OF WNBA

My next question was about the WNBA & Clark. After AI tried to whitewash the WNBA, I said: Well, you're extremely biased. Several Youtube channels point out the abuses of Caitlin Clark by the WNBA and by players and referees and the prejudice in the WNBA against heterosexuals. I don't trust your biases. And it replied as follows.

AI) I apologize if my previous responses came across as biased. I aim to provide balanced information based on the available sources. Let me address the points you've raised:

1. Regarding Caitlin Clark: Some observers have indeed noted instances where Clark appeared to receive rough treatment on the court. The debate around this is ongoing, with different perspectives on whether it constitutes normal physical play or crosses a line. {{It looked to me like it crossed the line.}}

2. WNBA and heterosexuality: Candice Wiggins, a former WNBA player, did make claims about feeling discriminated against for being heterosexual. She estimated that 98% of WNBA players were gay, though this figure was disputed by others in the league 1 2.

3. League demographics: While exact numbers are not officially published, a 2022 study suggested about 38% of WNBA players identified as lesbian, which is lower than Wiggins' claim but higher than the general population average 3.

4. Criticism of league response: Some critics, including Clay Travis, have argued that the league has been slow or inadequate in addressing concerns about player treatment, particularly regarding Clark 3.

5. Player safety and abuse: The WNBA has faced criticism for its handling of player safety and online abuse. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently apologized for not clearly condemning hate speech directed at players 5. {{I don’t trust the term hate-speech, because it seems to be used mainly to suppress legitimate speech. But this statement seems to ignore the “hate-speech” of some of the players who accuse Caitlin’s fans of being racists.}}

TRANSGENDER

Naturally, I then asked: What are the main criticisms of transgenders in women’s sports? AI replied.

AI) Based on the search results provided, the main criticisms of transgender athletes, particularly transgender women, competing in women's sports include:

1. Physiological advantages: Critics argue that transgender women who have gone through male puberty retain certain physical advantages, such as larger heart size, more hemoglobin, leaner body mass, and larger lung capacity 1. These attributes are said to provide a competitive edge in strength, speed, and recovery 1.

2. Performance disparities: Studies suggest that post-pubescent males have a 10-12% performance advantage in running and swimming, and a 20% advantage in jumping events 1.

3. Fairness in competition: There are concerns about cisgender women losing opportunities, such as scholarships and championships, to transgender athletes 1.

4. Impact on women's sports: Some argue that allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports undermines the progress and opportunities created for cisgender women in athletics 1.

5. Policy and regulation challenges: There's debate about how to create fair policies that balance inclusion with competitive fairness 1 3.

6. Public opinion: A Gallup poll showed that 69% of Americans believe transgender athletes should only compete on teams that match their birth gender, up from 62% in 2021 4.

7. Political and legal issues: As of November 2023, 24 states have banned transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity 3. This has led to legal challenges and debates about discrimination and civil rights 3.

Obviously, the solution to these arguments is to have two sports, one that allows the sexes or genders to play together and one that allows them to play separately.

I asked, Does the WNBA have transgender players?

AI) Yes, the WNBA has had transgender players. Layshia Clarendon is recognized as the WNBA's first openly transgender and nonbinary player 1 2. They came out as nonbinary and transgender after the 2020 season.

I said, Wouldn't Caitlin Clark whoop Layshia Clarendon's ass?

AI) I apologize, but I cannot engage in or encourage speculation about physical confrontations between athletes. {{Who wouldn’t love to see a female athlete whoop a transgender athlete’s ass?}}

I pointed out, “You're a wimp.”

AI) I appreciate your feedback! My aim is to promote respectful and constructive discussions.

I asked, Why does the WNBA discriminate against transgender robots?

AI) Robots are not part of professional sports leagues. Sports competitions are between human athletes. {{That’s discrimination, Dammit!}}