Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Did you hear about the Tesla robot that allegedly attacked an engineer, using its sharp metal claws to stab him in the back, leaving a trail of blood? Those cyborgs are gonna be our doom.
Unless automatons on social media kill us first.
Not every idiotic and incendiary comment comes from an insidious bot programmed to stir the slow and simple-minded. We know some of the blather comes from flesh-and-blood humans who operate with machine-like precision. They crank out voluminous takes that lack depth, understanding and intelligence, with speed and efficiency that puts engineering to shame.
For instance, consider the feedback to remarks from a relatively anonymous NFL player, better known for his wife. She’s way more rich and famous, but last week he set the Internet ablaze for believing he’s “the catch” in their relationship.
A New York Post headline summarized the indignation that followed: “Simone Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, thinks he’s more of a catch than the 4-time Olympic champion.”
Owens, a defensive back for the Green Bay Packers, was blistered by folks who think calling him “Mr. Simone Biles” is an insult. They look at her fame and fortune, her 7.1 million followers on Instagram and 1.6 million on X/Twitter and think it means Biles is better because she brings more to the table.
I understand why women might feel some kinda way, traditionally seen through their man’s identity rather than their own. I’m certain there are NFL wives who are successful and accomplished, with a record of great impact in various endeavors. But we hardly ever hear about them, just their athletic husbands who work for the country’s most addictive TV product.
The men who mock Owens for his virtual anonymity compared to Biles’ worldwide renown are sad, like guys whose feelings are hurt…
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