“White Privilege is Like an Invisible Backpack”: Los Angeles Lakers Star Takes a Strong Stance on Racial Inequality

After two weeks since his alleged homicide, George Floyd’s funeral was held on Tuesday. Racism and police brutality have been existing for a long time, but Floyd’s death captured on live video, triggered everyone. Citizens took to social media to spread awareness about this incident and also stepped out on the streets to protest. Los Angeles Lakers star Kyle Kuzma and many other NBA players also used their platform to voice there opinion.

Despite still being young, he has shown maturity not only on the court but off it too. Ever since the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, he has been constantly tweeting and calling out all the racism that has been prevalent in society. Recently he wrote a feature on Players Tribune, titled “Ain’t No Sticking to Sports,” where he speaks about growing up as biracial.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kuzma says he will not stick to sports

Born to a white mother and an African-American father, Kuzma said he grew up in a racist environment. Right from his school days, he has been at the end of many racial slurs.

After initially talking about his childhood, he goes on to explain how racism is ingrained in society. He explains white privilege with an analogy. “White privilege is like an invisible backpack that every white person wears. You can take that backpack off, open it up, and pull out all sorts of shit. Get Out of Jail Free card. Job opportunities. Health benefits. Housing loans.”

He also emphasizes the importance of voting to make changes in society. “We have to vote out people that blindly support spending more on police departments than on healthcare and education. And we also have to vote out the people who aren’t making the change that we want fast enough.” 

He ends the essay by reminding that education is the strongest weapon to beat racism. “The one thing that the white man feared was a black man that had a mind of his own.”

The Los Angeles Lakers will be back in action from 31st July. LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be carrying their charge into the playoffs but Kuzma’s contribution of the bench will be key. So far he has had a decent season, averaging 12.5 points per game at 43% shooting. If he is able to deliver consistently, the title is theirs to lose.