Why We Shouldn't Cut Ryan Lochte Slack

Since when is a 32 year old man considered a "kid having fun in another country"? I guess when he is a white Olympic gold medalist. Man, let me tell you something about white privilege, it is not some made up term by millennials, it's absolutely real. White privilege is being able to make up a heroic story about getting robbed and people are absolutely okay with it. White privilege is being called a "kid" when caught in a lie, yet 12 and 18 year old black boys can't get justice because they are seen as men in the eyes of police. White privilege is support from the media after causing a huge scandal, but Gabby Douglas has to deal with the media's criticism because she didn't put her hand up for the national anthem. White privilege is calling Lochte's story fabricated or exaggerated instead of holding him accountable for his lie.

Ryan Lochte is a grown man, and let's not down play that. I don't want an apology from Lochte stating that he over-exaggerated a story... I want him to recognize that what he did was absolutely wrong. He had the nerve to paint this picture of Brazilians making it look as if they are thieves and savages; when in actuality he couldn't hold his liquor, committed an act of vandalism and fled the country. He also abandoned his teammates in Rio, and in response all he had to say was "I apologize for not being more careful and candid, it was very immature"... I think what he meant is that he is sorry for not being a good liar, because what he did was illegal. We need to do better and start holding white people accountable for their "immature" actions. No, actually... white people need to do better and start holding other white people accountable for their "immature" actions. I'm so tired of seeing black people's mental health suffer because of white-washed media when white men are defended for doing wrong and embarrassing our country.

All I am saying is that if this was someone else (especially a black athlete), this would be a whole different story. I'm pretty sure their medals and endorsements would've been revoked the second the Olympic officials found out they had lied. Child, I'm currently stirring my drink like Al Roker.


**Update Ryan Lochte has an endorsement with a company that makes crime prevention devices, what a time to be white.