Ja'han Jones is The ReidOut Blog writer. He's a futurist and multimedia producer focused on culture and politics. His previous projects include 'Black Hair Defined' and the 'Black Obituary Project.'
Years after appearing to turn a cold shoulder to politically conscious commentary on its networks,
’s power players on-air are steeped in hypermasculine politics. That was clear in two unhinged outbursts from the network’s top cash cows on Monday: Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee. McAfee is reportedly one of the top earners at the network where he works. And Smith, who makes less but also has a large contract with
set to expire this year, seems to be angling for a new one that will break the bank. These things explain why both men are incredibly comfortable using their platforms to spread controversial opinions without fear of serious consequences. . On Tuesday, both men took the already-cringeworthy commentary surrounding WNBA star Caitlin Clark to new lows.
may have thought it was leaving politics in the rearview by ridding itself of some hosts and other talent known for their political consciousness. But with remaining talent like Smith and McAfee absorbing the limelight, the network’s politics seem to have shifted to become more hypermasculine, hard-nosed and blustery. And sure, that combo may produce viral moments that keep
in the public discourse. But it also risks portraying the network as a harbor for misogyny.
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