In a statement that has sparked much discussion, Whoopi Goldberg said she plans to leave the US because she believes WNBA star Brittney Griner truly represents the struggles faced by special individuals who are being punished, rather than honored, by society.

By making her point during an episode of The View, Goldberg showed that the troubles Griner faced, both abroad and in the United States, represent a widespread problem in our country’s attitude toward people with specific skills and experiences.

Pointing to Griner’s arrest in Russia in 2022 and the resulting exchange of prisoners, Goldberg said it inspired her to speak out. When Brittney, who has sacrificed so much for her sport and her community, faces hostility after what she went through abroad, it speaks to our treatment of those who are a bit different, Goldberg said.

She claimed that having to defend her patriotism and activism before the public after coming home highlights a society that encourages people to behave the same way instead of standing their ground. Goldberg promised that if Fashion decides to leave the US, he would go with her.

People have strong opinions for and against this announcement. Advocates say Goldberg is doing a good job highlighting the issues faced by women, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals like Griner. “We’re not leaving because of two people; we’re showing America what it really believes,” an activist wrote on Twitter.

Some people consider this approach to be little more than a performance. Those who lean to the right argue that Goldberg’s choice goes against popular efforts to make things better, as one op-ed describes it as a comfortable way out of advocating.

Griner has not publicly responded to Goldberg’s pledge so far and has spoken in the past about the emotional strains of her case, including being cut off from society in prison and having a tough return to an opinion-split public space.

According to her 2023 interview, it’s shocking how fast people can treat you badly, just because you’re asking to be seen as a human. The little she has said about what Goldberg said has led many to guess about how much longer she intends to stay in the league and speak up for women.

It points to a clearer feeling that society is searching for better ways to support high-profile individuals like women, people of color and LGBTQ+ people who confront traditional beliefs. Scientists studying psychology say that sometimes, fame places minorities in a disadvantageous position, while airing personal criticisms online.

Dr. Elena Torres points out that those things that make some people stand out—being genuine and tough—are exactly what hate for them in a gossiping society. She uses her declaration to express displeasure with a country that honors its ideas above its actual people.

Despite the fact that these leaders are still uncertain about moving, the talk around them highlights larger fissures. Most younger people are now less confident in institutions because of the ongoing strain of cultural debates. Her rhetoric relates to the theme of alienation by making her view seem part of a global trend.

No matter how you read Goldberg’s statement, it has made people talk a lot about calling people to account, acknowledgment and what being visible in the US means. While the nation deals with these issues, attention is given to if and how society will adjust how it approaches those who behave differently.