Shaquille and Kirsten:
I hope Shaquille says "No".
Throughout the season he's said he needs more support from Kirsten, without saying what that support looks like to him.
This is what I believe is the problem:
Kirsten doesn't seem to be aware of how much more difficult it is for Black men to become doctoral candidates. They have to jump through many more hoops than White men or women.
It's just as difficult even if they're getting their doctorate at an HBC - perhaps more difficult - because at an HBC they're competing against other Black men and women for relatively fewer slots.
Kirsten hasn't said or showed that she appreciates Shaq's intelligence, or his struggles as a PhD candidate. Her primary considerations seem to be focused upon whether Shaq will be able to buy her a house, new cars, etc. Kirsten doesn't understand supporting Shaq requires her to attend events relating to his doctoral candidacy, and demonstrating her pride in him for working towards his PhD when at these events. No one at those events will be impressed if she mentions Shaq is going to buy her a house.
Instead, when meeting people at these events, she could say how proud she is in him for making the program his #1 priority, even though that means he's not able to spend as much time with her as he'd like.
I wasn't able to find out Shaq's field of study, but if it's something that will enable him to help other POC, that's something else Kirsten could work into her conversations with others, too.
I honestly believe that's the kind of support Shaq needs and deserves from a wife. But I don't think Kirsten can provide that convincingly, if she isn't genuinely proud of his intelligence and the amount of time and work he's putting into attaining his doctorate.
That's why I hope Shaq says "No".
