• WNBA rookie Caitlyn Clark hit on side of head, grabs ear, falls to floor. Almost unanimously accused of “flopping,” feigning injury. Then seen to have blood in left ear canal, diagnosed with ruptured eardrum. If this is from q-tip, it will usually heal by itself. But if it is due to blow on head or explosion, it may be associated with traumatic brain injury. Nothing to joke about, even for White, heterosexual rookie.

• Donald Trump suffers assassination attempt, rifle bullet grazes right ear causing blood to run down face. Trump reacts by grabbing ear, ducking promptly. Accused by leftists and so-called “journalists” of faking injury, or even faking whole incident. But chance photo shows bullet streaking toward Trump’s head, and no source of “shrapnel” is found. Nothing to joke about, even for White, conservative politician.

As the subject of a line-of-duty injury that was ignored, I can empathize with Clark and Trump. But this should not be necessary. Anyone with a functioning brain and a beating heart should feel the same.