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Section One: The Fundamentals
A) Keywords
Exercise 1:
Briefly (in 100 words or less) define one of the keywords in the padlet (including one that you. may have added yourself).
| Misogynoir derives from both the word misogyny and the French word “noir” meaning black. This word especially means the anti-black sexism that black women face. This discrimination is often a different experience than the sexism and misogyny white women face. The behaviour is also different than the racism black men experience. This is more misogynist behaviour that is based on harmful anti-black and racist stereotypes. The word better reflects the experience that black women face and combines both misogyny and racism.
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B) Representing Race
Exercise 2: Notebook Prompt
In about 50-70 words, consider Joel Bervell’s question: why do we feel the need to extrapolate the athleticism of one Black athlete to all Black people when we do not do the same for white athletes?
Try to think of examples when this happens, making sure to reflect on your own positionality.
| Joel Bervell expresses that society has a habit of stereotyping all black people are athletic when there are very successful black athletes. When there is a successful white athlete, it is not a generalized idea that all white people are athletic, it is just an understanding that that particular person is a talented athlete. It is often stereotyped that black athletes are “naturally gifted”, and when society sees the success of a black athlete there is often an idea that their achievement is based on genetics. Serena Williams is an extremely talented athlete who has worked hard for her success and achievement. However, it is often discussed in media that her strength and power are the result of being a black woman. This narrative is never discussed with another famous tennis player who is white – like Maria Sharapova – the narrative behind her success always comes down to her being “hard-working”.
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C) Gender, Race & Sport
Exercise 3: Notebook Prompt
What are some strategies for resistance that Rajack and Joseph identify in their article as a means of pushing back against and resisting misogynoir?
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Section Two: Making Connections
A) Athlete Activism
Exercise 3: Padlet Prompt
Do athletes have a responsibility to use their platform for social change? Why or why not? Please remember to record your response in both the padlet below and in your Notebook.
I don’t necessarily think athletes have a responsibility to use their platform for social change, but they are in an influential position where they can make change happen. Athletes reach a large number of people with their presence. Athletes like Muhammed Ali have proved how social change can be seen through athletes’ platforms. We continue to see political statements that challenge the public and influence public change from athletes like Serena Williams who continues to fight for equality and diversity in sports. With Colin Kaepernick, we saw an international headline of his choice to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality which led others to do the same. Although athletes have a big influence and can promote change, I do not think it’s necessarily their responsibility to do so. Influencing social change and making a stand is an amazing thing but at the end of the day, it is a personal choice whether they do so or not. People may have other beliefs and opinions on something, whether right or wrong, they should not be forced to speak up on something they do not believe in. Political statements also put a large target on someone’s back and national and international attention that the athlete might not be comfortable with. Certain statements can even put their career at risk, something they have worked their whole lives for. At the end of the day, athletes should not feel obligated to participate in activism and promote social change, but it is a great thing they can do.
B) Athlete Activism & Feminism
Exercise 4: Complete the activities
Exercise 5: Notebook Prompt
What do the authors of the article call for as a way of challenging how mainstream sports journalism privileges neoliberal feminist concerns? (100 words max.)
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C) Corporate social justice
Exercise 6: Padlet Poll
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Section Three: Taking a shot
Module Assignment (submit as part of notebook and separately through Blackboard mini assignment #1 portal)
The Hate U Give:
In this movie, Khalil Harris is unrightfully killed by police due to racial profiling which sparks both community and national uprisings leading to protests against law enforcement. The character of Khalil was not an athlete but the teen protagonist of the film, Starr, was a basketball player. She leads multiple protests in Khalil’s name after witnessing his death firsthand. These acts of social justice led to a professional (fictional) NBA player kneeling during the national anthem, likely inspired by the real-life protests that took place against police brutality where professional athletes kneeled during the anthem. This point in the film demonstrates how athletes, especially professionals, often protest in a peaceful more subtle way that still sends a message to the public. Some athletes may choose to kneel during an anthem, or they may add something to their uniform or outfits, like when NHL player, Travis Dermott, continued using pride tape after it was banned. Many people argue that protesting and politics should be separate from sports creating a lot of backlash towards athletes when they speak out. However, professional athletes have a huge platform where social justice acts from them can spark real movements. Athletes are expected to be entertainers, especially black male athletes, and when speaking up they often face consequences and scrutiny. Female black athletes face even more scrutiny when they speak out, which was seen with both Serena Williams and Noami Osaka who faced levels of sexist and racist backlash when speaking on race and equality as well as mental health. Some athletes argue that just existing is social justice within itself debating that politics coincide with sports. Meghan Rapinoe argues that being on a women’s team is a walking protest alone as some people are still against women being involved in sports. However, professional athletes have a huge platform where social justice acts from them can spark real movements.
