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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).
| Colourblindness
Colourblindness is a concept that is used to describe the disregard and lack of acknowledgement towards certain racial groups within society. When referring colourblindness in sport, this is the dismissal of racial inequalities, awareness and advocacy that is lacking within sport organizations. Although the word colourblindness appears to promote equality, many unseen challenges continue to occur that diminish inclusive play and equity within sport leagues around the world. |
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.
| In my opinion, I believe the tendency to compare black athletes to all black individuals stems from historical stereotypes that continue to linger within institutional structures. These stereotypes often categorize individuals to be more athletic, with no scientific evidence proving this this statement. An example I witnessed first-hand was watching football on TV. Broadcasters unconsciously stereotype black athletes by placing racial bias on their speed and strength. |
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?
| In the article “Misogynoir in Women’s Sport Media: Race, Nation, and Diaspora in the Representation of Naomi Osaka”, Sabrina Razack and Janelle Joseph identify a handful of strategies that support the resistance of misogynoir. In the following text, (Razack & Joseph, 2020) begin by looking closely into athlete’s self-representation. It is pointed out that athletes can actively control their representation by engaging with the media. (Razack & Joseph, 2020) stated that during an event, Naomi Osaka clearly interrupted a court-side journalist to represent her Haitian ancestry. This resistance enhanced her self-awareness and may encourage other athletes to share their identity. Osaka also represented herself through personal images and words on social media platforms (Razack & Joseph, 2020). This amplified her pride and dignity towards racial ethnicity.
Another strategy that resists misogynoir is advocacy. (Razack & Joseph, 2020) mentions that Osaka celebrates her personal ties to Haiti, voicing that she is proud to be from a black racial identity. Using social media channels, Osaka promotes self-respect for her heritage by actively sharing her life. This approach highlights her accomplishments and reduces stigmatization. (Razack & Joseph, 2020) also indicate that similar to Serena Williams, Osaka represents her Haitian heritage through clothing and apparel. Famous African American musician, Pharrell Williams supports Osaka by designing clothes that showcase her ethnicity (Razack & Joseph, 2020). Through collective activism, Osaka is able to stand out and accomplish resistance. References: Razack, S. Joseph, J. (2021). Misogynoir in Women’s Sport Media: Race, Nation, and Diaspora in the Representation of Naomi Osaka. Media, Culture & Society, 43(2), 291-308. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443720960919 |
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.
Response:
In the world of sports, athletes are viewed as role models who have unique platforms that can influence public viewers. From my perspective, athletes do not carry a responsibility to use their platforms to create social change, although their ability to create change is at their discretion.
Like all content creators, athletes have the personal choice to develop content that brings attention to social pressures. Often, athletes experience extensive work hours and family commitments that make for a busy lifestyle. Many athletes also convey different individual values and beliefs that may contradict societal expectations. Although athletes may feel a moral responsibility to advocate for equality, this is not an obligation under any contract as a professional athlete.
Historically, many athletes have played pivotal roles in societal movements regarding race, equality and inclusion. These athletes took it upon themselves to model heroic behaviour that shifted modern day opinions on discrimination. I believe there will be many more influencers that transform the world of sports, although influential activism is a choice.
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.)
| In the article “This Isn’t Just About Us: Articulations of Feminism in Media Narratives of Athlete Activism”, authors Cheryl Cooky and Dunja Antunovic suggest that the narratives can often be used as an advantage to neoliberal feminist concerns, that overlook societal challenges that athletes are addressing. Media coverage needs to take on an inclusive approach to promote the recognition of activism initiated by female athletes. |
C) Corporate social justice
Exercise 6: Padlet Poll
| In my opinion, sports leagues do bear a responsibility to support social movements like Black Lives Matter because of their ability to reach a quantity of people, consisting of a diverse population. In terms of influence, sports leagues can promote global awareness by acknowledging social issues. These leagues can start by advocating for players and teams to spread word regarding complex challenges that occur within society.
Another important element to supporting social movement is the capability of promoting positive change in society. This can be done through community engagement and ensuring proper resources are provided to ensure change is possible. By doing this, sports leagues can influence justice and equality by working together, reflecting on societal values and beliefs and igniting change around the world.
Comment to peer: Hi there, Thanks for sharing your post. I agree with your argument that sports leagues bear a responsibility to support social justice movements like Black Lives Matter. Your comment “By supporting social justice movements, leagues are standing by and supporting their athletes” is so simple, yet profound. The complexity revolving around sports and politics is something that has lingered for decades. Before our time, sports organizations limited their support for certain athletes due to their race and gender. With the ongoing movement to promote inclusivity, sport leagues are doing whatever they can to amplify awareness towards their athletes. It’s crazy how quickly change can occur, but I believe we are moving in the right direction as a society, promoting respect and equality for everyone. Great job! |
Section Three: Taking a shot
Module Assignment (submit as part of notebook and separately through Blackboard mini assignment #1 portal)
The early 2000’s film “Remember the Titans” is a true story centering around the T.C. William Highschool football team in Virginia during the late 1970s. This movie focuses on the social changes and expectations that undergo when head coach Herman Boone brings together a football team consisting of black and white players. The exploration of themes such as race, equality and teamwork are used to leverage and promote an inclusive environment for team success.
In terms of head coach Herman Boone, he begins breaking down racial barriers by demonstrating leadership. For example, Bonne actively communicated racial attitudes to his team, where players learned from one another and confronted personal biases. Boone also roomed players from different races room together, allowing them to build connections. This created an environment where players respected one another and accepted each other’s differences.
Diving into the commentary, the coaches and athletes used their voices to amplify their victories as a team. This was achieved by actively role modelling behaviour and supporting each other. An example of this during the movie is when coach Boone continuously addressed racial discrimination with both the players and community. This commentary led to awareness regarding racialized athletes and the impact it has on communities itself.
Lastly, race and gender play a large role in the representation of characters in this film. Remember the Titans entails racial integration during a time when racial conflict was at an all-time high. In addition to this, there were many prejudices directed towards black teammates which caused forms of discrimination and exclusion in their sport. Although the focus was male dominated, emphasizing traditional gender roles in sport, inequalities still lingered throughout.
In conclusion, this film represents how sports can be viewed as a platform for social change. Coaches, players and the community all serve as advocates, enhancing inclusion and diverse relationships among everyone.
