The notion that sport is a unifying factor that cuts over nationality, class, and race is another prevalent metanarrative. Large-scale athletic events, such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, are presented as occasions for world unity where people put aside their differences in the interest of fair play. But this ignores how nationalism, marketing, and structural injustices may also be used by sports to further polarize society.

These metanarratives influence our perceptions of society and sport. We risk ignoring the structural obstacles that restrict access to sports, such as racial discrimination or economic advantages, if we blindly embrace the meritocracy story. We run the risk of overlooking sport’s function in sustaining nationalism or bolstering power structures if we accept it as a simply unifying force.

Being aware of these assumptions and metanarratives is especially important because of the centrality of sport to our everyday lives, the role that sport plays in shaping our childhood and worldviews, and how it affects how we perceive achievement, identity, and fairness. Sport could continue to be a place of exclusion rather than empowerment if we do not challenge these narratives and run the risk of reiterating injustices. We may advocate for more inclusive and equitable athletic settings by critically analyzing these narratives. By acknowledging the ways in which socioeconomic class, gender, and race affect athletic achievement and access, we can fight against discriminatory practices and promote systemic change. Additionally, we can cultivate more positive relationships with competition, identity, and community by comprehending how sport perpetuates prevailing cultural notions like hypermasculinity, nationalism, or materialism. Sport reflects larger societal ideals and is more than just a game. We may use it as a platform for advancement rather than merely tradition by challenging its narratives.

Protests by athletes have a profound impact, upsetting social norms, igniting national dialogues, and influencing policy changes. Olympic competitors raising their fists in 1968 represented resistance to oppression, while individuals such as Colin Kaepernick raised awareness of racial injustice by kneeling during the playing of the national anthem. Beyond sports, these demonstrations inspire activism by pushing legislators, groups, and supporters to confront structural problems. Critics accuse protesting players of politicizing sports, yet they too encounter criticism. Nevertheless, their deeds show how effective sport can be as a vehicle for change, demonstrating that athletes are not only powerful entertainers but also significant voices in the struggle for justice.

In 2014, before a game in New York, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were seen wearing a shirt that says “I Can’t Breathe” in protest against the death of Eric Garner, a Black man who was killed by a New York police officer after being put in a chokehold. These shirts were worn as activism and advocacy for the Black Lives Matter movement.

For me, feminism entails justice, choice, empowerment and intersectionality. It is the freedom to follow one’s goals without interference from society, the autonomy to make choices regarding one’s own body, and the defiance of cultural standards that have historically restricted people based on their gender. In order to guarantee that everyone, regardless of gender identity, has access to the same rights, privileges, and respect, feminism is about solidarity and group advancement. It involves actively striving for a society free from gender-based discrimination, not merely attaining equality on paper.

An iconic picture that perfectly embodies my conception of feminism is the Rosie the Riveter “We Can Do It” poster. This poster was one of my first introductions to feminism at quite a young age. My father owned an architectural firm, and during the course of his business, hung up on the wall of his office was a giant Rosie poster. I remember being enthralled by it as a young girl, before knowing its true meaning. Once he shut down his business, the poster was placed directly in my hands, is now hung up in my university home and I intend on hanging it on the walls of the many living spaces that will pass me in the future.

The poster, which was first made during World War II to urge women to work while men were away at war, stands for tenacity, fortitude, and the defiance of gender norms. With her rolled-up sleeves and resolute demeanour, Rosie represents a woman’s capacity to carry out jobs that were previously thought to be solely male. Her image supports the feminist view that women are equally valuable and competent in all spheres of society, challenging the idea that they are weak or unable. However, the image of Rosie the Riveter also draws attention to the complexity of feminism. Many women of colour were denied the advantages of working during the war and the subsequent feminist movements, despite the fact that it came to represent women’s liberation. This illustrates how crucial intersectionality is to feminism—making sure that all women, not just those with privilege, are included in campaigning.

Rosie the Riveter is a living example of the feminist values of equality and strength, serving as a reminder that tearing down barriers calls for initiative, fortitude, and a united front in the struggle for justice. Feminism is about changing society for everyone, not simply about empowering individuals.