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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).
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Intersectionality This term describes how aspects of a person such as gender, race, sexual orientation and more overlap to almost define how a person is treated. People who do not fall into the “norms” of gender, race and sexual orientation often face discrimination and are othered in the sports world. This demonstrates that inequities in sport are greater for those who do not fit societal “norms” in multiple ways. Stereotypes and varying dress codes across gender and race are just some of the many ways people who do not fit these said “norms” are discriminated against and othered in sport.
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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.
| People of colour and white people are unfortunately perceived differently in sport. The example provided talks about how Michael Phelps’ talent for swimming was credited to his role models, yet Usain Bolt’s remarkable speed was somehow viewed as an unfair genetic advantage. Internalized racist views, without the intent to discriminate, may be why society is seemingly happy for a white man to succeed, but defensive when a black man breaks a record.
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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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The article describes the importance of taking control of the narrative about oneself as an athlete. By using media platforms an athlete can express themselves and portray their identity through the media. The article mentions that the way we label “blackness” needs to change, emphasizing the need to make the term more inclusive, identifying the person by the specific heritage they identify with rather than blackness as a whole. The media has a way of exhibiting racist views, an example of this could be the whitened animation representation of Osaka, or how Serena Williams was represented as unreasonably angry. For women of colour it becomes much harder to control the narratives because societal views let misogynistic and racial views combine to work against the person, however if these women use their platforms to express themselves they can gain support rather than judgement.
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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.
Athlete’s, just like any person who has a large social media following or television presence, have a greater ability to spread a message to more people. I believe athlete’s should use their platforms to advocate for change and promote kindness. Athlete’s would be able to fund more money than the average person for affordable sports for kids or cancer research because of the amount of people viewing their social media posts or television interviews and so on. Athletes can better generate awareness about world issues than people with a smaller following. While I believe athletes have a greater ability to spread messages which comes with the responsibility to do so, I believe everyone has a responsibility to spread awareness even if that means reposting something posted by an athlete so it reaches more people.
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.)
| Mainstream sports journalism prioritizes male activism. An example of this described in the article was the narrative that women in the WNBA were simply responding to Kaepernick’s kneeling during the anthem and not protesting anything themselves. Men are given more media attention in the sports world, with television broadcasting and media stories of sports being mostly about men in sports.
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C) Corporate social justice
Exercise 6: Padlet Poll
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In favor Sports leagues, in my opinion, do have the responsibility to support social justice movements. The sports leagues have television broadcasting and many viewers, therefore their actions can influence many and effectively spread awareness. Not only are these platforms reaching a large audience but a varying audience in age, race and so much more. People watching these sports leagues’ games may be unaware of the severity of the issues until they are addressed on live television. Athletes can be influential as they are role models to many individuals, their actions speak volumes. Coaches and sports announcers also have an influence, people generally trust their judgement on sports and therefore may be inclined to listen to them on social justice matters as well. Sports leagues have the ability to make a difference, so I believe the responsibility to promote positive change goes with that ability. In my opinion we all have responsibilities in advocating for what’s right and sports leagues should use their large range of viewers to spread awareness and promote change. My response: Hey, I appreciate your response. I love that you talked about the diverse range of people viewing these sports league games, I think that is an important point because viewers will vary in their knowledge about social justice issues. I like how you explained why you believe it is the league’ responsibility over the individual athletes, but you pride those individuals who do speak up.
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Section Three: Taking a shot
Module Assignment (submit as part of notebook and separately through Blackboard mini assignment #1 portal)
