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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).

 

Answer: The concept of intersectionality holds that a person’s experiences in life are influenced by and connected to several aspects of their identity, such as their sexual orientation, gender, race, or class. It implies that a person may experience several types of privilege or discrimination concurrently. In the realm of athletics, for instance, a female athlete of colour may face obstacles due to both her ethnicity and gender. Understanding intersectionality enables us to see that prejudice is influenced by a variety of factors that influence how individuals are treated rather than being only based on one element.

 

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.

While white sportsmen are commended for their diligence and hard work, black players are frequently thought to be born with talent. LeBron James, for instance, is frequently referred to as “naturally athletic,” but Larry Bird was commended for both his ability and intellectual improvement. This misconception disregards the work and preparation required for success. Personally, I’ve observed that although white athletes are more frequently depicted as strategic or disciplined, when Black athletes achieve success, people occasionally credit it to heredity rather than years of arduous effort. This kind of thinking may be detrimental since it reduces individuals to racial stereotypes rather than acknowledging their unique abilities and commitment.

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?

The explanation of black vs white players’ success in sports is obviously biased. People frequently believe that a black athlete’s success is hereditary, but white sportsmen are commended for their training, strategy, and hard work. For instance, Michael Phelps’ swimming accomplishments were ascribed to his commitment and coaching, whereas Usain Bolt’s speed was often ascribed to hereditary causes. In addition to ignoring the difficulties Black athletes may have, such as uneven access to resources and training, this biased narrative downplays their work and talent.

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 feel like this question is contraversial because there sometimes is a deeper look into whether or not they should or not. They are not obligated to but I do feel like athletes should. Aside from their success and their skills, many athletes have huge fan bases who support them tremendously. This support leads to loyalty, which also creates a huge sense of influence. An example we can look at is Lebron James, who uses his platform to advocate for social justice issues that he agrees with. Still, with his fan base, people still stay loyal and he still stays as one of the biggest athletes in history! The smallest, single post can create huge influence and awareness and with the several issues going on in the world, it should hopefully be easy to do! They can use their platforms for good and stick with their beliefs.

 

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.)

The writers believe that individual accomplishments and pay equity should no longer be the only emphasis of mainstream sports media. Rather, they advocate for a more comprehensive, intersectional strategy that emphasizes the activism of disadvantaged athletes and women of colour, focusing on group efforts and more basic social justice concerns like gender inequity and racism.

C) Corporate social justice 

Exercise 6: Padlet Poll

Read this story by Ramsey Khabbaz contrasting the NFL stance on athlete activism with that of the NBA, especially in regards to BLM. Do sports leagues hold when it comes to BLM? Please respond to the padlet poll and record a brief rationale for your answer there in the space below. Remember to respond collegially to a classmate’s point (you may need to circle back at a later time if you are one of the first to post).
Since sports leagues are powerful organizations with a worldwide following, it is their duty to promote social justice movements like BLM. Instead of remaining neutral, they should speak out against racial injustice since they make money off the hard work and skill of athletes, many of whom are minorities. While the NFL first denounced kneeling during the playing of the national anthem before changing its position, the NBA, for instance, has been more receptive to player activism, permitting demonstrations and statements on jerseys. Although some contend that sports shouldn’t be involved in politics, leagues have traditionally contributed to social progress, and their backing may help raise awareness of significant issues.

Section Three: Taking a shot

Module Assignment (submit as part of notebook and separately through Blackboard mini assignment #1 portal)

 

License

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This work (Gender, Sport, and Social Justice by Kelly McGuire) is free of known copyright restrictions.

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