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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).
| One keyword would be “community.” Community refers to a group of people who share common values, interests, or goals. In the context of Canadian hockey, it shows how sports brings people together, fostering connections among fans, players, and families. Hokey games often serve as social gatherings, strengthening bonds and creating a sense of belonging.
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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’s question points out a stereotype that links one Black athlete’s success to all Black people, while white athletes are viewed separately. For example, when we celebrate someone like Usain Bolt, it can lead to the idea that all Black people are fast, which isn’t fair. This shows how biases work in society. I realize that I need to see each athlete as an individual and not make broad assumptions based on race.
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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?
| Rajack and Joseph identify several strategies for resistance against misogynoir in their article. One key strategy is to amplify the voices of Black women and mixed-race individuals, ensuring their identities are fully acknowledged and celebrated. They also emphasise the importance of challenging stereotypes related to Asian femininity, which can help break down the limitations placed on women in sports. Lasly, promoting inclusive representations in media and advertising that honor the diverse backgrounds of athletes like Naomi Osaka is important.
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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.
Yes, athletes have a responsibility to use their platform for social change. With their influence and large audiences, they can raise awareness about important issues and inspire others to take action. Many athletes come from marginalised communities and can share their experiences to highlight injustices. The sports industry has its own history of social issues, and athletes can challenge these problems by advocating for positive change. While not every athlete may feel comfortable speaking out, those who do can make a significant impact on society and encourage others to engage in activism.
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 authors of the article suggest that to challenge how mainstream sport journalism focuses mainly on neoliberal feminist concerns, there should be a greater emphasis on including a variety of perspectives. They believe that by highlighting different voices and experiences, sports journalism can move beyond the typical narratives that often overlook issues related to class, race and other important factors. This change would help create a more balanced and fair representation in sports media, allowing for a rich discussion about gender and inequality in sports. Overall, they all call for a more inclusive approach to sports journalism.
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C) Corporate social justice
Exercise 6: Padlet Poll
| The story by Ramsey Khabbaz, the contrasting stances of the NFL and NBA on athlete activism, particularly in relation to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, highlight significant differences in how these leagues approach social justice issues. The NBA has generally been more supportive of player activism, allowing athletes to express their views openly and even incorporating BLM messaging into their games. In contrast, the NFL has faced criticism for its initial response to player protests, often appearing to prioritise its brand image over supporting social justice causes. When it comes to BLM, sports leagues hold commitment. The NBA’s proactive stance reflects a willingness to engage with social issues, while the NFL’s mixed response has raised questions about its genuine support for athlete activism.
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Section Three: Taking a shot
Module Assignment (submit as part of notebook and separately through Blackboard mini assignment #1 portal)
