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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).
| The keyword that I chose is Misogynoir. Misogynoir is a term coined by feminist scholar Moya Bailey to describe the unique form of misogyny that targets explicitly Black women, combining racism and sexism. This form of discrimination is rooted in historical stereotypes and societal biases that devalue and hypersexualize Black women while erasing their individuality and humanity. Misogynoir manifests in numerous ways, including negative portrayals in media, workplace discrimination, and disproportionate violence against Black women. It affects perceptions of beauty, social worth, and professionalism, reinforcing systemic oppression. Thus, recognizing misogynoir is essential to addressing intersectional discrimination and advocating for the rights and dignity of Black women.
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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 underscores the racial bias that essentializes Black individuals, correlating their achievements to inherent traits instead of individual skill and effort. This frequently occurs in sports, where Black athletes such as Serena Williams or Micheal Jordan are stereotyped as “naturally gifted” and “naturally talented”, contrasting the narrative of “hard work” often applied to white athletes, downplaying athletes of colour. Thus, as a BIPOC biracial woman, reflecting on my positionality allows me to acknowledge how implicit biases shape my own perceptions while reinforcing harmful generalizations that I may experience or unknowingly perpetuate, underscoring the need for critical self-awareness and the acknowledgment of persistent struggles.
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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 resisting misogynoir, emphasizing the need to challenge intersecting systems of oppression and promote nuanced representation. One crucial strategy is amplifying the voices and experiences of Black women and women of colour in media and cultural discourse. This includes advocating for diverse storytelling without stereotypes or caricatures, particularly in sports and other public domains. The authors convey the importance of creating spaces for Black women to speak for themselves, empowering them to reclaim historically distorted or erased narratives. Furthermore, they call for intersectional advocacy that addresses how racism, sexism, and colourism converge to shape experiences uniquely for Black women and women of colour. Therefore, by focusing on solidarity across racial and gendered lines, this method defies the discriminatory hierarchies perpetuated by media portrayals. Likewise, another fundamental strategy involves disrupting the racial hierarchies reinforced by media and societal norms, such as the privileging of lighter-skinned individuals or specific cultural traits. This requires holding media institutions accountable for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and demanding equitable representation. In addition, the authors imply the importance of media literacy as this allows audiences to identify and challenge these biases embedded in cultural narratives. This means educating the public about how misogynoir functions and encouraging collective action to dismantle these oppressive structures. Thus, these strategies seek to uphold the agency, dignity, and complexity of Black women and women of colour, defying the dehumanizing effects of misogynoir. |
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.
Athletes have a unique platform that reaches millions, frequently transcending traditional barriers of race, class, and geography, placing them in a powerful position to advocate for social change. Their influence stems from their visibility and cultural significance, making their voices impactful in drawing attention to injustices and inspiring action. This is evident when examining monumental sports figures such as Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, and Colin Kaepernick as they exemplify the transformative potential that athletes possess as they use their status to challenge inequality, whether it’s related to race, gender, or other forms of oppression. However, the responsibility to engage in activism depends on personal choice and readiness, as public advocacy can provoke backlash or jeopardize their careers. Athletes should feel empowered, not obligated, to engage, ensuring their actions are authentic instead of performative. In addition, the structural inequities that allow social issues to prevail demand collective effort beyond individual activism. Therefore, athletes can complement systemic change by amplifying marginalized voices and partnering with grassroots organizations, but they should not be seen as sole agents of change. Ultimately, while athletes can make substantial contributions, society as a whole shares the responsibility for social change. Thus, their advocacy should be celebrated when undertaken, but they should not be pressured into roles they may not be prepared to fulfill, resulting in a balance that acknowledges their potential impact while respecting their autonomy.
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 urge feminist sports media scholars to challenge how mainstream sports journalism privileges neoliberal feminist concerns by telling stories differently. This means disrupting dominant narratives that reinforce masculinist definitions of sports while prioritizing intersectional and structural critiques. They advocate expanding the understanding of sports media beyond mainstream outlets, emphasizing the voices of marginalized communities, particularly women of colour, whose contributions to athlete activism are frequently overlooked. By shifting focus away from neoliberal feminist narratives that center on individual empowerment and inclusion, they call for a more critical examination of systemic inequalities in sports media. The goal is to create ethically accountable, politically transformative storytelling that challenges existing power structures, generates inclusivity, and redefines the discourse surrounding feminism and activism in sports.
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C) Corporate social justice
Exercise 6: Padlet Poll
| I passionately believe that sports leagues have a responsibility to support social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter. As mentioned in the article, the stark contrast between the NBA and the NFL in their approach to athlete activism underscores these leagues’ crucial role in advancing justice and equality. The NBA has set a strong example by actively empowering its players to use their platforms for advocacy. The article underscores how, whether through messages on jerseys, on-court symbols, or league-sponsored media campaigns, the NBA has shown that activism is encouraged and embraced. This commitment reinforces the league’s identity as a player-driven organization that acknowledges its athletes as more than just entertainers; they are individuals with voices, experiences, and a duty to speak out against injustice. By promoting this culture, the NBA has demonstrated that institutional support strengthens a league’s brand and connection to fans. Conversely, the article points out that the NFL has struggled to support player activism authentically. Its initial rejection of Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest against police brutality remains a blatant example of its hesitance to stand behind its athletes when it matters most. Though the league has since attempted to acknowledge racial injustice, as the article suggests, its efforts frequently feel reactionary, more like damage control than a genuine commitment to change. The NFL’s reluctance to fully embrace player advocacy suggests that corporate interests still precede its athletes’ and fans’ urgent calls for justice. As the article conveys, sports leagues exert immense influence as they shape culture, inspire millions, and set precedents for public discourse. If their commitment to social justice is to be meaningful, they must move beyond symbolic gestures. The NBA’s integration of activism into its brand is commendable, but lasting impact requires ongoing accountability and tangible structural changes. The NFL, in particular, must bridge the gap between its commercial priorities and its moral responsibility as a cultural institution. Ultimately, as the article emphasizes, sports are more than just games; they are a reflection of society. How these leagues respond to movements such as Black Lives Matter sends a powerful message to athletes and fans alike. It determines whether voices calling for justice are uplifted or silenced, whether equity is genuinely pursued or merely tolerated. The question is no longer whether sports leagues should take a stand; it is how willing they are to stand firmly, consistently, and unapologetically in the fight for justice.
Reply to Classmate: Hi! You mentioned some critical points; I really appreciate your perspective and insights on this topic. I agree with your points about sports leagues’ responsibility regarding the Black Lives Matter movement. You made a great point about how these leagues have a massive platform and influence, which allows them to bring attention to racial inequality and social justice issues. As you mentioned, sports attract such a broad audience that their ability to influence public perception and start meaningful conversations is incredibly powerful. As well, I agree with your point regarding how leagues need to go beyond solely making statements of support and taking meaningful action. This could include implementing policies that promote inclusivity, supporting players who use their voices for change, and investing in community programs that address racial inequality. Since these organizations have long benefited from Black athletes, they have a duty to address systemic racism and advocate for real progress, not just within their leagues but in society as a whole. This causes me to wonder, what do you think is the most crucial step leagues should take to create lasting change? |
Section Three: Taking a shot
Module Assignment (submit as part of notebook and separately through Blackboard mini assignment #1 portal)
The film Rise (2022) tells the inspiring story of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who grew up as a stateless Nigerian immigrant in Greece before reaching NBA stardom. Beyond being a sports biopic, the film underscores issues of race, nationality, and systemic barriers, positioning Giannis as an implicit activist. His success forces a conversation regarding inclusion and identity, aligning with Yair Galily’s (2019) analysis in “Shut Up and Dribble: Athletes Activism in the Age of Twittersphere”, which examines how athletes challenge social inequalities despite pressure to remain silent. Athletes utilize different forms of activism, varying from direct political statements to more symbolic approaches. Unlike LeBron James, who actively voices his stance on racial injustice via social media, as Galily (2019) conveyed, Rise (2022) portrays Giannis’s activism as rooted in representation rather than protest. His presence as a successful Black immigrant in European sports disrupts conventional narratives. Additionally, his struggle for Greek citizenship underscores the racial and bureaucratic challenges faced by African immigrants, reinforcing Galily’s (2019) assertion that sports reflect existing societal inequalities. The film discusses whether athletes should use their platforms for activism, similar to the “shut up and dribble” controversy. LeBron has been vocal in rejecting the expectation that athletes should remain silent on political matters, stating, “We will definitely not shut up and dribble” (Galily, 2019). While Giannis does not engage in direct political discourse, his success still sparks discussions about race and immigration. As Galily (2019) argues, regardless of whether athletes deliberately speak out, their influence inevitably shapes public and political dialogue. The film accentuates the intersection of race and nationality, emphasizing how Giannis’s lack of legal status in Greece mirrors broader struggles faced by Black immigrants in Europe. Dissimilar to LeBron, whose activism is largely shaped by his experience as a Black American, Giannis’s challenges are tied to issues of statelessness and exclusion from national identity. Galily (2019) discusses how racialized athletes are often expected to conform to dominant societal expectations, making their activism particularly scrutinized. Rise (2022) presents Giannis as someone whose success forces reluctant recognition, reflecting how sports can simultaneously marginalize and elevate racial minorities. By telling Giannis’s story, Rise (2022) challenges the idea that sports are separate from politics. The film stresses that talent alone is not always enough, as racialized athletes frequently face structural barriers that white athletes do not. This supports Galily’s (2019) argument that sports reinforce and challenge social hierarchies. While LeBron actively leverages his societal influence to bring awareness to social injustice, Giannis’s success serves as an indirect form of activism, reshaping public narratives about race, immigration, and national belonging. In summary, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey in Rise (2022) highlights a powerful, though less explicit, form of activism, one rooted in breaking barriers and redefining inclusion. While LeBron confronts social issues head-on, Giannis’s story forces a nation that once marginalized him to celebrate his achievements. Thus, these cases reinforce Galily’s (2019) claim that sports are inherently political, whether through vocal resistance or quiet perseverance. Therefore, in numerous ways, athletes reshape public discourse and challenge societal norms, proving that activism in sports extends beyond traditional protests.
References
Omotoso, A. (Director). (2022, June 24). Rise. Disney+ .
Yair Galily, “‘Shut up and Dribble!’? Athletes Activism in the Age of Twittersphere: The Case of LeBron James.” Technology in Society 58 (2019): 101109-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.01.002.
