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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).
| Underrepresentation: refers to the inadequate or disproportionately low representation of a particular group or demographic within a specific context or environment, compared to their percentage in the general population. This term is often used in discussions about social, political, and economic spheres to highlight groups that are not adequately represented in areas such as media, leadership roles, education, employment, and other fields, potentially due to systemic biases or barriers. Underrepresentation can impact the visibility, opportunities, and resources available to these groups, influencing broader issues of equality and inclusivity.
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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.
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Joel Bervell’s question highlights the problematic nature of racial stereotyping in sports, where the success of Black athletes is often attributed to natural physical attributes rather than individual skill, dedication, or training. This contrasts sharply with how the media often explains the success of white athletes like Michael Phelps, where focus is placed on personal effort, coaching, and strategic advantages. This disparity can be seen as a reflection of broader societal biases that tend to essentialize the abilities of Black individuals, suggesting a biological predisposition to athleticism. Such narratives not only oversimplify the achievements of Black athletes but also reinforce racial distinctions that contribute to systemic inequality. This kind of bias can obscure the hard work, strategy, and personal commitment involved in an athlete’s success, reducing it to genetic determinism. Reflecting on why this occurs, it’s crucial to consider how media narratives reinforce existing societal beliefs and stereotypes. These stories are not just about sports but also about how society views race and ability. When discussing athletes from any background, it’s important to focus on a wide range of factors contributing to their success, rather than attributing it to inherent racial traits. This approach helps break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive understanding of talent and achievement across all races.
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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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Rajack and Joseph highlight several strategies for resisting misogynoir and colorism in media representations, particularly in sports contexts like the 2018 US Open Women’s final featuring Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. They suggest the development of counter-narratives to challenge and reframe mainstream media portrayals, which often amplify stereotypes and overlook the complexities of Black and mixed-race identities. These counter-narratives can be promoted through social media, independent media outlets, and community forums, providing alternative perspectives that celebrate diversity and complexity rather than reducing individuals to stereotypes. Another significant strategy involves building supportive communities that foster solidarity among those affected by misogynoir. These communities can serve as platforms for sharing experiences, raising awareness, and mobilizing collective action to demand better media representation and more equitable treatment in sports and other sectors. Educational initiatives also play a crucial role, as they can help inform both the public and media professionals about the nuances of racial and gender identities, challenging ingrained biases and promoting a more inclusive understanding of diversity. Finally, advocacy and policy change are crucial, as they can lead to structural changes within media organizations and sports institutions. By advocating for policies that ensure diverse and equitable representation and holding institutions accountable for biased practices, it is possible to effect meaningful change in how Black and mixed-race women are depicted and treated in the media and public life. These strategies collectively offer a robust framework for combating misogynoir and fostering a more just and inclusive society.
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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.
The question of whether athletes have a responsibility to use their platforms for social change hinges on multiple factors, including personal beliefs and societal expectations. On one hand, athletes like Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick have used their visibility to highlight social issues, suggesting that those in the spotlight can play a crucial role in driving public discourse on important matters. Their actions exemplify how sports figures can extend their influence beyond their professional achievements to advocate for justice and equality.
On the other hand, some argue that athletes should not be pressured into activism, as their primary role is to compete and entertain. This perspective emphasizes that requiring athletes to engage in social and political discourse could lead to polarization among fans and detract from the essence of sports as a form of escapism and entertainment.
The decision for athletes to engage in activism is often a personal one, influenced by their individual experiences and the causes they are passionate about. While not all athletes may feel equipped or inclined to speak out, those who do often find meaningful ways to contribute to societal change, leveraging their platforms to raise awareness and promote reform. Therefore, while athletes might not have an inherent responsibility to initiate social change, their influence can be a powerful catalyst for discussion and action when they choose to do so.
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 advocate for a more inclusive approach to sports journalism that goes beyond the neoliberal feminist focus on individual empowerment through commercial success. They call for mainstream sports journalism to address structural inequalities and promote a broader, intersectional feminist perspective. This approach would highlight the collective struggles and achievements of all athletes, particularly those from marginalized groups, and challenge the existing narratives that often sideline these critical issues. By doing so, sports journalism can contribute to a more comprehensive and equitable understanding of sports in society.
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C) Corporate social justice
Exercise 6: Padlet Poll
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Historically, the NFL has had a more conservative approach to athlete activism. The league faced significant backlash in 2016 when Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police violence. Initially, the NFL did not support Kaepernick’s actions, which led to a broader controversy and criticism regarding the league’s stance on freedom of expression and racial justice issues. In contrast, the NBA has generally been more supportive of its players’ rights to speak out on social issues. During the height of the BLM movement, the NBA allowed players to wear jerseys with social justice messages and even painted “Black Lives Matter” on the courts during games. The league’s administration, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, has publicly supported players’ initiatives to use their platforms for advocacy. This stark difference highlights how sports leagues can vary in their responses to social justice movements. The NBA’s proactive approach has often been praised for empowering players, whereas the NFL’s initial resistance has been viewed more critically, although it has started to take steps toward supporting players’ rights to protest in more recent years. For specific examples and detailed analysis, you would need to look directly at sports journalism sources or the leagues’ official statements on these matters.
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Section Three: Taking a shot
Module Assignment (submit as part of notebook and separately through Blackboard mini assignment #1 portal)
Remember the Titans is a film that shows how sports can bring people together and help them overcome their differences. The movie is set in the 1970s and tells the story of an African-American coach named Herman Boone, who is played by Denzel Washington. Coach Boone leads a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia.
In the movie, Coach Boone uses several methods to help his players, who are both black and white, get along and work together as a team. He makes them sit together on the bus and room together during training camp, forcing them to talk to each other and learn about each other’s lives. This helps the players overcome their initial prejudices and become a united team.
The film highlights the important role sports figures can play in addressing social issues like racism. The team’s success on the field shows the community that people can come together for a common goal, regardless of their race. This story in the film helps viewers see sports as more than just games; they can also be a way to promote positive social change.
Remember the Titans is a good example of how movies can show sports as a powerful tool to fight racism and bring people together. It makes us think about the impact of sports in society and how they can teach us important life lessons about unity and cooperation.
