Chapter 11 Race, Ethnicity, and Sport 12 Race, Ethnicity, and Sport Chapter 11 Race, Ethnicity, and Sport

Chapter Outline Classifications of race and ethnicity Sport participation among racial and ethnic minorities Sport and promoting equality Minorities as sport leaders Chapter summary

Definitions Race: social category constructed to describe people with genetic similarity Ethnicity: cultural heritage of a group Racism: belief in superiority of one race over another Minority group: in the United States, any group except whites

Minority Population and Sport Participation Refer to tables 12.2 and 12.3 for participation in college and professional sport. U.S. Latino population is no longer concentrated in a few states. African American population is growing the most in the South.

African American Athletes Some advances have been made against racism in sport. In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke through the color barrier and was named MLB Rookie of the Year. By the 1950s, black sport participation percentages mirrored the black population percentage. Today, blacks are overrepresented in basketball and football but underrepresented in most sports.

Racial Differences in Sport Biological reasons Not supported (e.g., Kenyans versus Ethiopians) Cultural and social reasons Emphasis on activities varies by culture Sport as means of social mobility Many athletic role models Opportunity structures Facilities, resources (money, programs)

Discussion Some have talked about a supposed biological superiority of Kenyan athletes in long-distance running. Why doesn’t anyone talk about a supposed biological superiority of ski jumpers from Finland?

Stacking Some unusual distributions of whites and blacks in certain sport positions cannot be explained by random distribution. – Whites in “thinking” and “outcome control” positions – Blacks in speed positions See table 12.4 for stacking in the NFL.

Discussion Stacking can lead to differences in pay and career longevity. In what sports does stacking still occur?

Exploitation of Minority Athletes Educational shortcomings may be ignored. Athletes may be promoted through grades regardless of performance. Athletes may be pressured into “easy” majors. (continued)

Exploitation of Minority Athletes (continued) Graduation rates are low. Pro teams and colleges want athletes in school for reasons unrelated to athletes’ best interests. African American women are exploited due to both race and gender.

Latino and Hispanic Athletes Hispanic: all people whose ethnic heritage is traced to a Spanish-speaking country Latino or Latina: person of Latin American heritage Great diversity among Latino groups Most male Latino and Hispanic athletes recognized for baseball and soccer

Asian American Athletes Along with Latinos, fastest-growing U.S. minority population Different path from African Americans and Latinos—sport not used as means to economic, social, or educational goals Different sporting choices due to culture and perhaps body type

Native American Athletes Account for 0.9% of U.S. population. Poverty rate is 50% on reservations. Stereotypical, dehumanizing images are used for names, mascots, and logos (now limited by the NCAA). Native American Sports Council is part of the Olympic movement; North American Indigenous Games are now a big event.

Discussion Why is there resistance to changing mascots from Native American themes to other themes? Would such resistance arise regarding any other racist themes?

Sport as Negative Force in Equality Pro sport is an unrealistic career goal. College graduation rate for black male athletes in 2013 was 52%, which was less than in 2009. Black female athletes graduated at a 63% rate in 2013, which was less than in 2009. Black families are eight times more likely than whites to pressure children into sport.

Discussion Are all black families likely to push their children into sport? What is the effect of socioeconomic status?

Sport as a Positive Force in Equality Sport success is linked to self-confidence (role models can be positive). Sport offers a way out of poverty for some. Integration is often easier in sport. (continued)

Sport as a Positive Force in Equality (continued) School-based sport programs are free. Unique travel possibilities raise awareness. Sport encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Minorities as Sport Leaders Few collegiate coaches are minorities (per the annual race report card from the University of Central Florida). See tables 12.7 and 12.8. Minority owners are even fewer, though there are some (e.g., Jordan, Moreno).

Ways to Promote Diversity in Sport Collect and report data. Require leaders to report racism. Spur major sport organizations to include minorities at all levels. (continued)

Ways to Promote Diversity in Sport (continued) Spur media to recruit minority journalists. Get government support for programs. Adopt nondiscrimination policies.