African-American Athletes

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, before World War II, Black athletes were restricted from all professional competition because white athletes' fears of losing to Black athletes was masked by fabrications such as African-Americans were subhuman with their strength coming from their jungle ancestry rather than intelligent and hard work: This myth continues today. The author points out that Black athletes face enormous obstacles when opting for managing, coaching or executive positions in sports. The paper relates that, although some may claim that lower class African-Americans now are more interested in crime than athletics, the exceptional Black athletes, such as Tiger Woods and Vanessa Williams, are examples for young Black Americans that there can be much more in their futures than jail cells or graves.
Table of Contents
History
History Makers
Althea Gibson
Jackie Robinson
Jesse Owens
Willie O'Ree
Prominent Contemporary Sports People
Media Portrayal
Current Perceptions and Issues

From the Paper:

"Denise Meridith (2001) touches upon the same issue in her article featuring Venus Williams. Her behavior, appearance and style of play are seen as threatening by some. Assertiveness and confidence are viewed as "arrogance" in a black woman. And similarly reference is made to her physical strength rather than skill or intelligence resulting in her success. This is media-promoted as somehow not being "feminine" enough. Meridith makes a derogatory remark comparing the skeletal Ally MacBeal to the muscular Williams, saying that it is healthier to strive for muscles than for bones in one's appearance. However, the media promotes thin as beautiful. Also, the sexy Anna Kornikova is not as powerful or successful in her play as the Williams sisters, but the media focusses on her achievements, because she is the epitomy of feminine beauty."

More papers on African-American Athletes:

• Research Paper # 92121 : "The African-American Landscape"
• Essay # 28629 : "African-Americans and Sports"
• Essay # 40674 : "Afro-American Women and Competitive Sports"

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