Race & Ethnicity in Sport

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On April 7 in my American Sport in the 21st Century class we discussed race and ethnicity and if they are important in sport. Racism is something America has been battling since the settlement of the new world. Although, America has been on an upward increase in battles against racism it still exists today. We have seen a lot of discrimination in sport which doesn't come as a surprise because sport mirrors society, and what we want to see as fans. Jackie Robinson withstood abuse when first playing in the MLB. After he showed America that he could stand the abuse without lashing out he broke the color bar. However, racism and discrimination did not end there, nor did it die after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964.

Racism is an unfortunate problem we still see cast across the media today. For example, in the article Racism still evident in sports world, Richard Lapchick discusses the case of Donald Sterling. Former Clippers owner Donald Sterling was recorded when making racist comments about African Americans. It is unfortunate that racial minorities are still being discriminated against some 50 years after Civil Rights, Jackie Robinson, and MLK. Not only did Donald Sterling get caught, but so did Atlanta Hawks owner Bruce Levenson. Both owners showed discrimination, however, both owners were dealt with by commissioner Adam Silver. Not only is racism still prominent in sport, but sport is also battling racism. With players standing against both owners, and Adam Silver putting a lifetime ban on Donald Sterling from the NBA. Also, the St.Louis rams walked out onto the field with their hands up to protest the Ferguson shooting. Hopefully these acts against racism create a more friendly environment, and open the doors to equality not only in sport but in society as well. 

St. Louis Rams using the "Hands up, Don't shoot" pose to protest Ferguson