Playing Against Stereotypes

This chapter talks about the media messages about sports and how athletes become victims of race and gender stereotyping in everyday life. I liked the opening article because it talked about a male tennis coach that judged a group of teenage girl that they wouldn't be very good. But, to his surprise, when they played, they turned into Serena Williams which was a metaphor that they were actually very skilled, but because they were young girls, they were not good. It also talks about handicapped athletes. Such as the one doing the high jump with a prosthetic leg. Surprisingly he does amazing which is ironic. Another judgement in the media is race. The stereotype is that black athletes have made the once all white sports- basketball and football theirs, and left the white athletes behind. There is also the stereotype of the black athletes that they are clowning, smack talkers. But this is definitely not the full case. I enjoyed this  article because it shows true views and stereotypes about people who do things they love. But the truth is anyone can be as equally skilled, it just takes practice.