Within the world of sports in America, racism seems to be developing into more of a situation if not a major situation. For the most parts of the past couple of years, positions that have been taken in sports have brought different divisions upon our nation for the good of progression. There was a personal account that a football player described that he felt where he saw the racism that was taking place throughout the world he lived in, and knew he could no longer play football. He felt that getting out and taking a stand to change the world he lived in was more important than continuing to play a sport.
We see these positive strides that are being taken from black athletes meant to do good for the passions they have which is only meant with resistance from the white community. We see black individuals using their current setting as a platform to voice their movements, but it seems that the white community of the world becomes bitter with these ideals. The problem is that white individuals like the way the world is because they are comfortable in the current context they live in and do not want things to change. The societal norms that our society has created has developed systematic racism throughout the nation.
Being an athlete, it is very encouraging to see people taking stands for passions they have outside of the sport, but it is also disheartening to see the backlash that is given. A lot of times people associate athletes with not knowing anything that is not dealing with sports. Collin Kaepernick used the platform he had to stand up for something he believed in, but instead he received backlash. The backlash he got where different levels of accusation for disrespect and not knowing his place which was not at all the intent he had. Kaepernick wanted to send a message, a progressive message, but instead the message was taken in all different aspects and perceptions. Through this movement, the nation split ultimately showing the different characteristics of systematic racism. I think the overwhelming question is how do we as a nation allow individuals to use their platforms for things they believe in without being offended? How do we listen more and talk less? How do we let movements move in progressive ways? Why do we get so offended on topics that need to be addressed?
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there is definitely racism in sports. Millions of people watch major sports games now and those athlete are looked upon as mentors, leaders, and professionals. Everything they say has an affect on the youth of today and their fan base. With police brutality and other forms of racism still going on today it is hard to be a leader and not speak about these issues that are not only important to you but the black community. this age is sensitive because of those racial injustices and people get offended because they think their opinion matters. When these social figures speak out on what they believe they have the power to influence the country to make a change and people discredit and slander them because they are not in favor of change. these are often the people who benefit from the privileges this time has a.k.a white people. people that know that these injustices are going on but have the privilege to ignore them. There is no way for people to not be offended by athletes voices.
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