Abstract
Race has been a topic for discussion in almost every field in society due to the various implications it has on people especially with the diverse ethnicities that make up society. Race in this context refers to as the concepts that exist in society and are used to signify the opportunities and struggles that people go through with reference to their skin color. Even though the difference in skin color among different people is caused by their biological and genetic makeup, race often focuses on the social constructs that are associated with people from a specific race or have a distinct skin color. In the field of sports for instance, skin color has been used to den opportunities to some because of their skin color while others like whites get privileges solely because of the color of their skin. Although sports are mostly dominated by whites, there is a diverse clientele of sporting professionals that are often discriminated against because of the white privilege concepts that exists in society. The research will therefore focus on how whiteness and white privilege affects sporting and health care professionals especially because of the opportunities and challenges that sports and healthcare professionals face.
Introduction
Over the years, research has been conducted in a bid to create awareness on the impact that whiteness and white privilege has in sports. Various scholars have called on sporting professionals and people of relevance in the field of sports to try and create equality in all sporting activities. Although creating awareness on the impact of whiteness does help shed light on the plight that non-whites face as both sport and medical professionals, there is need for more applicable measures as racism in sports is still a cause for concern. Other than creating awareness, researchers must also use their studies to help identify structures that promote white privilege in sports; critique the effects that these structures have on both whites and non-whites; and find a way to get rid of the racist structure that exist in the field of sports. Whiteness and white privilege are a form of racism that exists in the field of sports that need to be done away with to ensure that equality and fair play is maintained and that sport and medical professionals are given equal opportunities regardless of the color of their skin.
White privilege refers to the opportunities that are offered to whites in the community but are denied to people from other ethnicities or non-whites on the basis of skin color. The existence of white privilege even in a community where people have implemented a lot of policies and social education to try and do away with racism is mainly because people ae aware of the privileges offered to whites; and have a basic understanding of how white privilege came to be and its implications but fail to change their behavior accordingly in order to get rid of the privileges offered to one race because of the color of their skin (Leonard, 2017). A behavior is defined as the way in which people react to specific situations or acts depending on the stimulus triggered by another person, a situation or action. In the case of white privilege, people from other races have adopted a behavior of tolerance where they only complain about the opportunities that the whites enjoy but are denied to other races (Fanon, 2008). Although non-whites are aware of the fact that whiteness is a form of racism, their understanding of how white privilege allows whites to be racist without suffering the consequences makes it difficult to change their behavior. Sports and medical professionals must therefore find a way to expose the opportunities offered to whites and the challenges that non-whites have to overcome solely on the basis of skin color.
Whiteness has serious implications on both sports and medical professionals as it creates challenges for people from races other than whites that may hinder their success in their respective fields. In the case of sport professionals, whiteness threatens the future of professional athletes especially because it denies them opportunities that could help them improve their talents and even limits the chances of being promoted to more promising positions (DiAngelo, 2018). Sports professionals benefit a lot from their respective sports since they receive compensation in form of payments and other benefits offered to them by the organizations they play for (Aicher et al, 2017). If the team is racist however, non-whites could miss out on the opportunity to play or get promoted in a team and this could have a negative impact on their professional careers.
Purpose of the study
Like society, the field of sports should offer equal opportunities and fair play to all sports professionals. However, the issue of race continues to pose great challenges in ensuring that equality is maintained and that people are presented with equal opportunities regardless of their race, skin color or ethnic background. There is a need to not only create a better understanding of what white privilege means in the world of sports, but also make a call to action that will do away with whiteness and offer people opportunities depending on their qualifications rather than something as trivial as the color of one’s skin. The research will therefore focus on the challenges that nonwhites face; the opportunities that whites benefit from solely because of the color of their skin; and what needs to be done in order to eradicate white privilege from the field of sports. The goal is not just create awareness on what white privilege is but rather demonstrate the unfairness it creates in sorts. Since sports professionals rely on their sporting activities as a way to earn a living, getting rid of white privilege will ensure that the best opportunities go to those who deserve them and that privileges are not offered to people who have white skin color even when others are more deserving.
Historical background
To end racism in the field of sports, there is a need for a better understanding on the concept of racism and how it has evolved to form what is now being referred to as white privilege. In most parts of the world, the term ‘white’ is often used to refer to people of a specific skin color and also as a reference to their race (Hylton, 2008). In the past, using one’s skin color was seen as a form of racism especially under European imperialism where people were treated differently because of their skin color. While referring people from other races by the color of their skin is considered racist, the term ‘whites’ has evolved to a point where its use presents those with white skin color as the dominant race and therefore superior to all other races (Allen, 2013). The term ‘whites’ has therefore evolved and is being used to refer to whiteness whereby people who are white get special privileges and are not subjected to the challenges that indigenous people, people of color and other non-whites have to endure not only in society but also in sports.
Whites are therefore named in accordance with their skin color and even though it has little to do with a person’s biological make up or physical abilities, it often results to the white privilege that white sports professionals enjoy (Leonard, 2012). Racism can be traced down to racism as it started off as a concept introduced by the whites who believed that they were superior and that people from all other races were beneath white people. In an attempt to make whites superior, a lot of violence and discrimination occurred as the whites tried to attain the power and opportunities they believed they were entitled to. While whites may have had all the authority and power in the past, society has evolved and equality is something that is sought after even in a world where people have basics human rights (Wiggins & Miller, 2003). This is especially because the whites still believe they are a superior race and that they deserve all the best privileges and opportunities. While cases of direct forms of racism are few, it till remains relevant even n sports because of the new forms it has taken up such as white privilege.
Methodology
The research will incorporate the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Since the aim is to show the impact of whiteness on sports, the data collection methods will provide detailed information on the implications of whiteness and white privilege on sports as well as statistics and factual information on the extent in which the effects spread in the field of sports (Bernauer & O’Dweiyer, 2013). Since data collected through qualitative analysis is broad and provides detailed information, it will assist in determining the effect that white privilege has as well as disadvantages it presents to non-white sports professionals. It will also assist in gathering data on the opinions that sports professionals, Medical professionals and other relevant bible I visuals have in regards to whiteness and white privilege (Brannen, 2017). Quantitative analysis on the other hand is useful in collecting facts like statistics and figures that will be effective in determining the extent in which whiteness favors whites and puts nonwhites at a disadvantage. Combining both qualitative and quantitate research will greatly assist in helping people to see the extent of the effect of white privilege as well as provide information on what white privilege is, how it came to be and how its existence affects the field of sports.
The data used for the research will be retrieved from various sources such as books, journal articles and studies conducted further research on the topic on whiteness and its implications in the field of sports. Web engines used will include google scholar and PubMed central which host a large number of journals on previous studies conducted by researchers in the field of sport and how sports professionals and Medical professionals are affected by white privilege. Although the combination of qualitative and data collection methods is likely to present a challenge when determining the best source to use, the Prisma method of collecting information will be implemented to ensure that only the most relevant sources are used in the research. It also helps in eliminating studies that are not significant to the study in question even when it may contain information about white privilege in sports.
The Prisma method works in four stages that guide researchers on how to identify, assess and select sources that are most relevant for the topic under study. The first step in the method is identification which requires the researcher to identify the relevant sources that can be used to provide information needed for the study (Veenendaal, 2012). Identification helps in selecting relevant sources from all others on the internet or physical libraries such as books and magazines. The identification process is of great importance as it not only determines the quality of the research but also the credibility of the information contained within. Selecting the most significant sources is therefore crucial to the success of the researcher in presenting the thesis and will be done with attention to detail do as to only identify the most relevant sources.
The next stage in the Prisma model is the screening stage which assess the sources that have been identified in the first stage (Altman et al, 2009). Although some sources may have information relevant to the topic under study, they are not always significant to the research as they may not contain information on how whiteness affects sports. Screening allows the researcher to identify sources that are relevant and more likely to give significant data that will allow the researcher to make valid conclusions. The screening stage is followed by eligibility which helps to determine whether the sources selected are credible. The research must ensure that only information from credible sources is used to avoid bias and data based on personal opinions. The sources used will be those from acknowledged authors and recognized institutions (Veenendaal, 2012). Journal articles, books and peer reviewed sources will be used as they are credible and eligible for the study. Once eligibility is established, the research will have only relevant sources and the information they discuss will greatly enhance the credibility of the entire research. The sources collected will give thorough insight on the impact that whiteness has in sports as well as what can be done to do away with white privilege.
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Prisma Flow diagram on selection of sources
Literature review
According to (Henhawk, 2009), racism and the negative implications of racial inequalities are still present in society despite the belief that people are in a post-racial era. Race is therefore a major topic in society and despite the various attempts by policy makers and relevant organizations to try and end racial discrimination, it is still remains an issue of great concern because of the consequences it brings. In the field of sports for instance, racial discrimination in the form of white privilege and whiteness has made it difficult for non-whites to excel regardless of whatever skills and physical attributes they possess (Henhawk, 2009). Sports professionals have a hard time excelling at their sport of choice because they are denied opportunities and the much needed support from the team if they are non-whites. Rather than using physical traits, sporting capabilities, talent and other traits that make up a good sports person, white privilege advocates for selection on the basis of skin color. Whites therefore receive unfair opportunities and are put at an advantage because their skin color offers them the opportunities denied to others whose skin color is considered inferior.
In addition, issue revolving around the topic on race have led to the emergence of historical realities based on people’s experiences which create social identities that people use to classify one another into different racial hierarchies. Since whiteness portrays whites as being superior to all other races, they often end up at the top of the hierarches and therefore get all the privileges and opportunities that are denied of others because of something as basic as skin color (Hylton & Long, 2012). The concepts of white privilege and whiteness tend to be ignored or overlooked in society because most people, especially white, are of the opinion that white privilege is in no way a form of racism (Hylton & Long, 2012). There is therefore a need to debate on the implications that racism has in the field of sports, why it has gone unchecked despite society’s commitment to end racism, and what needs to be done in order to expose whiteness and white privilege as forms of racism in order to reach a solution that protects the freedoms and rights of non-whites in the field of sports.
According to DiAngelo (2018), the existence of white privilege as a form of racism is mainly because people refuse to acknowledge it as the violation to people’s basic human rights in different areas in society including the field of sports. Racism, like sexism, is carried on by people who are the recipients of racism; those who are the instigators; individuals who develop the policies, structures, and frameworks; and people who allow and/or assault others on the basis of skin color (Hagerman, 2018). Therefore, legitimating the perception of a “color-blind” society without understanding the consequences of failing to get rid of racism could create a society where people are denied basic human rights and freedoms while whites, under the context of white privilege, get all the opportunities denied to non-whites (Diangelo, 2018). The most urgent and present-day societal demanding situations include the refusal of legislators, political leaders, educators, and different leaders in society to renounce the causes and results of racism. Therefore, there is a need for the government and academic institutions to be extra cohesive, critical, and dedicated to transparently address the social inequalities that discriminate against others because of differences in skin color. White privilege is often promoted through education and governmental settings which play a vital role in positioning whites as superior and non-whites as inferior races.
Schools, social and religious institutions have a huge impact on how people understand society and its constructs. If society continues to teach about the misconceived notion about whiteness, its implications are likely to continue affecting non-whites negatively despite it being a form of racism (Entman & Ronjeki, 2012). If not addressed, white privilege is likely to remain a factor in sports and its effects difficult to undo especially if people still fail to see the negative impacts it has on non-whites. With regards to sports activities, there are everyday notions of athletic superiority concerning race similarly to how educational systems produce and reproduce inequalities and racism. Moreover, people have come to accept the racism involved in classifying sports professionals through the stereotypes that exist in society (Cunningham & Sartore, 2006). An instance of this is the case where hockey is considered a whites sport in the United States while basketball is associated with African Americans. Race is not only used to stereotype sports, but also determine the skills and abilities that sports professionals possess especially if they are non-whites (Entman & Ronjeki, 2012). In addition, the preference, attention, and/or dominance of particular sports professionals in different sports are a derivative of the schooling, financial, social, cultural, and political beliefs that exist in society such as the existence of white privilege.
Carr (2016) argues that, if the issue of white privilege is to be resolved, it must first be established that whiteness is an injustice to society. Most of the opportunities afforded to whites rely on its supposed invisibility combined with the misconception that portrays whites as being the dominant race. The first step in combating these privileges and their consequences lies in identifying whiteness and making its impact in the field of sports visible to both whites and non-whites. Since sports are serious engagements that are affected by actions carried out in society as well as the policies that govern it, there is need for critical engagement among policy makers to address the issues of ethnic and racial inequality in the field of sports (Lawrence, 2018). Sports professionals have been actively involved in opposing acts of racial inequalities in sports. The different types of sports have often been considered great social leveler due to their ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds together. Furthermore, sport continues to be cited as exemplary agents of personal and positive change not just on individuals but on society at large (Azzarito & Harrison, 2008). Numerous studies suggest that sports and sports professionals could use it as a tool to fuel political struggle and change that could help identify issues such as white privilege and its implications as well as suggesting possible avenue to pursue in order to do away with this form of racism.
Even with all the research on the effects of racism on sports, there is still insufficient evidence discussing white privilege and how it affects sports and sports professionals. While a lot of research has been conducted to address issues such as discrimination on the basis of gender in sports, little has been achieved in exposing the consequences of whiteness and the consequences it brings due to the privilege it offers to whites and the opportunities that nonwhites miss out on because of something as trivial as the color of their skin (Cullen, 2014). While sports does play a major role in uniting people from diverse backgrounds, there is a need to expose the challenges that the sports professionals have to overcome before stepping on to their respective fields (Neuhaus, 2017). If the issue if white privilege continues to dominate even in sports, the likely outcome is a sport dominated by one major race and lacks the diversity that helps people to come together despite all their differences. There is therefore the need to do away with whiteness in sports so as to retain its ability to unite people despite all the differences that exist in society.
The severity of white privilege in sports is mainly because most people in society, especially whites, do not consider acknowledge white privilege or the impacts it has on sports professionals. This is especially because whites do not consider asserting their superiority as a form of racism even with all the opportunities they benefit from simply because they are white (Hylton, 2018). Whether conscious or unconsciously, both whites and non-whites have led to the emergence of white supremacy where whites gain special treatment in different institutions such as sports, schools and sports (Hayes &Stidder, 2012). Although some questions have been raised regarding the opportunities that whites enjoy even during times where people from different ethnic backgrounds are struggling to get by, the issue is yet to be addressed with the seriousness it deserves because people are yet to understand how offering one race special treatment is racist.
White privilege not only denies non-white sports professionals privileges offered to whites, but also denies them the recognition and credit arising from their performance in their respective fields. Often times, sports professionals who are white are acknowledged for their achievements and even considered as role models (Way, 2016). Their performance in the field grants them a sense of status and recognition both in their sports and in real life because they are viewed as motivated and determined individuals willing to do what it takes to achieve success. As a result, most sports professionals are considered to be humble, hardworking, and disciplined individuals who work hard to earn their space in their respective spots (Fletcher, 2015). Since whiteness is associated with status and a sense of superiority, not many question why one race does so well in almost every sport while other races find it hard even to secure a spot in a respectable and lucrative teams.
Non-whites on the other hand are not only denied opportunities that would allow them to excel in their respective fields, but are also judged for living out their lives if they become successful. While white people’s wealth is seen as a form of accomplishment and heard earned rewards, non-whites are judged for living the lavish lifestyles that their hard work allows them despite all the challenges they have to overcome (Colin & Petray, 2017). African Americans for example are considered to be ungrateful individuals who waste all their money trying to support the lavish lifestyles they lead. Since success is something that is associated with whites, society looks down on any non-white because the stereotypes that exist in society have placed whites on an unequal setting compared to every other race (Hylton, 2008). Different ethnicities are therefore denied the acknowledgement and adoration given to whites despite having to work extra hard and overcome various challenges compared to whites who have it easy due to white privilege.
Successful white sports professionals are regarded as role models while non-whites are looked down upon or judged for enjoying their achievements. When African Americans excel in sports, there is the common misconception that their performance is mainly because they are natural athletes with the endurance and body makeup that allows to perform exceptionally well (Harrison, 2013). While it is true that African Americans have stronger physical attributes compared to whites, quoting it as the reason behind their success in sports not only takes away from their hard work and determination but also makes it difficult to appreciate African Americans for the role they play in maintaining diversity in sports (Beler et al, 2003)). Failure to get recognition also makes it hard for other members of society to consider African Americans, along with other non-whites as people to emulate. The success of an African American is often acknowledged by people from the same race as a symbol of hard work and perseverance.
Furthermore, whiteness limits the acceptance of non-white athletes in society because the idea of an ideal sports professional is projected as being a while sports individual. While white sports professionals are role models for people from all racial backgrounds, non-whites often look up to success stories from sports professionals from their own racial backgrounds (Leonard, 2017). While whites get the privilege of mentoring people from all races, it is common that non-whites like African Americans, mostly inspire other African Americans (Loewen, 2005). Their hard work therefore tends to go unnoticed and this further fuels the misconception that whites are superior as they are regarded as role models even by people from racial backgrounds that are discriminated against as a result of white privilege.
Evans (2014) advocates for more awareness aimed at creating sensitivity regarding cultural issues that exist in society and bring engagement that will help reduce white privilege in different field in society such as sports. The call to action pushes for equality in sports by trying to reduce the issue of white privilege as well as ensuring that nonwhites get the opportunities they deserve. The authors further suggest that a cultural turn is needed in society if sports professionals are to get rid of the inequalities created by whiteness. Shifting people’s mentality regarding whiteness will however take a lot of effort and commitment as society has embraced the idea of a superior race and this is especially because it is a form of racism whose consequences are not yet fully understood (Evans, 2014). The authors further suggest that the Critical Race Theory can be a good approach to define racial identity, expose white privilege as a form of racism, and also water down the power that whites have in a society that as embraced whiteness but is yet to understand it's consequences.
Instead of increasing diversity in the samples used as guinea pigs when conducting research on the impact that whiteness and white privilege has on sports, , argues that more attention should be given to discussing ways in which the racial structures in sports can be brought down. Due to its prominence as one of the major institutions in society, sports have a significant impact on issues related to formation of racial profiles, the existence of whiteness and also the formation of racial ideologies (Hirshman & Perez, 2009). Sports therefore have a direct impact on the existence of racism in society as well as in the fields but also hold the key to ending the inequalities they create. Since color blindness associated with whiteness and focusing on the hardships that minority groups go through in a society that has embraced white privilege, the key to resolving the issue of white privilege lies in turning away from sameness and focusing on bringing equality as well as acknowledging the impact that other races have on sports that warrant them the same opportunities offered to whites.
As people find more ways to interact and peacefully coexist with each other, different versions of racism has come up with some being covert and not easy to identify such as the concept of whiteness. The identification of safe minorities who are not as racially discriminated against as they were in the past also dupes people into believing that the occurrence of racial discrimination occurs less frequently (Harrison, 2013). However, the new forms of racism are just as destructive as the old ones especially because they go unnoticed and most of its victims suffer in silence, not knowing what approach to take in order to resolve the issue or overcome the damage it caused. There is therefore the need to educate sports professionals and other members of society about cultural competence as it will teach them to respect other people’s culture and the different experiences that people have because of the ethnic backgrounds they come from (UNESCO, 2009). If successful, cultural competence can help sports professionals to identify their personal identities as well as that of other sports professionals; learn how racial discrimination and white privilege affects people’s interactions and how such negative outcomes can be prevented. Teaching others about how something as trivial as skin color can favor people from one ethnicity and disadvantage people from a different race could help reduce the discrimination against the non-whites as sports professionals are likely to advocate for equal treatment regardless of the differences in skin color.
Culp et al (2002), strive to find a solution for the impact that whiteness has in sports by advocating for the use of the Critical Race Theory especially due to the impact in educating American citizens on how to build positive race relations among the different racial ethnicities that exist in the country. The theory draws attention to racial discrimination as a problem that affects the entire community and not just the victims of whiteness or white privilege. Instead of passing whiteness as a one off experience or focusing on specific racial minorities that are discriminated against, critical race theory calls people to engage in ways that try to do away with whiteness because it is a form of racism, not because it affects certain ethnic groups (Culp et al, 2002). The author advocates for a broader understanding of racial relations among a diverse group of people with different ethnicities whereby the existence of racial inequality has led to a situation where sports professionals either benefit or are put at a disadvantage by the policies that govern the field of sports because they have a different skin color than whites.
Whiteness is therefore allows for racial discrimination as it presents better opportunities for whites but denies the same to professionals from other races that may be more deserving. African Americans for example are often looked down upon or fail to get the desired attention whenever they try to address the challenges they have to overcome because of their ethnicity (Silva et al, 2006). When African Americans try to end racism, their attempts are only successful if they are conducted or involve people who are well recognized in society or if they are supported by whites. Despite being the victims of white privilege, African Americans can do little to end this form of racism on their own unless they present it as a move that is supported by other valued members of society (Salamone, 2013). Sports professionals, sports administrators and spectators therefore have to rely on the support from prominent people when trying to end white privilege in sports and this often proves difficult because most of the valued athletes are white.
Another hindrance to ending whiteness is that most of the non-whites that advocate for its abolition are often successful nonwhites who have found a way to achieve success and are not really affected by white privilege (Evans & Light, 2018). Since nonwhite sports professionals lack the standing and pull to influence positive change, the fight against white privilege is left to non-whites that have already gone through the challenges and rose to success despite being denied the same opportunities offered to whites (Andrew et al, 2010). While they may be role models to other sports professionals trying to emulate their drive, valuable non-white sports professionals mostly motivate people to overcome challenges rather than getting people to identify and eradicate the reason why such challenges exist in the first place (Haynes, 2016). Instead of pushing for the end of white privilege, valued non-white players are only successful in motivating people to rise above these forms of racism; overcome the challenges; be determined; and work hard to reach a point where one is no longer affected by white privilege. While such an approach does motivate non-whites to become great at their respective sports, they do little to stop white privilege in sports.
Discussion of findings
A lot has happened in the field of sports through actions engaged by sports professions either because or against whiteness and white privilege. A good example is the time when Kevin Prince Boateng walked off the field after spectators racially abused him when his football team, AC Milan was playing against Pro Patria (Ranc & Sonntag, 2015). Discussions on his decision to walk off the field suggest that the outcome would have been different had he walked off the pitch alone. After being racially abused by spectators, Boateng left the pitch and his colleagues followed him as a sign of their disapproval for racism in sports (Harvey, 2013). However, it is argued that, had the player walked off on his own, his action would have been looked down upon and even criticized as a sign of weakness or unprofessionalism. Others would have criticized his walking out as evidence of his not being a team player and not considering the impact that his actions would have had on his team (Kusz, 2005). The waking off had an even bigger impact because some of the other players that followed Boateng were white. Even when advocating for equality, whiteness is still a major factor and has more power even in fighting the injustices it creates through white privilege.
Boateng’s experience is not only a true indication of society’s awareness of the existence of racism in sports, but also proof that most people are unwilling or unable to do anything that will have a positive impact on the issue. The existence of whiteness in sports has created an environment where those who are affected by white privilege lack the power to do away with it because the whites still have more power in fighting the same privileges they enjoy (Jacobson, 2009). Society has developed a state of color blindness when whiteness is concerned because they are aware of the power that the whites possess just because they have a different skin color but are unwilling to fight this form of control because they are yet to consider or, are unwilling to view white privilege as a form of racism (Bennet, 2015). Since the whites are the beneficiaries of white privilege, they are less likely to invest in doing away with it completely because they will be forced to compete for all the privileges that they get now freely if equality is achieved in sports.
In order to resolve the issue of white privilege in sports, there is need for the application of the critical race theory. The theory is likely to have positive result in the fight against white privilege because it challenges the epistemologies that have been established as well as ideologies that govern society (Brunsma et al, 2017). The only reason why whiteness has gone unchecked is because society has been following an ideology that first hides the impact of white privilege and also does not expose whiteness as racism. People have become blind to the inequality that exists in society under the idea of whiteness that they fail to see the negative consequences that white privilege brings to even sporting events.
In order to get rid of white privileging sports, the first step is to take the power that has been given to whites on the basis of their skin. People must first view whites as just any other race that should also work just as hard as people from other races in order to benefit from the opportunities that life offers (Lodge, 2019). Instead of looking up to whites as symbols of leadership and role models, people must first shift their minds to seeing other races as being just as important as whites (Lampman &Prettyman, 2011). When African Americans excel in sports, their success should be a reflection of their hard work and commitment, not as a testament of someone who overcame the challenges of white privilege and prevailed. Success should not be about overcoming challenges that are created by a race that wants all the opportunities to itself, but rather because people were given the same opportunities to try and make the best out of what society offers.
There is also the need to structure future research in such a way that it does not add more of the information that already exists but rather generates hypothesis about how to end white privilege (Malcolm, 2008). Instead of just focusing on drawing statistics and informing the public on the impact of white privilege in sports, researchers should shift their focus towards finding solutions to help resolve the issues brought about by white privilege (Entine,2000). Since people are already aware of the fact that whites are favored more than any other race, research should inform the public on how to handle issues of white privilege when they occur and what they can to do ensure that equality is established in sports. In addition, researchers should also try and expose white privilege as the racism as it is and turn down all forms of racial blindness (Carrington, 2010). Since whites benefit from their skin color, exposing the truth of this form of racism will ensure that athletes are selected based on their performance and not because they were born white. Minorities deserve the chance to make the most out of their sporting careers without being limited by the race they were born into.
Other than creating awareness, there is also the need to shift the authority figures responsible for fighting white privilege in sports. Since whiteness favors whites, sports professionals need to give power to non-whites to a point where their opinions are valued just as much as the opinions from whites (Hageman, 2018). If non-whites are placed in a position of power and acknowledged by society, there is likely to be positive outcomes because the challenges will be resolved by the same people that have to endure them. Whiteness should also be addressed as a unified issue rather than alienating specific races affected by it (Bennet & Gilbert, 2012). Rather than addressing white privilege on how it affects African Americans in a sport like football, the attention should be shifted towards how white privilege favors whites and puts non-whites at a disadvantage in the field of sports. Attention should be focused on the entire issue rather than pin pointing specific occurrences and events. Dou such will help to expose whiteness as a form of racism.
There is also the need to bring down ideologies that make the existence of racism possible even in a society where people are committed to achieve equality. The main reason why white privilege has gone unchecked is because people are yet to identify it as racism (Burdsey, 2011). When whites take most of the opportunities to themselves, people always assume that it is because whites view themselves as superior and therefore deserve the best that society has to offer. While most people are against the unfair opportunities offered to non-whites, society has establishes a norm whereby it is acceptable for whites to have it easy while other races have to work hard to achieve success even in sports (Ratna, 2013). If society starts treating whites as equals, the possible outcome will be one where everyone gets the same opportunities and when challenges occur, they ae experienced by all races equally.
Under the guidelines of CRT, people can learn how to break stereotypes and ideologies that treat whites as superior. If people learnt how to respect other people’s differences, there is a likelihood that sports professionals will be given an equal chance to display their abilities and benefit from their hard work (Long & Hylton, 2014). CRT can also help whites understand the problems they create for non-whites under the guideline of white privilege. Some whites may take the opportunities believing that they are made available even for nonwhites. There is the possibility that even the whites are unaware of the implications that white privilege has on sports. Exposing it as a form of racism could have appositive impact as more people, including whites will be working towards ending white privilege and introducing equality in sports.
Conclusion
Racism continues to negatively impact people’s attempts to peacefully coexist because some races still consider themselves better than others. The implications of the racism spread to different aspects of society including the field of sports. Racism in the form of whiteness is practiced through white privilege whereby whites get all the best opportunities while non-whites have to struggle just to make an impact. Despite their hard work, non-whites are also less commended for their achievements unless the recognition is attached to the sport professional’s ability to achieve success despite not being white. Until society stops viewing whites as superior, white privilege will remain a factor and cause for disunity and lack of equality in sports.
In order to end the form of racism that is white privilege, the first step should be to tear down the ideology that whites are superior and that no other race can enjoy the same success as the whites. White people need to be placed on equal footing with all other races in order to start building on equality. While whites deserve a chance to excel in their respective sports, giving them these opportunities should not be done at the expense of non-white sports professionals. Policy makers and the relevant authority should therefore do away with all forms of white privilege and ensure that all races enjoy the same opportunities in sports regardless of the color of their skin.
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