Critical Race Theory: The Role Of Racism In Sports

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Racism is the belief held by an individual that their race is superior to others and can cause discrimination and prejudice (En.wikipedia.org, 2017). Within the microcosm of sport in our society, racism has always existed as we have seen brutal acts of discrimination, apartheids and the deliberate alienation of players from minority groups in a variety of sports. However, we now live in a more multicultural society where sport is being used as a vehicle for challenging racial ideology (Coakley, 2009).
Whilst many view racisms in sport as an oppressive act on minority groups who seek to participate in sport, Critical Race Theory argues it can also enable the empowerment of these same groups (Hylton, 2008). It has also allowed more opportunities for participants from many ethnic and racial backgrounds and thus has increased diversity in modern-day sport. This increase in diversity could be used to argue why there are
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This ambiguity may also be causing this incorrect perception as racism is no longer overt, and this makes it harder to identify, as well as many cases being marginalised by those in positions of power.
Whilst both theories arguably create opportunities for racial minority groups in sport, they also present these groups with the complicated task of challenging existing social attitudes, and convincing those who “do not see colour” that racism still exists in sport.
In conclusion, the failure by many to acknowledge that racism is still prevalent is allowing it to be effortlessly reproduced and reinforced in sport and has led to an increase in cultural racism (Hylton, 2008). Individuals’ inability to acknowledge continuing levels of racism may be due to this growth, which is distorting people’s perceptions of societies typical norms and behaviours, thus creating racist