In the world of sports, where athletes showcase their skills and strength, we have been witnessing a deeper issue lurking beneath the surface - misogynoir. A term coined to depict the intersection of misogyny and racism specifically targeting Black women, misogynoir has found a disturbing home within the realms of sports.
Moya Bailey, a prominent scholar and activist, is widely recognized for her groundbreaking contribution to intersectional feminist discourse by coining the term misogynoir. This term, a fusion of "misogyny" and "noir" (French for Black), specifically addresses the unique form of discrimination and prejudice experienced by Black women. Bailey's concept sheds light on the intersection of racism and sexism, highlighting the compounded oppression faced by Black women due to their race and gender. Through her work, Bailey has sparked important conversations about the complexities of identity and the need to address the intersecting systems of oppression that impact marginalized communities. Her pioneering efforts in introducing the term misogynoir have significantly influenced academic research, activism, and advocacy aimed at dismantling systemic inequalities and promoting inclusivity and social justice for all individuals, especially those at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities.
Throughout the history of media coverage in sports, there has been a pervasive issue of misogynoir. Serena Williams, prior to her retirement, was consistently subjected to harsh criticism regarding her appearance, including a racist caricature drawn by an Australian cartoonist and a Romanian TV host who likened her to a monkey. Shaun Harper's recent Forbes article shed light on the racism faced by the LSU women’s basketball team, predominantly made up of Black players, in comparison to other women's college basketball teams. The unfair treatment of Black female athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Naomi Osaka is not a new occurrence. Nearly three decades ago, three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes faced subtle critiques about her body compared to her white counterparts. Seventeen years ago, radio host Don Imus sparked controversy by making derogatory remarks about the Rutgers’ women’s basketball team, predominantly consisting of Black members, calling them “nappy-headed hos.”
In addition to misogynoir, Black women also contend with issues such as colorism, featurism, and texturism, which exacerbate the gendered racism they experience. When it comes to Black female athletes, they are scrutinized not only for their performance but also for their appearance, demeanor, and perceived attitudes. This intersection of racism and sexism creates a toxic environment where Black women face unique challenges that their counterparts just do not.
Earlier this year, sports analyst Emmanuel Acho offered up his biased analysis of then Louisiana State University (LSU) basketball player Angel Reese. In a press conference after the defeat of the LSU women’s basketball team in the NCAA Elite Eight tournament, Reese tearfully shared an account of being attacked, receiving death threats, and being sexualized. Following the press conference, on a Fox Sports show called Speak, Acho discussed his thoughts on Reese. After proclaiming that he was going to give a “gender-neutral racially indifferent take,” Acho proceeded to explain, “You can’t be the big, bad wolf but then cry like Courage the Cowardly Dog.” He then went on to say that because Reese is the self-proclaimed villain, she didn’t have the right to ask for sympathy because she had played into the villain role.
The truth is Acho has had a pattern of disrespect towards Black women. It's almost as if he is trying to seek attention however he can get it, even at the expense of Black women. Acho failed to even acknowledge Angel’s statements on death threats, AI-generated porn, and her ‘emotional well-being’ in his ignorant analysis. Regardless of anything Angel says or does cannot justify prompting a response of comparing a Black woman to a dog, dehumanizing her, and showing your audience her psychological and physical well-being does not matter. Society’s disrespect of Black women allows even some Black men not to hear our pain and neglect respecting and protecting us while joining in as another hand of oppression towards us.
Black women are frequently not provided with the opportunity to openly express their struggles and hardships. It is essential for the media to uphold ethical standards and strive for unbiased reporting. Media professionals should be educated on racial biases and stereotypes, such as the Angry Black Woman trope and the adultification bias, and understand how easy it is to engage in misogynoir when providing commentary about a Black woman. Misogynoir presents a multifaceted challenge in the realm of sports, necessitating a comprehensive approach for effective resolution. It is essential for the public to persist in denouncing misogynoir in the media to drive improvements in the portrayal and coverage of Black women and girls.
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