Women of Color or Just...Athletes?

Of course I already knew that Black athletes in general had a hard time being accepted into the rest of the world. But little did I know how much more of a difficult time Black female athletes had adapting into the world of sports for women. Not only were women in general not accepted as athletes but being a woman of color was definitely not accepted. Reading the stories "The Tuskegee Flash" and "The Slender Harlem Stroker" gave me a better idea in understanding the hardships faced by Black female athletes at the time. It was nice to hear their story for a change in a truthful way. I never knew that these athletes had to fight off the "white press" and "black press" as well. As dramatic as the articles in the textbook made things seem these events are still continuing on today. Most Black athletes male or female are still seen as representing the entire Black race instead of simply being seen as just an athlete.

Women playing in sports were fighting against the Victorian Period which basically set their way of life for them but by participating in sports they were basically viewed as the rebels of their time. If I were one of these athletes I would have also fought to be viewed as a talented athlete not as a female athlete or a Black female athlete. Everyone should only be judged or sought after only because of their talent as an athlete not by the color of their skin or gender.

Don't you agree?

Jacqlene Corbin
KIN 338I
Section 3023
Tuesday/Thursday 2:00pm-3:15pm