Social Justice and the Modern Athlete

Social Justice and the Modern Athlete: Exploring the Role of Athlete Activism in Social Change is an edited volume that illuminates the power athletes have to influence and rectify social injustices. It highlights athlete activism in the areas of politics, gender equity, nonviolent protest, mental health, and the online sphere.

Social Justice and the Modern Athlete: Exploring the Role of Athlete Activism in Social Change is an edited volume in which editor Mia Long Anderson and various contributors identify and discuss athletes who have been at the forefront of social movements to lead change in distinct areas of society, including politics, gender equity, and mental health. Contributors analyze how this activism speaks to the impact that athletes can have on raising awareness and the power they have to influence and rectify social injustices as they work to advance efforts that result in a more equitable social structure. This volume demonstrates the myriad ways in which athletes have conducted their social work both in the real world and the online sphere, addressing the spectrum of intersectional marginalization that exists in our society based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ability, and class. Scholars of sports studies, communication, sociology, political communication, and gender studies will find this book of particular interest.

Social Justice and the Modern Athlete: Exploring the

Role of Athlete Activism in Social Change

Mia Long Anderson, Editor

Introduction

Mia Long Anderson

Part I: Historical Foundations

1A Model Framework for Analysis of Elite Athletes’ Social Responsibility

A. Michelle Clemon

2One Knee Does Not Equal Two Gloves: Flaws in Equating Colin Kaepernick to Tommie Smith and John Carlos

Anthony J. Moretti

Part II: Refusing to “Stick to Sports”

3Place and Protest in the NBA’s Pandemic Bubble

Anthony C. Cavaiani and Stephen P. Andon

4Answering the Call: Maya Moore, Religion, and the Framing of Athlete Activism

Vincent Peña

5Wearing Your Politics on Your Mask: Naomi Osaka’s Campaign for Social Justice

Ann E. Burnette and Anthony V. LaStrape

Part III: Student Athletes Leading the Charge

6A Tempered Approach to Athlete Activism

Konadu Y. Gyamfi

7The Flag versus Football: How Mississippi State Running Back Kylin Hill Used 98 Characters to Compel the State of Mississippi to Change Its Flag

Megan R. Hill

8Conditions for Voice: Black Athlete Activism at the University of Alabama

Meredith M. Bagley

9When the Shirt Hit the Fan: Mike Gundy and the OAN Controversy

John McGuire, Ray Murray, and Andrew M. Abernathy

Part IV: Gender Equity Issues

10The Motherhood Punishment: How Alysia Montaño and Allyson Felix Compelled Nike to Provide Maternity Protections in Female Athlete Sponsorship

Andrea Fallon-Korb

11Playing Here Doesn’t Pay My Bills: A Comparative International Conversation of Pay Equity as Discursive Practice

Beth Fielding-Lloyd, Katherine L. Lavelle, and Korryn D. Mozisek

12#StandwithCaster: Caster Semenya’s Activism and the IAAF’s DSD Policy

Alison N. Novak

Part V: Athlete Activism in the Online Space

13“If You Aren’t Upset About the Problem, Then You’re A Part of It”: NCAA Athlete Activism on TikTok

Shannon Scovel and Carolina Velloso

14“The Time is Now to Fight for Whatever Your Feel is Right”: Lewis Hamilton’s Instagram Activism in 2020

Mariann Bardocz-Bencsik, Robert Kwame, and Tamás Dóczi

15Mapping the Terrain of Athletes and Sports Organizations as Influential Figures in Online Conversations around Social Justice Issues

Brandon C. Boatwright and Virginia S. Harrison

16Athlete Activism Online: An Examination of Subsequent Fan Engagement

Lillian B. Feder and Brian G. Smith

About the Editor

About the Contributors