Activist Athletes Shaping Social Justice: An Examination

Abstract

Week 3 Readings Week 3 Readings "Why Activist Athletes are Needed Today More than Ever": This article considers what role atheletes have played in social justice and human rights campaigns. Seven Characteristics of the Epic Hero (Ancient Literature): This webpage on ancient literature defines the epic hero and will be applied to analysis of athletes this week. Choice of one or two of the following for this week's discussions (depending on the prompt you choose): "'He is Simply...The Greatest'": This article spans Ali's life and career and makes a compelling case for his place in history. "Billie Jean King: The First Female Athlete-Activist": While this is a review of King's memoir All In, it also does a great job of tracing the arc of her career and activism. Jackie Robinson: Paving the Way Forward (Smithsonian): This article examines Robinson's life and career in the context of social and racial justice. Zaharias, Mildred Ella Didrickson (Babe) (Texas State Historical Association): This article explores the unique, multi-sport career of one of the first great female athletes who pushed boundaries both professionally and personally. "Kneeling, Fiercely Debated in the NFL, Resonates in Protests": This article takes a nuanced look at Kaepernick's actions, his support and criticism among athletes and fans alike, and the impact it made on social justice movements such as BLM. Week 3 Films Week 3 Films Choice of One of the Following films to analyze in discussions regarding heroic action of various kinds: Always go to JustWatch to learn where the videos for this course are streaming. It will tell you which services have them free where possible with a subscription, and where you can stream for a nominal cost -- usually $3.99. Another option is to find your films of choice in your local library, which will sometimes even have some films they stream free. Usually, however, they have disc versions, some of which they might have to obtain for you from sister libraries. My advice is to do this early in the term.  For synopses of all films visit IMDB. Ali (approx. 2:47:00): An excellent biopic on Ali's tremendous career and commitment to social change Battle of the Sexes (approx. 2:02:00): A sometimes comic, yet realistic retelling of the historic match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Fischer that highlights her activism. 42 (approx. 2:08:00): Starring Chadwick Boseman, this heartfelt examination of Jackie Robinson's perseverance in the face of racism, shows how he changed Baseball forever.  Race (approx. 2:14:00): A dramatic and inspiring dramatization of how...