The White Racial Frame in Twenty-first Century America: The Case of College Basketball

• In Event: 376 - Regular Session. Race and Ethnicity

Abstract

Recent theory argues that, rather than being post-racial, America operates under the guise of systemic racism characterized by a “white racial frame” (Feagin 2013). Using the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament from 2000-2010, this study provides a quantitative application of three elements of the white racial frame, focusing on the relevance of the white racial frame to colorism in perception. Specifically, we analyze the impact of players’ skin tone on their treatment in announcer commentary reflecting racial beliefs, stereotypes, and ideologies, racialized images and sounds, and racialized emotions. Consistent with prevailing stereotypes about race, we find that announcers are more likely to positively discuss the mental ability and work ethic of players with lighter skin tones and the physical characteristics of players with darker skin tones. We conclude by discussing the broader implications of these findings for race and sport scholars as well as for social psychologists interested in colorism, frame analysis, schemas, and emotions.

Authors

• Steven Larrimore Foy, University of Texas-Pan American

• Rashawn Ray, University of Maryland