Weekly Reading Synopsis Assignment

Each Week You Are To Write A Synopsis Of The Weeks Readings No Long

Each week you are to write a synopsis of the week’s readings – no longer than one page. There are multiple readings assigned each week, but there is an underlying theme or themes. Simple state what the theme(s) is/are - also include your personal opinion on the overall thesis - do you agree/disagree and why. This week's readings for review include: Sheffer, M. (2021). New media old ways: An analysis of sports media’s depiction of female athletes on Instagram and Snapchat. Journal of Sports Media, v15 .2 (posted to Canvas); and Chapter 8 Race and Ethnicity. Johnson, R. G., & Romney, M. (2018). Life in black and white: Racial framing by sports networks on Instagram. Journal of Sports Media, 13 (2), 1-18 Optional reading: Hardin, M. & Greer, J. (2008). The Influence of Gender-role Socialization, Media Use and Sports Participation on Perceptions of Gender-Appropriate Sports. Journal of Sport Behavior, v32 (2).

Paper For Above instruction

The overarching theme of this week’s readings revolves around the representation and framing of athletes through media, with a particular focus on gender and race. These articles explore how media outlets portray female athletes on social platforms, how racial narratives are constructed by sports networks, and how gender roles influence perceptions of sports participation. Collectively, they reveal the persistent influence of media in shaping societal understandings of athleticism, gender, and race.

Sheffer’s (2021) article examines the depiction of female athletes on Instagram and Snapchat, highlighting how traditional stereotypes persist despite the rise of new media. She argues that female athletes are often portrayed through a lens that emphasizes aesthetic qualities over athletic prowess, reinforcing gender stereotypes that associate women with appearance rather than achievement. The author suggests that while social media offers a platform for visibility, it still perpetuates problematic narratives that undermine female athletes’ professional identities. Personally, I agree with Sheffer’s thesis, as I believe that media representations continue to reflect and reinforce societal biases, even in spaces that seem to challenge traditional outlets.

Johnson and Romney’s (2018) study investigates racial framing on Instagram by sports networks, demonstrating how racial stereotypes and narratives are constructed visually and textually. Their analysis shows a tendency to marginalize Black athletes or portray them through stereotypes that either overly valorize or demean them, affecting public perception. This racial framing can influence perceptions of race and athletic ability, reinforcing systemic biases. I agree with their findings, as media representations often mirror societal racial hierarchies, perpetuating stereotypes that hinder genuine diversity and equitable representation in sports media.

The optional reading by Hardin and Greer (2008) further complicates the discussion by exploring how gender-role socialization influences perceptions of gender-appropriate sports. Their research indicates that media consumption and socialization contribute to reinforcing traditional gender norms, which shape participation and perception of sports suited for men or women. This aligns with Sheffer’s findings, emphasizing the persistent influence of societal norms on both media representations and individual perceptions.

In conclusion, these readings collectively highlight the critical role media plays in shaping narratives about gender and race within sports. They expose ongoing issues of stereotyping and marginalization, despite advances in media technology. I believe these representations impact societal attitudes significantly and that ongoing efforts are necessary to promote more equitable portrayals of all athletes, regardless of gender or race. Media literacy and conscious content creation are essential steps toward fostering a more inclusive sporting culture that celebrates diversity without reinforcing stereotypes.

References

• Hardin, M., & Greer, J. (2008). The influence of gender-role socialization, media use and sports participation on perceptions of gender-appropriate sports. Journal of Sport Behavior, 32(2), 167-182.
• Johnson, R. G., & Romney, M. (2018). Life in black and white: Racial framing by sports networks on Instagram. Journal of Sports Media, 13(2), 1-18.
• Sheffer, M. (2021). New media old ways: An analysis of sports media’s depiction of female athletes on Instagram and Snapchat. Journal of Sports Media, 15(2).