Theorizing on the Stereotyping of Black Male Student-Athletes: Issues and Implications

Abstract

Since the 19th century to present day, stereotyping of Black male athletes has depicted them as athletically superior while intellectually inferior to White male athletes (Harrison & Lawrence, 2004). In this paper, the purpose is to theorize on the race-based stereotyping of Black male student-athletes at the collegiate level. Our comments are situated in the tenets of psychological critical race theory (Jones, 1998) as we discuss racial, social, economical, cultural, and psychological [stereotyping] factors that affect Black male student-athletes' academic and athletic experiences. Implications and challenges around these issues are discussed for academic faculty, coaches, advisors, and support personnel as they assume responsibility for teaching, coaching, advising, and supporting student-athletes' academic progress.