Why are blacks still being stereotyped as exceptionally athletic?

Question

It seems as if this myth originates from African sprinters and the high number of blacks in basketball and football. There doesn't seem to be as many in baseball though. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not a sports fan.

But where are the black gymnasts, hockey players, soccer players, ice skaters, divers, swimmers, skiers, mountain climbers, surfers, bicyclists, tennis players, etc.

Of course there may be a sizeable number of blacks in some of these sports, just as there are whites in the aforementioned. But they don't dominate them. That's the point.

The reason I ask is because too many people say this as if to suggest that for blacks, intelligence was traded off for athletic ability. Which in my opinion is hogwash.

Note to Donkey Balls: I know you can do better than that. What are whites better at besides cooking up meth. See how this goes?

Answer 1

I think if you look at the Olympics, it is evident that some nations and ethnic groups excel at some sports, while others excel at others.

It's safe to say that in American, the fastest sprinters are almost always black. It's not racists, it's just a recognition of reality. But in other sports you have other races excelling. Hispanic nations produce some incredible baseball players, as well as Asian nations. Many great boxers are coming out of Russia, and eastern Europe and South America have started producing some great basketball players.

Part of the question is this: do some racial or cultural groups excel in some sports because of genetics, or because of culture. In other words, are Swedes great at hockey because of their genetics, or because there is more ice in Sweden?

The answer is probably both. We know that some ethnic groups are taller than others. Certain northern European nations, as well as some eastern African nations are simply taller, one average, than certain nations in southern Europe or east Asia. So it would make sense that some nations might have a higher number of people who are better at certain athletic events.

So, are blacks better at sports? You can't really use that term, because black encompasses many different ethnic groups. In Africa, the best long distance runners are from the east- like Kenya and Ethiopia, and the best sprinters are from the west. Black can be hispanic, or African, or even some Asian nations. It is too broad of a term.

Bottom line: it IS a generalization to say that "blacks" are better at sports. But it's fair to say that African-Americans excel at certain sports, while Europeans-Americans excel at other sports.

At the end of the day, though, we're all Americans, and I'm happy we have such diversity. It makes life more enjoyable and certainly doesn't hurt our Olympic teams to have such diversity!

Answer 2

I can say why. Black Americans are stereotyped this way because it is what sells on tv and it is what many viewers are used to.
As for blacks not being numerous in most other sports, it is many black Americans who are not numerous in baseball, soccer, etc. For one reason, economics and occupation with other sports. Many of the blacks who have dominated in basketball, track, and football may have(and most like so) lived in areas where baseball and soccer were not popular(the inner city). Baseball for the reason of expense. Baseball bats, and other equipment costs alot of money. That combined with that fact that in most inner-city areas it is simply easier to find a basketball hoop. All that is needed for a basketball game is a basketball, 10 players(for 2 teams) and a hoop(which there are plenty of them in the inner city parks). Soccer isn't that popular either. I personally believe that it is a matter of not so much economics. A soccer ball isn't that expensive and all you really need is that, some space, something to kick a goal in(which can be anything, not necessarily a goal post) and some people to play. The thing is that when you see advertisement involving basketball, you see mostly blacks. For soccer advertisements, you mainly see foreigners or middle-upper class whites. It is not always economics. In many cases it is the people playing into the stereotypes that this happens.

Answer 3

Want examples? This is only the sports I know Gymnasts - Dominique Dawes Hockey players - Grant Fuhr Soccer players - Pele, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, etc Ice skaters - Surya Bonali Tennis players - Venus and Serena Williams Golfers - Tiger Woods Skateboarders - Stevie Williams Rugby is a gay version of football, where they wear short shorts and grab and rub their parts against each others. And I don't really follow the rest of the sports you mentioned. The most important Olympic event is the Marathon and is dominated by blacks, in particular two countries: Kenya and Ethiopia. EDIT: Way to go douchebag, you give thumbs down to everyone who disagrees with you.

Answer 4

to be honest.... basketball and football are the major sports that are introduced into the black community. i have actually done my research because i am trying to get my daughter into something other than the usual where i am from (dance and karate) i have been unsuccessfully in finding anything...including gymnastics and tennis. we have football and basketball as school sports....not much else, unless you go further out of the predominately black communities.

Answer 5

From a historical stand point blacks [in America] excelled at sports such as basketball and football and track and field events [sprinitng etc] because these are sports and activities that require less equipment, and professional training, and specialized facilities than gymnastics, and hockey and biking etc.

There is still a large disparity in the resources available to blacks as compared to whites.

To play basketball all you need is one ball and a hoop and large amount of players can play. All you really need is a ball because there are basketball hoops at the park. The cost for one person to play is the same as the cost for 12 people to play because the equipment needed is minimal.
To play football, all you need is one ball, and open field.
To sprint all you need is space, no other equipment is neccessary.
In all of these sports, the cost for one person to play is the same as the cost for 12 people to play because the equipment needed is minimal. In addition you don't really need any professional training to master these sports, plus its relatively easy, to practice at these sports. With basketball you can even play in your own yard.

When it comes to other sports, there is sufficient amount of specialized equipment need, as well as specialized facilities to partake in this actitivities which is rarely available in black communities. Also most require training from professionals, all of these factors require extra money and resources, which are sometimes limited in black communites.

Answer 6

i dont know about all that other stuff, but trust me there are soccer players. a lot of great ones. (me included) lol

Answer 7

BECAUSE THEY LOVE TO FIGHT.