Black Bodies: Biological Racism Among Black Female Athletes

Abstract

This paper is a critical analysis of the contrast between stereotypes of White female athletes and Black female athletes. In this paper we are introduced to the idea of the impervious Black Body and how it is related to medical racism and Black female inelegance. An analysis is given of all these factors and how they relate to each other including first hand accounts of bias from Corrinne Tarver, former collegiate gymnast and current gymnastics coach. Finally, there is a conversation of the way Black people perceive themselves and the extent to which they allow themselves to be vulnerable. It is discussed that gaining an understanding of yourself like Coach Tarver did can aid in empowerment and gaining the ability to advocate for yourself. This relates to societal problems like the hyperfocus of the masculinity of men and not letting emotions show, and even among women and how Black women are perceived as strong and durable.