Reflect on how the themes around the Great White Hope/Savior or the Race Problem has affected your perspective towards racism in and out of sports. (Be sure to define these themes in your own words)

Student: Instructor: Course: Date Reflections on the 'Great White Hope' and the Race Problem The themes of the "Great White Hope" and the "Race Problem" have significantly shaped my understanding of racism, particularly in sports (Adekanbi jr). As I define it, the "Great White Hope" refers to the societal expectation or desire for a white athlete to rise as a savior or symbol of dominance in sports where athletes of color are often more prominent. This idea perpetuates racial hierarchies by positioning white athletes as exceptions when they succeed in areas traditionally dominated by non-white athletes. Meanwhile, the "Race Problem" reflects the persistent and systemic issues surrounding racial prejudice, discrimination, and inequality, both within sports and beyond. The portrayal of Jeremy Lin and Caitlin Clark in sports exemplifies how these themes play out. Jeremy Lin, an Asian-American basketball player, was labeled as an "unlikely hero" during his rise in the NBA, but some commentators referred to him as a "Great White Hope." According to The Week, this labeling demonstrates how the media and society place racial expectations on athletes. Lin’s success was framed within a racial narrative, despite him not being white, reflecting how non-white athletes are often othered or seen as anomalies based on racial expectations (The Week). Similarly, Caitlin Clark, a talented white basketball player, has been dubbed the "new Great White Hope." Accordi...