The Disgrace of Commodification and Shameful Convenience A Critical Race Critique of the NBA

par R. A. GRIFFIN 

1.  Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1100 Lincoln Dr., Mailcode 6605, Carbondale, IL 62901

Abstract

This essay positions sport as a pedagogical social institution from which people learn about race, gender, power, and privilege. The National Basketball Association is examined closely with a critical race lens with regard to the commodification of Black masculinity. A critical race analysis reveals the sharp contradictions between the league’s progressive image as an “industry leader” of racial diversity (Lapchick, Bustamante, & Ruiz, 2007, p.1) and the actualization of league discourse, policy, and practice.