Lifting the Veil: Exploring Colorblind Racism in Black Student Athlete Experiences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of post-racial narratives and colorblind racism in a case of Black intercollegiate student athlete experiences. This case study engaged a critical race theory (CRT) perspective and colorblind ideologies to advance an understanding of participant experiences and extend the CRT literature. Findings indicate that participants recognize racial beliefs and racial inequities abound and that colorblind racism has indirectly affected their experiences and perceptions. The findings are illuminated using the four colorblind racism frames: abstract liberalism, naturalization, cultural racism, and minimization of racism. Implications for enhancing student athlete programming, preparing others to work with student athlete populations, and continuing CRT sport scholarship are further discussed.
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Biographies
Albert Y. Bimper Jr is an Assistant Professor at Colorado State University in the Ethnic Studies Department specializing in the area of diversity and inclusion issues in intercollegiate athletics. His research focuses on the intersection of race and sport, which spans the study of issues related to Black student athlete development, racism in sport, transition issues in sport, and exploring richer learning experiences for student athlete academic achievement. Dr. Bimper also serves as Colorado State’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Diversity and Inclusion.
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Article first published online: February 16, 2014
Issue published: June 2015
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