The Time People Confused Me With Another Asian

Recently I had an interesting life experience that Professor McDonnell encouraged me to share. As a member of the tennis team, I am subject to advertising for the Bryant Men's Tennis program. At one of our recent matches, I noticed I was on the promotion posters for the match. As I looked closer I realized that under my picture they had put the name of my teammate Phillip Kim. Phillip happens to be the only other Asian player on the team. It became kind of a joke amongst the team but did not resonate with me til later on.

Race in the NHL and the First Professional African American Hockey Player

The world of hockey has come to see stars of all different race and ethnicity. The game has grown in many ways but is still known as a predominately white sport. A league that is almost 95% white did not see a change until the 1980s. Val James was a feared enforcer who was not only recognized for his fierce fighting tactics but for his race. Val James was the first black man to play in the National Hockey League. James faced racial slurs and physical acts of violence during his career. Nearly thirty years after his retirement, James still finds it hard to watch NHL games. It took him close to ten years to watch a game which he says brings back traumatizing memories. Spectators used to throw bananas on the ice and make obscene gestures in the penalty box towards the enforcer.

In today's game, hockey has seen an increase in African American NHL players. Stars like Evander Kane, PK Subban, and Wayne Simmonds have made a name for themselves in the league by displaying their skill. Although the game has changed, these players still face discrimination. Val James broke down the racial barrier in the NHL. His contribution to the sport has allowed super stars like Kane, Subban, and Simmonds to emerge as role models for young African American hockey players.

Sommerstein, D. (2015, February 26). As First Black American NHL Player, Enforcer Was Defenseless Against Racism. Retrieved April 26, 2016, from http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2015/02/26/389284068/as-first-black-american-nhl-player-enforcer-was-defenseless-vs-racism

How Jimi Hendrix's Race Became His "Invisible Legacy"

Jimi Hendrix is one of the most influential musicians of all time blending his soulful deep sound with the clash and spirit of Rock N Roll. Living in a virtually white world, Hendrix became a black sex symbol in the 1960's while fighting racial discrimination. Hendrix threw himself into the spotlight and surrounded himself with white groupies, playing for almost all white crowds and white band mates. The black community looked at Hendrix as an "Uncle Tom" almost despising him for his attempt to blend in with white crowds.
Through out his career, Hendrix experienced criticism from both sides of the racial divide. In the end he was a troubled artist who focused on mastering his craft despite outside racial and cultural barriers. Decades after his death, Jimi Hendrix's music is still heavily appreciated. Seen as an artist whose music and vision was ahead of its time, Hendrix receives praise from former and present music figures. "Forty years after his death, it's still tempting to shed a tear listening to Hendrix -- not just because of what we hear, but for all the sounds we will never hear because he died so young."

Blake, J. (2014, October 18). How Jimi Hendrix stopped being black. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/18/showbiz/jimi-hendrix-invisible-legacy/

Race in the Olympics

As a university student involved in athletics, in an increasingly diversifying world, it is important to understand the difference.  Race can be used as a catalyst to confinement; a way to create groupings of people based on certain physical characteristics, namely skin color and body type.  Ethnicity refers to the cultural normalities of a people-group including language, nationalities, customs/traditions, and beliefs.  Ethnicities are can be used to differentiate people by observing what makes them unique.

Sports can be the perfect platform where racial issues are challenged, and ethnic backgrounds put into the spotlight.  The Olympics is the perfect example.  By watching the Olympics, the entire world can experience the squashing of racial prejudices (Jesse Owens 1936 Olympics).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCmvDwDocrw

The Blues, Record Companies and Race

Race recording refers to the division of race by record companies. the different genres of music today suggest racial divide in rap, alternative, rock, etc. Dating back since the 1920's music has been racially divided. Contrary to popular belief, race records helped create popularity amongst black music. The blues took on a life and sound of its own expressing deep soulful melodies and strong lyrics.

Blues tell the stories of the troubles and triumphs of real life artists, as well as a chronicle for the rise of an industry. Although race music has come to an end, there are still barriers in the music industry and stereotyping of artists and genres.

Carpenter, F. C. (n.d.). Race Records: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly [Truths]. Retrieved April 10, 2016, from https://www.centerstage.org/marainey/DigitalDramaturgy/TheBlues/RaceRecords.aspx