Lifting the Veil: Exploring Colorblind Racism in Black Student Athlete Experiences
Journal of Sport and Social Issues
Published online on February 16, 2014
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.