Nowadays, people usually think that we are a pretty equal and “fair” society…but is that really the case? In the sports world, we tend to think that society is equal and diverse; including all genders, races, and ethnicities. Sports are often used as recreational enjoyment to bring people of all kinds together. Surprisingly, this is not always the case, especially for a Pennsylvania high school basketball team.
A high school basketball game took a turn for the worst in Connellsville, Pennsylvania when students started yelling racist chants at the visiting Uniontown players. Students began participating in chants like “Build that wall!” and “Get them out of here!” – While some held Trump campaign signs – at Black players while the game was going on. These students faced what is known as discrimination based on something we refer to as prejudice.
Discrimination is the inexcusable negative treatment of a group of people or its members. In this case, high school basketball players in Pennsylvania are being discriminated against because of their race. Now, some may wonder how much discrimination effects athletes – or anyone for that matter. Well, studies show that the effects are far from okay.
According to a study – Stress in America – conducted by the American Psychological Association, acts of discrimination lead to higher stress, which, in turn, leads to poorer health. This study was conducted by Harris Poll and utilized a survey poll where approximately 3,300 adults participated online. The results collected from the survey revealed that more than 75% of Black adults described being discriminated against on a daily basis and approximately 40% of Black men say they have been unfairly searched, stopped, and/or questioned by police. This final finding is an example portraying prejudice. Prejudice is a preconceived feeling about an individual or group of individuals based on things such as race, gender, and ethnicity.
It is troubling that in today’s world, people are still facing discrimination and being unfairly treated due to accusations based on race, ethnicity, and gender. Our society in America is assumed to be one reflecting equality and it is unfortunate that this is not entirely the case…something needs to be done.
Associated Press. (2017). Parents say black players harassed during Pa. high school basketball game. USA Today: High School Sports. http://usatodayhss.com/2017/hick-night-connnellsville-uniontown-black-players-harassed
Bethune, Sophie, and Luana Bossolo. (2016). Discrimination linked to stress, poorer health, American Psychological Association survey finds. American Psychological Association.
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2016/03/impact-of-discrimination.aspx
Myers, David G, and Jean M Twenge. Exploring Social Psychology. Print.