Let’s Talk Microaggressions in Sport!
Jamal T. Jackson, LCSW
9/21/2021
ESPN‘s comment about Lamar Jackson aka @new_era8 not being able to throw for 300 yards in a game is a microaggression towards Black ability to play the quarterback position in the @nfl. And the added mention of @JalenHurts seems to be a means for ESPN to say “Hey, we’re not making racially insensitive comments when pointing out African American quarterback Lamar Jackson’s shortcomings (ie. inability to throw for 300 yards) because we compared him to another African American quarterback who can play the quarterback position.” This is also a micro aggression.
The differences in the description of African American quarterbacks and White quarterbacks over the years is exhausting, no matter how many times racial Microaggressions are pointed out we are reminded that there are individuals and organizations who still feel Blacks do not meet the “Golden Standard” of what it means to be an NFL quarterback, and there has been a long history of the exacerbation of systemic hoarding of the quarterback position to maintain whiteness.
So glad Lamar and company were successful in their game on Sunday Night Football and have had successful seasons in years prior! @new_era8 thank you for your drive to stay focused and committed to your team’s success! And thank you to Coach Harbaugh for believing in your African American quarterback!
In the infamous words of @keyshawn , @randygmoss, @criscarter1965 & crew to @espn …
To the youth, high school, and college African American/Black/person of color, any student, student athlete, or individual with a dream and passion for greatness, follow in the footsteps of Lamar Jackson! Below is a list of 5 thoughts/actionable behaviors I have witnessed from Lamar Jackson and recommend in navigating microaggressions, and other aspects of negative life experiences.
To the youth, high school, and college African American/Black/person of color, any student, student athlete, or individual with a dream and passion for greatness, follow in the footsteps of Lamar Jackson! Below is a list of 5 thoughts/actionable behaviors I have witnessed from Lamar Jackson and recommend in navigating microaggressions, and other aspects of negative life experiences.
- Plan your long term goals
- For example
- Lamar Jackson – Win the Super Bowl
- Student Athlete – Earn a full ride athletic scholarship
- For example
- Plan your short term goals that help you reach your long term goals
- For example
- Lamar Jackson – Practice, Study plays, play consistently, execute, win one game per week
- Student Athlete – Get to sleep Monday through Thursday by 9:45pm, complete all homework assignments during off periods before practice, watch film 3x per week, finish in top 5 during conditioning at the end of practice
- For example
- Focus on your short term goals
- You have already planned out your long term goal, now it is time to put into action your daily steps (ie. short term goals) to assist in moving you closer to your long term goal.
- Engage in Self-Care
- For example
- Positive self-talk, guided meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, eating healthy, consistent exercise, laughter, spending time engaging in activities you enjoy, etc
- For example
- Surround yourself with positive, motivating people
- For example
- Lamar Jackson – Coach Harbaugh, Calvin Ridley, Marquise Brown , etc
- Student Athlete – A Coach, teacher, family member, friend(s), mentor
- For example