David Leonard's "Yo Yao! What does the "Ming Dynasty" tell us about race and transnational diplomacy in the NBA?" (2003) is an article that really highlights sport from the viewpoint of multiple reality postmodernism. As I read this article, I found myself torn back and forth between what exactly Yao Ming represents to the NBA. Does he represent acceptance of Asians into American culture? Do the ways in which he is promoted show that racism towards Asians is as real as ever? Is he an example of the upcoming takeover of the NBA by hardworking foreign players? Is he just a new tool of subtle racism from white America against black America?
What I really found interesting was that when I did my best to remove my own background and viewpoints from my viewing lens, I can see how the answer to all of these questions is, at the same time, yes. Even as Leonard touches my nerve with his use of "white supremacy", I must admit that Yao fulfills all of these roles. To say that there is not a more positive view of Asians in America today than 50 years ago would be idiotic, yet that does not erase the fact that Yao Ming is promoted in a racist manner and that racism towards Asians still exist. Similarly, we cannot ignore the hard work and dedication that foreign players give to make it in the NBA. However, we also cannot ignore the manner in which this is removing African-American players.
One thing that does bother is Leonard's use of "Ming Dynasty" in his title. While I know that this term has been used many, many times before Leonard, I can't help but feel that he is using the same racist language to promote his article that he helps to expose within the article itself.
I can understand your struggle with Leonard's analysis of Yao Ming's presence in the NBA and what it means about the racial make-up of the NBA. Your last point is a good one, when you suggest that Leonard employs the same racist language in his title as what he is critiquing.
ReplyDeleteYao Ming represents a different culture into the NBA. While there are many African American athletes, he is from a different culture. It would be interesting to compare what the Chinese society sees in terms of his NBA role versus what Americans see his role as.
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