Although some may argue that memes are on their way out of popular internet culture, they still boast a wide usage on social media, likely because they can be easily created by most anyone with internet access. A common sports meme juxtaposes two images of professional male athletes, one of which is usually LeBron James being carried off the court. More often than not, the second image portrays a white NHL player who continues to play despite an injury or serious medical condition.
These images, which may initially seem to be harmless comparisons between basketball and hockey, are deeply embedded with ideologies concerning racial performances of masculinity. LeBron James’ supposed lack of humility and his unwillingness to play while injured are constantly criticized, and these memes highlight the “faults” in his performance of masculinity, namely black masculinity, while praising the (white) masculinity displayed by the hockey player. These images go beyond a questioning of what it means to be a good athlete by US cultural standards, and ultimately reveal what it might mean to be a good American man.
In my paper, I will interrogate these memes and the ways in which they pit black and white masculinities against one another in popular culture. Using these memes as a starting point, I will expand my argument to include other instances such as Richard Sherman’s post-Super Bowl victory “rant,” and also the recent criticism of James in the NBA finals.
About the presenterTracy Reese
Tracy Reese is a graduate of Simmons University and holds a MA in English and a MA in children’s literature. She is employed by Allegany College of Maryland as the College and Career Coach where she also teaches English and co-chairs the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.