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Stereotypes and Stigmas of College Athletes in Tank McNamara’s Cartoon Strip: Fact or Fiction?
Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics (2009)
  • C. Keith Harrison, Ed.D., University of Central Florida
  • Suzanne Malia Lawrence, Ph.D., Azusa Pacific University
  • Michelle Plecha, Ph.D., University of California - Los Angeles
  • Scott Bukstein, JD, University of Central Florida
  • Neza K. Janson, University of Central Florida
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student-athletes (N= 43) regarding stereotypical cartoons about athletes. A qualitative approach, which included a visual elicitation technique, was utilized by administering the Lifestyle Association & Representation of Athletes Scale (LARAS). The LARAS explored participants’ perceptions of the following six specific concepts: a) academic support issues; b) academic progress; c) coaches as educators; d) professional sport aspirations; e) media identities, advertising, and representation; and f) cultural issues and recruiting. Five major themes emerged from participants’ perceptions: Big Sport Business, Athletic Image, College Athlete Mindset, Realistic/False Representation, and Institutional Focus. Goffman’s (1959) theory of social stigma and Loury’s (2002) theory on racial stigma are related to the perceptions revealed by the college student-athletes in this study. Implications and recommendations for sport scholars and practitioners are provided.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2009
Citation Information
C. Keith Harrison, Suzanne Malia Lawrence, Michelle Plecha, Scott Bukstein, et al.. "Stereotypes and Stigmas of College Athletes in Tank McNamara’s Cartoon Strip: Fact or Fiction?" Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/scott_bukstein/7/