ABSTRACT
Sport and the media have a symbiotic relationship in which they are partially each other’s reason for being. This has given sport a significant role in re-creating existing power relations. If we view sport through a social justice lens, however, then we recognise that this privileged position also gives sport a capacity to challenge dominant structures and norms. Cases involving sexism, racism and ableism are used as illustrations, showing how the media has reinforced the athletic ideal as being a cisgendered man, White and able-bodied. Historically, media representations have excluded many people from sport, but they have also played a broader and even more insidious role of reinforcing misogynistic, racist and ableist cultural tropes. Black and White athletes are depicted in different ways that reinforce racial stereotypes, for instance, and women athletes are idealised only as long as they refrain from challenging standards of femininity. Disabled athletes are treated as ‘inspiration porn’, reducing them to their disability, and unable to comment on the political dimensions of their disability. Because of the symbiosis between sport and the media, this presents the media with a degree of responsibility for the way in which injustices and existing power asymmetries are reproduced. Media professionals with an interest in social justice issues are encouraged to reflect on their practice, recognise differential treatment of athletes according to their position in the social hierarchy, and to be prepared to make concrete changes to some standard forms of representation.
