Orientalist Tropes in Sports Journalism Study
This study delves into the evolution of Orientalist language in sports journalism over the past century, analyzing its impact on perceptions of Eastern nations in the context of table tennis, cricket, and baseball coverage. The research explores the shift from Western-centric ideals to a more respectful and humanizing portrayal of the East in sports writing, reflecting changing societal attitudes. Through case studies and historical analyses, the study investigates how journalistic narratives have transformed to present a more equitable representation of Eastern cultures in sports media.
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Presentation Transcript
East vs. West: A Study of Orientalist Tropes in Sports Journalism Ben Blotner
Research Question My Independent Study looked into sports journalism over the past century and how the use of Orientalist language has changed over the years. Orientalism: The West s acceptance of the basic distinction between East and West as the starting point for elaborate theories, epics, novels, social descriptions, and political accounts concerning the Orient, its people, customs, mind, destiny and so on (Said). Journalism on three different sports: table tennis, cricket, baseball
Thesis Statement Many pieces of sports journalism used to reflect the archaic and Orientalist ideals of a formerly Western-centric world, but as times have changed, the language used by sports writers has grown more respectful and humanizing, putting the East on a much more equal level. Progression of each sport s journalism yielded different conclusions All sports saw decreased Orientalism in writing over the years
Table Tennis 1971 World Table Tennis Championships, U.S. vs. China U.S. team invited to China, diplomatic relations improved China used table tennis prowess for leverage, ping pong diplomacy Western journalism shows admiration of Chinese players, fear of Chinese authority in the sport Reflective of China s rise to power
Cricket Eastern nations such as India and Pakistan not initially respected in the cricket world, rose to prominence and gained respect West Indies vs. Australia, ticker tape parade Eastern journalists take more liberties than those from Anglicized countries Osman Samiuddin s article on biased referee Darrell Hair, Eastern nations came together in protest Boston Gymkhana Sports Club, India vs. Pakistan
Baseball American-dominated game, Japan and Korea have closed the skill gap Scouts and journalists saw Asian players as physically weak, others saw them as stereotypically mystical/exotic Coverage of Hank Aaron/Sadaharu Oh home run battle Chan Ho-mania Perceptions of Asian players have become much more favorable and humanizing
Conclusion/Findings Ping pong diplomacy instrumental in gaining respect for China and East; journalism reflects this change Cricket has allowed people from India/Pakistan to come together in unity through sport Eastern baseball players have become normalized, respect has been gained Sports journalism has seen progression away from Orientalism
Works Cited Andrews, Evan. How Ping-Pong Diplomacy Thawed the Cold War. History.com, A&E Television Networks, 8 Apr. 2016. Doherty, Jake, and Sean Waters. Dodgers to Debut With Chan Ho-Mania : Baseball: Rookie Pitcher Is Already Instilling Pride among Korean Americans. Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 1994. Ornauer, Dave. Hank Aaron Swings Away Again in Japan. Stars and Stripes, 23 July 1984. Said, Edward W. Orientalism. W. Ross MacDonald School, Resource Services Library, 2006. Samiuddin, Osman. England v Pakistan: Mini Hitler Taunts for Hair. The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 22 Aug. 2006.
