In the past recent years, the NBA has used their platform to raise awareness for Black Lives Matter through the use of language, power, and symbols. The NBA started using their platform for this foundation in May of 2020 when George Floyd was killed. After the murder of George Floyd was when the BLM movement was created. The NBA was and still supports the Black Lives Matter movement. Through the use of language, power, and symbols the NBA has broadcasted and supported the Black Lives Matter movement around the world. Starting off with language, the NBA has used this in various ways to raise awareness about social justice issues. A huge example of this is jersey names, “Of 350 players listed on rosters for the NBA’s restart, 300 players will …show more content…
Starting off with donations, “The team owners of the NBA have committed to collectively donating $300 million to a charity advocating for civil rights, a move aligned with the goals of Black Lives Matter protests and dialogue that took center stage following the police killing of George Floyd in May” (Kelley, 2020). The NBA used their power to donate to BLM to support social justice and equality. Our book states, “Throughout history and currently, many individuals and groups in the United States enact(ed) power relations not only to produce and reproduce domination, but also to empower, liberate, and transform” (Allen, 38). This quote allows us to understand that power can be used as a tool for oppression, but also used for a positive change. One more example of NBA using power to support BLM is, advertisements. I remember watching many different advertisements while games were aired that featured coaches or players supporting BLM. Overall, I believe the NBA used power to their advantage during a time that really needed it, as well as they still support BLM …show more content…
In week three we discussed symbols in depth, and how they shape the world around us. Talking in terms of basketball, NBA players would kneel before games as a peaceful protest against racial injustice. An example of this happening was in 2020, “NBA players and coaches from four teams took a knee during the national on a Thursday night in the first set of games since the league paused its season over the coronavirus pandemic. The demonstration, inspired by free-agent NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, calls attention to racial injustice and police brutality” (Brito, 2020). Overall, the NBA has used symbols to show their commitment to supporting BLM movement, which also amplified the voices of their players who are using their platform to advocate for social