Analysis Of ' Rankine 's Profile Of Serena Williams

Feminine characteristics are thought to be intrinsic to the female facility for childbirth and breast-feeding. Hence, it is popularly believed that the social position of females is biologically mandated to be intertwined with the care of children and a 'natural' dependency on men for the maintenance of mother-child units."

While participation of women in sports has increased, the media representation of women in sports remains problematic. Even the most talented elite female athletes like Michelle Kwan and Monica Seles are portrayed in a sexual fashion, as a way of deemphasizing their athleticism and neutralizing any possible threat they might seem to pose to male viewers. Very few male athletes are portrayed in such an objectified manner; they are portrayed as competitors first and foremost, not as personalities. Also, the media coverage of athletes is disproportionately focused on male athletes. The coverage of female athletes tends to stress individualized female sports where women can be sexualized like tennis and figure skating, versus competitive team sports like basketball and soccer.

Gender inequality in professional tennis is a real and alarming issue, from the pay gap between mens' and womens' tennis players to the low media coverage of women's professional tennis. This issue even goes as far as how differently tennis commentators discuss and analyze mens tennis as opposed to how they discuss and analyze womens tennis. When commentators discuss men's tennis they solely focus on the skill of the players, but when they discuss women's tennis they place more importance on the appearance of the female players, rather than their skill. This instance of gender inequality in professional tennis is further exacerbated by the differences in advertisements for male tennis players and female tennis players. The advertisements involving male tennis players display their athleticism and tennis abilities, whereas the advertisements including female tennis players are appearance-focused, with the females often wearing little clothing. This is corroborated by the popular belief that focusing on the physical appearance of female athletes is the only way in which generating money from women's professional sports is distinctly possible (Fink, 2015, p. 338). Female professional tennis players train just as hard as the men do, thus the gender inequality that exists in the sport is not necessarily a result of how women perform on the court. It is rather a result of how society perceives women playing in professional sports overall, which the mass media is partially to blame

Black excellence; a term that is possibly defined as the recognition and celebration of the successes of the black community. Lacking from the definition is the idea that black excellence cannot be achieved without understanding its relation to apparent racist perpetrations. In the essay entitled “The Meaning of Serena Williams”, author Claudia Rankine states, “the notable difference between black excellence and white excellence is white excellence is achieved without having to battle racism. Imagine.” The prevalent absurdity exuded by this statement is the unfortunate reality we now inhabit.

Black excellence; a term possibly defined as the recognition and celebration of the successes of the black community. Lacking from the definition is the idea that black excellence cannot be achieved without understanding its relation to apparent racist perpetrations. In an essay discussing Serena Williams, entitled “The Meaning of Serena Williams”, by Claudia Rankine, she states, “the notable difference between black excellence and white excellence is white excellence is achieved without having to battle racism. Imagine.” The prevalent absurdity exuded by this statement is the unfortunate reality we now inhabit.

One of the most successful tennis players in the history of sports, Serena Williams, is known for her undeniable dedication and ability to burn the candle at both ends. Serena is the worldwide sensation who won several Olympic Gold medals and many other awards. In the previous post, we've listed the first part of 25 facts about Serena Williams. This post is the second part.

An example of Williams’s use of ethos is “The time has come for it to do the right thing by paying men and women the same sums of prize money” (Williams 25-26). This example shows how Williams believe in the right thing and that the audience should follow in her footsteps. A second example is “With power and status comes responsibility” (Williams 24). In this statement, Williams shows her character and beliefs on this topic. A third example is “The All England Club is saying that the accomplishments of the 128 women are worth less than those of 128 men. It diminishes the stature and credibility of such a great event in the eyes of all women” (Williams 40-42). Williams believes in equality, especially at these type of events, and encourages others to stand firm in defending

Throughout the years, sports have become a major part of society. Sports, a large percentage of the time, are a part of peoples’ lives in one way or another. Whether they participate in them or just enjoy watching them, sports are a big deal to the majority of people. There are also some individuals who have redefined the expectations when it comes to certain sports. For instance, Babe Ruth redefined the way people think about baseball, or Michael Jordan completely changing the game of basketball. But Joe Louis and Venus and Serena Williams have changed their games in a way no one could have imagined. Although “Champion of the World” by Maya Angelou and “Woman Who Hit Very Hard and How They’ve Changed Tennis” by Michael Kimmelman are different, they are similar in the ways they show how the respected athletes, Joe Louis and the Williams sisters, changed the game and were seen using symbolism in racial and sexual progression.

Serena Williams is the number one women’s tennis player in the world. Her outstanding skills have earned her 50 million dollars through just prizes; that is more than any other athlete in the world (“Serena Williams Fast Facts”). Her fast reflexes, amazing skills, and outgoing personality have made her known as a powerful woman and an inspiration to many young girls. This African-American woman is almost six feet tall and is made of steel. With her long, muscular legs and her quick arms, no wonder she is number one!

Web, Biography.com Editors “Serena Williams Biography.com” A&E Television Network The Biography.com website April 17, 2017 http://www.biography.com/people/serena-williams-9532901

Nike, is arguably the most known brand out there. In the article that is reporting on Nike’s latest campaign, it is not only publicizing Nike, but Serena Williams as well. Nike is receiving the Internet’s coverage of media for free. Although Nike paid for the billboard, they did not pay for all of the publication they are getting from the Internet because of this article and many others like it. If Nike was aware of this happening, which I am sure they were, they picked Serena Williams to feature on their masterpiece because she is in the news often with her recent major wins in tennis. The article does a good job of listing her achievements; in turn this helps Nike out because an amazing and credited athlete is receiving praise from Nike.

Venus Williams, a professional Tennis player, is different compared to other athletes. Her success in establishing an equal pay for what is deserved in sports is inspiring in the desire to increase a woman’s average wage in the occupational world. Before 2007, female champion tennis players would receive a smaller prize compared to men due to having less physical attributes. Williams spoke on behalf of women saying that this degrades the female gender and diminishes the hard work put into their performances. Williams’ efforts have paid off and help contribute to the fight of ending the gender pay gap entirely. Women should be paid the same amount as men, especially in the corporate world along with having access to equal health benefits and

When women decide to participate in sports traditionally for men such as bodybuilding, they risk the chance of being socially stereotyped as lesbians, or simply viewed as "less feminine" then say women figure skaters. For example, Venus Williams is seen as criticized for being very masculine in build and judged on that by her performance. The media has commented on how well she plays, and has compared her to men in her sport. She receives fewer endorsements than many other tennis players do because of her looks (but mainly due to her race).

A man versus a woman, the “Battle of the Sexes”, it was a match that viewers tuned into everywhere. There was so much doubt expressed that a woman, Billie Jean King, could beat her opponent, Bobby Riggs in a tennis match. Against all odds, Billie Jean King was crowned with the victory. This legendary moment in history was important for the sport of tennis, but also the little girls everywhere that were not allowed to participate in athletics like their male peers. In light of “Title IX”, an amendment that promoted equality and the prohibition of gender and race discrimination in any school or Federal-funded sport or activity, Billie Jean King became the face of feminism and gender equality, and can be accredited for her contributions to the advancements for not just women athletes, but all women.

Tennis dates back many centuries ago, and is believed to be played by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. It has evolved over the years, and today the tennis style is tremendously different from previous centuries. Many different tennis styles have been adapted over the years, and today tennis has become a more aggressive sport. It is very different from when the players use to ding the ball back and forth across the net. Today tennis is played with a lot more force and it has become a more engaging sport from the sport it used to be just a century ago. The William Sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, have had a huge impact on the game of tennis. When they peaked to fame it changed the way everyone saw the game of tennis.