Michael Jordan's Influence On Black Athletes

Throughout history African Americans have fought for racial equality through many means; a major one being sports. Through their success in athletics, African Americans have made incremental steps towards achieving this collective goal, but due to their dependence on white-controlled establishments, have been confined to parameters of attainable power and social mobility. It was through successful black athletes like Muhammad Ali that spoke on the behalf of African Americans on injustices that paved the way in breaking those parameters and gain black power. The activism that created change by those black leaders has faded away in today’s black athletes, largely in response to the emulation of the greatest athlete of the 20th century, Michael Jordan. Revered globally as a hero and a “God”, with millions of followers wanting to be like Mike, Jordan’s influence influenced black athletes to be racially and politically neutral and strive toward individual success no matter the cost. Michael Jordan’s influence to “Be Like Mike” led a culture of neutrality within black athletes that has rid them of the …show more content…
By remaining silent towards political and racial issues, he was mainly showcased for his success on the court, which increased worth for his brand. Thus, this prevented jeopardizing his success by not losing any market of followers by remaining neutral to all. The right to be silent is a right that Jordan fully exercises by being publicly neutral. Being bald, wearing baggy pants, and soaring in the air are a few of the elements of his black style and image that are not just accepted by the mainstream, but are even revered. By shrugging off the historical mission for black athletes to push forward towards equality, Jordan focussed on building his image, brand, and wealth, though aware of the effects of doing