Katie Hawkins - United Kingdom and Singapore
Introduction
A report published by the BBC found that children and young people from Asian backgrounds have one of the lowest activity levels overall. Additionally, children and young people from Asian backgrounds are less likely to say that they find sport easy or enjoyable compared to those from other ethnic groups. The astonishing truth revealed from this report can’t help but raise the question as to why: Is there a historical link that can uncover an explanation as to why Asians are less inclined to play sports?
A true privilege of mine has been my nomadic and vibrant upbringing, being raised in both the West and Asia. My passion for physical activity blossomed early on, getting stuck into team and individual sports no matter where I was. However, even at a mere 7 years old, I quickly observed obvious gaps in terms of diversity - whether I was out on the hockey pitch or treading in a chlorinated body of water. Representing both field hockey and swimming at county level, the lack of Asian representation has become conspicuous. This neglected area of discussion almost felt urgent to me because, with being both mixed-race and very sporty, I frequently found myself wondering why there weren't more people like me participating too. So, let’s unpick the question: is there a motive behind why Asians are often marginalized in sports?
The power of stereotypes
To a large extent, the outdated and overused stereotype that Asians are less physically suited or less athletically inclined compared to other races seems to justify the lack of Asian representation within modern sports media (Kuzbari 1-3). However, these generalizations are often created out of ignorance or prejudice, nonetheless, they have the power to dictate potential opportunities for Asian athletes (Burtka 1-2). This further perpetuates the marginalization of Asians in sports because inadequate media coverage of current Asian athletes fails to inspire the next generation of young Asians who are eagerly searching for role models who look like them. Furthermore, the perpetual stress on academics within Asian culture aids the stereotype that Asians are better adapted solely for intellectual pursuits. Due to the string of stereotypes conjured up through nescience, many Asian youths feel uncomfortable and uneasy when it comes to participation in sports. Additionally, with Asian parent’s often grueling expectations, children feel tentative to participate in sport due to a perceived conflict with cultural beliefs.These standards can be traced back to ancient China, where Confucian philosophy was picked up around 2,500 years ago. Confucianism can be argued to be one of the most influential philosophies in China’s history; it focuses on morality, ethics and good behavior. A fundamental aspect of Confucianism is the notion of “filial piety” - a devotion to family. This is because success in education is often viewed as a way to honor one’s family, display respect for the elders and is seen as a reputable contribution to society. Furthermore, “filial piety” can be portrayed as a driving force used by parents to instill academic excellence, with the hopes of acquiring a future full of prosperity and stability. Moreover, a significant cultural difference that often results in sports being undervalued is the perceived lack of viability when it comes to career paths associated with sports. Due to the increasingly competitive global job market; occupations such as doctors, lawyers and engineers are favored within Asian households, in order to secure stable, respectable and successful futures. Therefore, this perception diverts many young Asians from pursuing sporting careers with serious intent.
Historical context
A delve into the history of ancient China, with its emphasis on Confucian teachings and civil service exams, demonstrates why academic success has been highly valued in Chinese culture for centuries. Origins can be traced from as early as the Sui dynasty (581-618), with the establishment of the civil service examination system for the intent of choosing the best candidates for the state bureaucracy (Cartwright 1-3). The system was founded upon meritocracy which allowed males regardless of their class to sit the exams, with the hope of becoming part of the gentry class of scholar-officials. The exams were notoriously challenging with multiple levels and phases, alongside impossible passing rates, but this system allowed for China to raise an entire class of abled young men based on intelligence, not the amount of money they had in their pockets. The examination system was successful and was kept in place for over a thousand years; a large factor that contributes to the notion as to why education is still treasured within Chinese culture at present-day.
Conclusion
Therefore, Asian underrepresentation and under participation within sports can be linked to multiple factors. Cultural values hold a large significance, fuelled by historical behaviors and standards such as Confuciansim and the imperial examination system; this promotes academic pressures from a young age. Furthermore, harsh stereotypes and the lack of media coverage often results in apprehensiveness, creating unpopularity amongst young children when it comes to trying sports. This is particularly due to the traditional view that academics equate to stability and success in the future, whilst participating in sports doesn’t. When combined together, these factors create a false narrative that sports should be less prioritized and kept in the dark, consequently resulting in underrepresentation within sports media. By addressing cultural barriers through parental education and developing sports initiatives that instill confidence in Asian youth, as well as providing mentorship programs, we can foster a generation of Asian youth who are not only encouraged to engage in sports, but to excel. By dismantling the preconception that academics and sports can't coexist, we can help tackle the stereotype that athletic pursuits detract from academic success.
Bibliography
Cartwright, Mark. "The Civil Service Examinations of Imperial China." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 08 Feb 2019. Web. 24 Sep 2024.
"Sport England: Why Are Children from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities Less Active?" 2020, pp. 1-2, https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51281976.amp. Accessed 29 Jan. 2020.
Apple, The W. "Confucianism." 2024, pp. 1-3,
Burtka, Allison T. "When Asian American Athletes Succeed In Breaking 'Model Minority' Stereotype, Their Mental Health Can Suffer." 2021, https://globalsportmatters.com/research/2021/05/28/asian-american-athletes-model-minority-myth-mental-health/. Accessed 28 May 2021.
Kuzbari, Zoe. "AAPI Athletes Speak On Discrimination, Representation In Athletics." 2021, https://oberlinreview.org/23002/sports/aapi-athletes-speak-on-increased-violence-and-need-for-more-representation-in-athletics/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.
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