Abstract
At the intersection of fourth-wave feminism and third-wave sports media research, this critical discourse analysis will focus on the ways in which gender hierarchy and gender expectations are manifested in articles on ESPN.com. Through the investigation of sports media framing techniques, the ESPN articles in examination construct an idealized female identity within sports through the language used. This narrow view of female athletes allows for the power and influence that sports media has to construct gender hierarchies in the media landscape. Using Fairclough’s (1989) method of conducting a critical discourse analysis, the prevalent sports media sentiments about Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, and Serena Williams will illustrate the sexist, racist, and homophobic language used. Through applying the Televised Sports Manhood Formula (Messner et. al, 2000) as a foundational discourse in sports media to journalism, the hierarchy of sports media results in the use of character framing techniques for sportswomen. When aspects like ambivalence and non-sports related information are emphasized, these strategies uphold the masculine hegemony of sports media. Keywords: Sports media sentiment, gender, gender hierarchy, critical discourse analysis, Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, Serena Williams.
Highlights
This major research paper (MRP) will investigate what the sports media sentiments are towards successful female athletes and how these sentiments are constructed through language
The feminist call to action in the conclusion of the article contrasts much of the masculinity of sports media in this article, such as ambivalent framing, appropriate femininity, and gender marking. These two articles that surround a sexist and gender bias issue in the game of tennis are important because Serena Williams’ reactions to the calls and the relationship between Williams and the chair umpire become the memorable moments of the match as a result of sports media’s focus on them
The emphasis on Williams giving reason for her reactions during the match indicates that high emotions associated with traditional femininity are still echoed in sports media. These articles contribute to the stereotyping of Williams as an angry black woman. These articles shed light on the gender bias that exists in tennis match calls, but they fail to root these issues in the technique of performance framing
Summary
This major research paper (MRP) will investigate what the sports media sentiments are towards successful female athletes and how these sentiments are constructed through language. The research will be done through a critical discourse analysis This area of research is inspired by the lack of visibility of female athletes in sports media as a result of my professional background. Stated by Williams (1997), “the media do not merely represent; they recreate the world as desirable, and salable What they reproduce is chosen, not random, not neutral, and not without consequence” In these examinations of sports media, research indicated that athletes outside a prioritized white, male, heterosexual identity are subjugated in media representations. This informs the foundation for my critical discourse analysis focused on female athletes who are outside of the prioritized norm
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
