In 2003 Kobe Bryant one of the most recognized and famous athletes in the world was accused of raping a 19-year old girl in Colorado. The media went to town to say the least. There were many press conferences, he was dropped from endorsers, and shunned by his fans. The case was later dropped, and he has since regained his endorsements, and claimed MVP awards as well. However, the incident will never be forgotten, and I think most people who know Kobe Bryant know about this case. Flash-forward to 2008, Ben Rothesburger the highest paid NFL quarterbacks was also accused of rape. This case however was slightly talked about on ESPN and some news stations, but in less that two weeks was basically never talked about again. Was the case dropped in two weeks? No, it is because in popular culture it is easier, and more entertaining to frame celebrities of color in bad lights. This is because it highlights the difference between the minority and majority. It gives the media, a US vs. THEM appeal to the elite audience.
The media framed Kobe as “The rapist, or the adulterous”, but they framed Ben as more “being involved in an unfortunate circumstance.” In Carla Fercerro’s piece “Popular Culture: an Introduction” when referring to popular culture says, “ruling classes seem to have perfected the art of containment.” That is shown throughout the media, especially in sports. Because black athletes sometimes dominate at least two of the three major sporting arenas in our country (football and basketball) this threatens the ruling class. So it is interesting to look at how the ruling class is able, and does knock people of color down whenever they get the chance. However the ruling class, decides to carry their own. I think popular culture represents division in so many aspects of our life, especially in sports.
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