The recent wave of Linsanity has prompted much discussion in the popular press and beyond. It provides insight into the politics of race in the U.S., and America’s unending search for the Great “White” or “non-Black” Hope.
Jeremy Lin, a 6’3” point guard from Palo Alto who was Ivy League educated, not recruited by any major university, released by two National Basketball Association (NBA) teams, is currently playing fanatically for the New York Knicks. He is temporarily assisting some in that search.
He has created a sort of cult following: from Lin naysayers, non-NBA fans, non-sport fans, to die-hard NBA fanatic. Headlines across this nations’ newspapers have tried to capture this craze in one-word phrases and one-liners like: LINsanity, LINcredile, Amasian, LINning Streak, LIN Your Face, The LINderalla Story, LIN Long and Prosper, LIN & Bear It, or “Jeremy Lin, and the New York Knicks.”
He clearly has been a surprise and a redeeming factor in a league that started late due to a lock-out as a result of a dispute between owners and players over revenue sharing and salary cap issues. In the midst of dwindling fan support, surfaces a young talented yet virtually unknown who has ignited a new interest in the NBA and increased ticket sales for the Knicks, as well as, increased the sale of merchandise for sport paraphernalia entrepreneurs. Being of Chinese and Taiwan decent makes him basically an anomaly in a league where athletes of Asian decent makeup only 1%, while 82% of the players are African American.
These racial demographics provide a context to examine the politics of race and racial perception. Jeremy Lin is an average NBA player. However, his race and educational pedigree trumps his ability, creating a unique situation where he is marketed and mass consumed as the Messiah to the NBA. Unfortunately, the commodification and exploitation of his “uniqueness” is being done in spite of his humble and modest nature.
The entrance of Blacks in predominantly white sports has not encountered the same type of instant popularity. Serena and Venus Williams are examples of how they had to prove themselves by winning tournaments and championships. It was their exceptional abilities and performance that lessen the impact of their difference.
Finally, what is the connection with the media’s addiction in comparing Lin with Tim Tebow? Is Tebow the standard for Christian excellence in professional sports, white male athletic excellence, or the Great White Hope for the NFL? “Come on man”. “You can not be Serious.”
Before we are easily enticed by the commodification of difference, and before we gullibly consume the latest fad of celebrating ethnic diversity in the NBA, remember how it also works to reinforce racial division and racial stereotyping. How we illuminate and market racial difference can cause diversity to be a distraction rather than a gift.
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