Raise a Fist, Take a Knee Audiobook By John Feinstein, Doug Williams - introduction cover art

Raise a Fist, Take a Knee

Race and the Illusion of Progress in Modern Sports

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Raise a Fist, Take a Knee

By: John Feinstein, Doug Williams - introduction
Narrated by: John Feinstein
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Based on dozens of shocking interviews with some of the most influential names in sports, this is the urgent and revelatory examination of racial inequality in professional athletics America has been waiting for.

Commentators, coaches, and fans alike have long touted the diverse rosters of leagues like the NFL and MLB as sterling examples of a post-racial America. Yet decades after Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a display of Black power and pride, and years after Colin Kaepernick shocked the world by kneeling for the national anthem, the role Black athletes and coaches are expected to perform—both on and off the field—still can be determined as much by stereotype and old-fashion ideology as ability and performance.

Whether it’s the pre-game moments of resistance, the lack of diversity among coaching and managerial staff, or the consistent undervaluation of Black quarterbacks, racial politics impact every aspect of every sport being played—yet the gigantic salaries and glitzy lifestyles of pro athletes often disguise the ugly truths of how minority players are treated and discarded by their White bosses. John Feinstein crisscrossed the country to secure personal interviews with quarterbacks, coaches, and more, revealing the stories none of us have heard (but all of us should know).

Seventy-five years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color line, race is still a central and defining factor of America's professional sports leagues. With an encyclopedic knowledge of professional sports, and shrewd cultural criticism, bestselling and award-winning author John Feinstein uncovers not just why, but how, pro sports continue to perpetuate racial inequality.

“None of us are trying to make race an issue. Race IS an issue.” (From the Foreword by Doug Williams) Sociology of Sports Sports

Critic reviews

-—Praise for John Feinstein
"Feinstein is the most successful sportswriter in America....He has the gift of re-creating events known to us all while infusing them with excitement, even suspense."—Jay Nordlinger, Wall Street Journal
"The best chronicler in sports journalism."—Craig Smith, Seattle Times
"Feinstein makes you care."—Bruce Fetts, Entertainment Weekly
"One of the best sportswriters alive."—Larry King, USA Today
All stars
Most relevant
I thoroughly enjoyed this well researched and quite thoughtful book. I would highly recommend it!

Excellent job!

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I was aware that race was and still is an issue in sports. I’ve been aware of that since childhood, 50 years ago. What surprises me is how little it has improved. Feinstein’s many interviews provide a perspective beyond just the data. That’s what makes this book so good.

Eye Opening

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Very in-depth will definitely read more books on this subject you can learn a lot just listening

Coach Goody

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This book is a trip through my sports life, from a different perspective. When one considers the other side it is hard to watch sports and not ask why. Why are there so few people of color and women in positions that can influence the greater country as a whole.? Please listen to this book with an open heart

A Must Listen

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Sometimes we forget how things were not too long ago. This book gave me a different view on what it is like to be back in modern athletics. it will show you recent events from a different perspective and will enable you to understand the deeper issues.

Made me think

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