So let’s have an honest conversation as to why the idea of a uni-dimensional athlete is actually is way more offensive and trifling when compared to other professions and arenas-and why the continued failure to assume an athlete‘s identity as just that- is an intentional mechanism of racism in this country. It’s quite typical for someone to a compartmentalize or judge based on tradition or schemas of the roles people play in the world and in society. Psychologically, it is the way people take in information and judge inputs that inform perceptions and behaviors. In short, I don’t think it’s offensive for people to perceive individuals in this way, at least upfront. What is truly offensive is the denial of humanism in athletes, particularly black athletes. Truth be told, when it comes to perception, white athletes do not face the same challenges. It is not uncommon for a sports announcer to make notice of a high achieving performance of a white athlete versus a black athlete. It’s not unusual to hear of a white athletes philanthropic efforts or charities compared to their black counterparts. What is at play here is the true persistent denial of black people’s humanity and individualism. In the United States, black people make up the majority of athletics in this country. The continued effort to ignore black individuals is another mechanism of race in this country.