Gift and Grit

Joseph Darda's 'Gift and Grit' examines the racialized notions of advantage and social debt within the sports industry since the civil rights era.

It categorizes athletes into two groups: the 'gifted' who are seen as owing a debt to their team and community, and the 'gritty' who owe nothing.

The book reveals how this distinction structures new racial categories and influences perceptions of fairness in broader society.

By analyzing stories of athletes like Roger Bannister and LeBron James, Darda uncovers the shifting meaning of race in America.

The book connects these ideas to wider issues of immigration, crime, education, and labor.

Ultimately, 'Gift and Grit' offers a critical perspective on how sports shape our understanding of advantage and deservedness.