The Realignment RE: Something Interesting | Johnny Smith on What Michael Jordan Meant for 1990s America, the Colorblind Racial Ideal, and Sports in Politics
Dec 9, 2023
Georgia Tech's Johnny Smith, author of Jumpman, discusses how racial politics shaped Michael Jordan's career, the role of sports in society, and the shift from racial optimism to pessimism in America. They also analyze the controversy surrounding Jordan's gambling habits and the connection between Spike Lee and Jordan in 'Do the Right Thing'.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Introduction
00:00 • 4min
The Growing Importance of Sports in Analyzing America Socio-Culturally
03:54 • 3min
The Influence and Responsibilities of Michael Jordan, Taylor Swift, and Other Cultural Figures in Today's Culture
07:21 • 4min
Factors Influencing Michael Jordan's Rise to Greatness
11:31 • 12min
The Controversy Surrounding Michael Jordan's Gambling Habits
23:24 • 30min
Race, Color Blindness, and Optimism in 1990s America
53:34 • 6min