"Darwin's Athletes"

African Americans have always had the stereotype of being amazing athletes or also called "Darwin's Athletes" which is the idea of survival of the fittest. It is true that sports play a very significant role in the African American culture. However, American society has developed a belief that African Americans are the best athletes out there and it is the best way for them to rise up out of the lower class status to the upper class. Often times, Hollywood supports and emphasizes this belief with all of their films about African Americans who achieve this. There are countless films such as The Blind Side, Above the Rim, For Love and Basketball, White Men Can't Jump, and hundreds more.  The Blind Side is probably one of the best films that actually portrays the idea of an African American as a "Darwin Athlete." However, is this the actual reality that many African Americans face? In the Blind Side, a large (for his age) African American boy is adopted into a white, upper class family and is encouraged to play football. In short, he goes from barely having a family and living in a terrible neighborhood to becoming one of the best linemen of all time in football. He even makes it to the NFL and plays for the the Ravens.

Even though this is a true story, it is not always the reality. For example, in the documentary Hoop Dreams, the director follows two African Americans who grow up in similar neighborhoods as Michael Oher and try to make it to the NBA. These young athletes face many obstacles such as school, injuries, and family troubles, just like Michael Oher. However, they do not end up making it to the NBA and in fact, they barely make it into college. Unfortunately, sport is damaging African American culture and supports the myth of race.