Part 8/11:
A sobering critique centered on how some Black athletes’ admiration for certain figures or behaviors seems influenced by perceptions of how white audiences react. The argument suggested that some fans support athletes like Sanders partly because their swagger or bravado challenge white societal expectations or norms.
This phenomenon, dubbed "white derangement syndrome," was highlighted as a lens through which public support can be motivated by racial dynamics rather than pure athletic ability. For example, Colin Kaepernick’s activism was initially rooted in social justice but was sometimes viewed through a racialized lens that amplified divisive narratives.