Issues of Race and Society
Basketball has long been a microcosm of society in which to study race relations. In its earliest days blacks were not permitted to play professional basketball just as they weren't in baseball. At this time, many of the best black players played for the Harlem Globetrotters and helped bring them to prominence. In 1950, the NBA began allowing blacks to play. The percentage of black players in the league grew until they outnumbered white players, and the current demographics of the NBA include 77% black versus 21% white.
Two recent rules by the NBA have drawn criticism because of the racial implications that accompany them. The first, the NBA's new Dress Code Policy, forces players to wear slacks and buttoned shirts, and mandates out the "hip-hop" clothing that many players sported prior to the policy. Players are forced to adhere to the policy before and after games, but may dress as they please on their own time. The Dress Code has been labeled as racist because it prohibits clothing predominantly donned by blacks such as throwback jerseys and large jewelery.
The Second rule labeled as racist is the rule that prohibits players from entering the NBA draft after their senior year of high school. Rather, a player cannot enter the draft until his high school class is one year removed from high school. A player's choices are to either play college basketball or play in the NBA development league. The racist criticism comes from the charge that this rule limits young, talented, usually black and usually poor athletes and keeps them from making a living.
For articles on race in basketball, see links below.
Chapman: Racial Taboos Affected Stay at UK
Basketball is Flip side of Baseball