I’m not a football fan by any means, but from Musings on sports comes this fascinating article about Norman Chow, a man critically acclaimed for his talents at coaching football but has yet to receive a head coach position. Popmatters discusses any subtle racial overtones:
The lack of head coaching opportunities for Chow reflects the ongoing construction of Asian American men, who are framed not in terms of athleticism, strength, or leadership, but as cerebral and creative. Chow can ostensibly craft an offensive strategy, but can’t lead an athletic team defined by its manhood and power. … The absence of Asian American coaches (and players) embodies the long-standing feminization of all things “Asian,” which, in turn, reserves desired athletic and leadership qualities for white coaches. Edward Said explains the Western conception of Asians as physically inferior in his landmark book Orientalism: “There are Westerners, and there are Orientals. The former dominate; and the latter must be dominated …”
Again, I’m not the biggest football fan, but this article is the first I’ve heard of an Asian American of any type being in a football coaching position. Maybe someone else knows more about this situation. Genghis? Anyone?
