Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

ESPN and the Construction of Gay Identity

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/bn999b747

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  • On February 9th, 2014 Michael Sam stated in an interview with ESPN's "Outside the Lines" that he is gay. Since he was drafted, Sam will become the first ever openly gay player in NFL history. The following study aims to explore ESPN's coverage of Michael Sam, with a goal of identifying how their coverage shapes perspective on gay identity in the NFL. Because of the NFL's impact and prominence, it is important to look at Michael Sam as the first ever-active openly gay football player in the National Football league. Since Sam is the first active, openly gay player to navigate this identity in the NFL, it is crucial to look at how Sam is portrayed in the media, and if media portrayed has any impact on public opinion. ESPN was the first to cover Sam coming out, and is one of the most influential sports news sources. Therefore focusing on their coverage will provide a consistent point of view, as well as an appropriate understanding of media coverage on gay athletes. This thesis analyzes the rhetorical strategies of ESPN's coverage of Michael Sam, and the impact their coverage had on public perspective of gay athletes in the NFL. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach guided by a cluster criticism methodology, the analysis finds that ESPN did seek to shape public perspective on gay identity through their entrance into the national discussion on gay rights and the opportunity to address gay rights to a new public.
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