The NFL, a predominantly Black league, often overlooks the experiences of Asian Americans, especially those who are multiracial and white-passing. This article explores the unique challenges and perspectives of individuals navigating their identity within the world of professional football, drawing parallels to the experiences shared by Maura Hohman and Melea McCreary, two biracial Asian American women, in a TODAY article.
While the NFL strives for diversity and inclusion, the nuances of racial identity, particularly for those who don’t fit neatly into predefined categories, can be easily overlooked. The conversation around race in the NFL often centers on the Black athlete experience, leaving little room for other perspectives. Just as Hohman and McCreary grapple with feeling invisible in their Asian American community, Asian Americans in the NFL may face similar struggles to be recognized and understood.
Maura Hohman and her mom and Lola in 2003
Hohman and McCreary’s experiences with being perceived as white while harboring a deep connection to their Filipino heritage resonate with the potential experiences of Asian Americans in the NFL. They describe the internal conflict of benefiting from white privilege while simultaneously feeling a profound sense of connection to a community facing discrimination. This feeling of “passing” can create a sense of isolation and guilt, especially when the community they identify with is under attack. This could manifest in the NFL as a player feeling disconnected from both the Asian American community and the dominant culture within the league.
The lack of visible Asian American representation in the NFL can further exacerbate these feelings of isolation. Without role models or a sense of community within the league, it can be challenging for individuals to reconcile their multifaceted identities. Just as Hohman felt she could only claim “white-passing,” an Asian American NFL player might feel pressure to conform to the dominant culture, potentially suppressing their cultural heritage.
Melea McCreary and her brother, JC
McCreary questions the validity of her grief in the wake of anti-Asian violence, wondering if her “tears are justified.” This sentiment reflects the pressure to minimize one’s experiences when they don’t align with societal expectations of how a particular race should feel or act. Similarly, an Asian American player in the NFL might feel pressure to downplay instances of racism or microaggressions they encounter.
The internal struggle to reconcile one’s mixed heritage within a society that often demands clear-cut racial categorization is a recurring theme in Hohman and McCreary’s conversation. McCreary expresses a desire to “appear more Filipino,” highlighting the pressure to conform to a specific visual representation of one’s ethnicity. This pressure to conform to stereotypical notions of what an athlete of a certain race should look or act like can be immense in the NFL.
Maura Hohman and her mom at a school event
Hohman and McCreary’s experiences shed light on the complexities of navigating a predominantly white space as a person of color who doesn’t visually conform to stereotypical expectations. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging and validating the experiences of individuals with mixed racial backgrounds, particularly within communities where their presence might be overlooked. Their insights offer a valuable framework for understanding the potential experiences of white-passing Asian Americans in the NFL and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where all players feel seen, heard, and understood.
Melea McCreary and her titas, the Tagalog word for aunt, in the Philippines
This exploration emphasizes the need for greater awareness and understanding of the diverse experiences within the NFL, moving beyond simplistic racial categorizations to embrace the complexities of individual identities. It calls for a more inclusive dialogue that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans and other underrepresented groups in the league, paving the way for a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.
Maura Hohman with her parents
Ultimately, understanding the complexities of identity for white-passing Asian Americans in the NFL requires recognizing the intersection of race, culture, and the unique demands of professional sports. Just as Hohman and McCreary advocate for acknowledging the full spectrum of the Asian American experience, the NFL must strive to create a space where all identities are valued and celebrated.
Melea McCreary with her mom and brother
