Welcome to My Blog

This blog is a research project for my J387 Communication History in the School of Journalism and Communications at the University of Oregon. My research topic examines the relationship between the media and Jackie Robinson's debut in Major League Baseball. Robinson shattered the color barrier to become the first African American ball player to compete in a traditional American sport dominated by Caucasians.The occasion posted a significant challenge for American society and baseball in dealing with racial issues. His presence challenged the nation where racism and segregation were tolerable at the time to accept him as a player and as a person.

I choose this topic because the relationship between Robinson and the media is rarely discussed. The public perception about Robinson focuses on his debut in MLB due to his skin color. Loyal baseball fans may remember him as one of the best all-around players in baseball history. But his impact in baseball reaches beyond the sport itself. Robinson is an icon who unifies the blacks and the whites. As Robinson steps onto the field, #42 makes people to think about race, class, segregation, and other sensitive social issues that people have avoided to discuss publicly. I believe a blog provides an access for people to know more about the relationship between Robinson and the media in a public space.