Episode 25: Politics & the Playbook

From Jackie Robinson to Mohammad Ali, Travis Scott, and Colin Kaepernick, Justin Tinsley breaks down social activism in sports and entertainment

Mohammad Ali speaking about race relations and the Vietnam War

In episode 20, we asked, can you keep politics out of football? The answer was a resounding no. Not only are politics a part of contemporary sports culture, but social activism is woven throughout sports and entertainment history. Host Chris Robichaud sits down with Justin Tinsley, a writer at ESPN’s Undefeated, to talk about social activism in sports and pop culture. The conversation touches on everything from Jackie Robinson to Sammy Davis Jr., Travis Scott, and sneaker culture.

This Week in Dystopia | Sports & Social Activism | Episode 25

On this episode

Jackie Robinson vs. Malcolm X

This Week’s Guest: Justin Tinsley

🐦 @JUSTINTINSLEY

Justin Tinsley is a culture and sports writer for The Undefeated. He firmly believes “Cash Money Records takin’ ova for da ’99 and da 2000” is the single-most impactful statement of his generation.

The Undefeated is the premier platform for exploring the intersections of race, sports, and culture. The publication enlightens and entertains with innovative storytelling, original reporting, and provocative commentary.

Is there something you want to hear on This Week in Dystopia? Reach out to the show’s producer Sarah at sarah_grucza@hks.harvard.edu or message us on Twitter @WeekinDystopia.

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This podcast is produced by Harvard Ash Center.