Answer:
Glenn Ligon’s artwork on page 708 of the textbook is a response to Claudia Rankine’s article, “The Meaning of Serena Williams.” The artwork presents an image of the words “Self-Portrait” printed repeatedly in bold, white letters against a black background. This visual representation reflects Rankine’s discussion on the impact of stereotypes on black athletes and the ways in which they navigate their identities within white-dominated spaces.
Firstly, Ligon’s repetition of the phrase “Self-Portrait” highlights the theme of self-representation, which is a central point in Rankine’s article. The repetition of the phrase may signify the struggle for black athletes to assert their identities in a society that often reduces them to stereotypes. Furthermore, Ligon’s use of bold, white letters on a black background may symbolize the visibility and invisibility of black athletes in the media. Rankine discusses the ways in which black athletes are often hyper-visible in the media, yet their individual experiences and identities are often ignored or erased.
Secondly, Ligon’s artwork may also represent the double consciousness that black athletes must navigate in predominantly white spaces. The repetition of “Self-Portrait” suggests that black athletes are not allowed to be seen as individuals but instead must constantly perform for a white audience. This idea is further supported by the images on pages 705 and 707, which show Williams and other black athletes performing in front of predominantly white audiences. Ligon’s artwork presents a visual representation of the pressure that black athletes face to perform for white audiences while simultaneously navigating their own identities.
Lastly, Ligon’s artwork may also reflect the internal struggle that black athletes face as they navigate their identities. Rankine discusses the ways in which black athletes must constantly negotiate their identities in predominantly white spaces. Ligon’s artwork may represent the struggle for self-representation that black athletes face, as they attempt to assert their individuality and navigate stereotypes. The image on page 709 of a black woman holding a tennis racket may further support this point, as it presents a visual representation of the ways in which black women must navigate their identities in a white-dominated sport.
In conclusion, Glenn Ligon’s artwork provides a visual representation of Rankine’s points in “The Meaning of Serena Williams.” Through the repetition of the phrase “Self-Portrait,” Ligon highlights the themes of self-representation, double consciousness, and internal struggle that black athletes face in predominantly white spaces. The images on pages 705, 707, and 709 further support these points, presenting a visual representation of the ways in which black athletes navigate their identities in white-dominated sports.
Step-by-step explanation: