Unveiling the Black Brute Archetype: Israeli Media's Portrayal of Palestinian and Arab-Israeli Athletes in the Context of Racial Discrimination and Nationalistic Assimilation

Israeli media coverage perpetuates discrimination against Palestinian and Arab-Israeli athletes through the projection of the Black brute archetype onto these marginalized populations. Examining how Israeli media frames soccer as a symbol of Jewish-Arab coexistence, this paper reveals how Arab players are expected to embody this narrative, at the expense of their cultural identity and rights. Drawing parallels to broader societal dynamics, whiteness operates as a dominant force, reinforcing systemic violence and racial othering against Arab and Palestinian minorities. The analysis uncovers how Israeli media discourse, steeped in nationalistic rhetoric, silences dissenting voices and perpetuates religious and cultural hegemony. Arab athletes are pressured to conform to Jewish norms, including singing the national anthem and carrying the Israeli flag, further marginalizing their identity and perpetuating systemic violence. Ultimately, the paper argues that the portrayal of Arab and Palestinian athletes as "Black Brutes" enables unchecked violence and oppression by Israeli governance.