In fact, they need to tangibly illustrate the opposite—the numerous ways in which MMA is starkly different from street violence. Moreover, MMA promoters and organizations need to think more critically about the ways such violent associations further racism and other forms of discrimination.
Yes, violence sells and racism sells. That's precisely the problem, so stop perpetuating the problem simply to rake in more money.
David Mayeda, PhD, is lead author of the book, Fighting for Acceptance: Mixed Martial Artists and Violence in American Society, the first politically- and research-based book on MMA, based on interviews with 40 mixed martial artists, including Randy Couture, Quinton Jackson, Dan Henderson, Guy Mezger, Antonio McKee, Jason Miller, Frank Trigg, and Chris Leben.
Non-internet References:
Hoberman, J. (1997). Darwin's Athletes: How Sport Has Damaged Black America and Preserved the Myth of Race. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Sammons, J.T. (1990). Beyond the Ring: The Role of Boxing in American Society. Chicago: University of Illinois Press.
Wiggins, D.K. (1997). Glory Bound: Black Athletes in a White America. Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press.
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