Conclusion

I have come a long way since I first began writing a blog for my sport management class. I am so thankful I took this class because it encouraged me to learn more about sports and how gender makes an impact on society and other athletes as well. I also had the opportunity to learn more about specific athletes, their struggles in athletics, their triumphs, and their lives.

I also highly enjoyed being able to post my reflections about readings and discussions in class as there is not always time to talk about a situation in depth in class. It has been interesting covering topics such as female body builders, women athletes and sex appeal, and the reasons why professional players would pay money to watch other athletes perform.

I enjoyed having the freedom to discuss topics more int depths and provide my own opinion. I never thought I would have such a strong stance on certain topics in sports as I do, but it was great learning about them and evaluating them. It was also great viewing other classmates opinions and providing feedback. I think this is a great way for students to get involved in the classroom and allow them to express themselves in class.

For me, the most impactful discussion was that of athletes with disabilities. Like i previously mentioned, this discussion made me open my eyes and realize not everyone can perform in the same way. Some people struggle to do simple tasks that athletes without disabilities can do with such ease. It was also valuable to realize that it is important to understand how those athletes feel and that one should take the initiative to perform on their level. I am so thankful that I was able to realize that, especially since I have a passion for working with the Special Olympics.

Overall, this course was a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of sports and the importance of viewing athletes for their talent, not their race, sexual orientation or gender. It is amazing how society is so quick to judge others that step outside the normal and succeed because of it.

Once again, this was a great class and I would recommend it to anyone.

The Blind Side

This past weekend I had the opportunity to watch the recently release movie, The Blind Side, a story about a pro football player that had to go through great lengths to become the man he is today. If it weren't for the help of a christian, southern women who had great compassion and care for this young man, he most likely would have ended up dead before his high school graduation.

As you may or may not know, this athlete is Michael Oher, an athlete for the Baltimore Ravens. Like I mention in my first blog, I am the last person to know anything about personal lives of athletes, but this movie was so touching and emotional on so many levels.

It was incredible for the mother of two children to be so willing to bring a stranger into her house without knowing anything about him or his situation. Eventually, the family makes the decision to legally care for Oher and officially become part of the family.

Although, what is more incredible is the living conditions Michael Oher had to endure before a caring family took him in and cared for his well being. It was amazing that this young man was not in a more physical or emotional state and was willing to trust others after his family was torn apart at such a young age.

Because the family took the time to care for Michael, they showed him how to become successful and strive for better things in life. The family coached him on the fundamentals of sports and Micheal took each piece of advice to heart and put in hard work and dedication to reach his goals of becoming an athlete, and a great one at that.

In the mean time, not only did he Michael have to put forth hard work towards football, he was also encouraged to succeed academically and many people were more than willing to assist him. I understand the movie portrayed the main reason the family encouraged a good education was so he could further his football career; however, I feel as though the family wanted him to achieve all together. If they were willing enough to take him in off the streets without knowing anything about him, they would be more than willing to help in other areas.

I think this is an important movie for people to see as it has many great values that people sometimes forget in the shuffle of every day life. It show shows the importance of family relationships, taking chances, changing lives, and has a strong sports background.

This is a success story that everyone will enjoy, even sports lover.

Oh Tiger!

OK, I know I have been stating that it is not the responsibility of society to judge athletes and their lifestyles, but when one makes his faults somewhat public, it is hard not to talk about it.

I feel bad for Tiger Woods and his wife because the issue of their marriage is being displayed to the public and that is a personal matter that does not involve others, especially all of society. However, I am the last person to stick up for someone that has cheated on their spouse or significant other, and find this to be an awful circumstance for everyone.

Now I understand it was not Woods' intention to make his situation public, but with the way the media works, it was bound to come out. Why would someone want to stay with his wife and children if he has no desire to be with them? If it is so difficult to have any type of relationship with your spouse, then why not end it before everyone gets hurt?

Because Tiger Woods was a selfish man, not only did his wife and children have to bear the news of his cheating on another women, but more women claimed they also had relations with him. I know many people like to spice up stories in the media and improvise, but this is still an awful thing for a family to hear.

If it was so important for him to be with other women, he should have solved thing with his wife and civilly ended their relationship. Now they both have to determine the outcome of their future in front of the public and make so many people go through such awful things.

Tiger, was it really worth it?

Image Problem

As with men's athletes, women are encouraged to hide their sexuality, only if she is a lesbian, to keep others from feeling awkward around that athlete or from fans judging her because of her sexual interests.

Unfortunately, many women athletes are thought of as being homosexual because of a certain sport they play or the way she acts on the court. This fear and thought that all women are athletes are lesbians is known as the image problem. This in turn, causes athletes female athletes to hide their sexuality and act feminine in front of fans and other athletes. Because a female athletes portraits a lifestyle of femininity she is considered to be heterosexual.

This notion is very harmful for these women and society should have ashamed that these women have to go through such lengths to be considered feminine. Many athletes have to suffer in silence and go through a period of denial just to be accepted. Unfortunately, many of these athletes do not live a desirable lifestyle because of the rules society has set for them.

I have been saying this all along, why does an athletes lifestyle matter if an athlete has the talent and can perform on the same level as their constituents? Just because an athlete is in the public eye does not mean the should be held to a different standard as everyone else.

Female Body Builders

When someone mentions female body builders many people have a negative reaction to these women or body builders in general. Most people think this is a disgusting way for women to portray themselves and it should not be available to the public.

I once thought that as well until I came to realize that this is something that is important to these women and who am I to judge what is or is not important in a person's life?

If you stop and think about it, it really is not any different than a woman that finds working out and a healthy lifestyle as important. These women just go to more lengths than most and enjoy doing so. They find what they are doing is healthy and feel as though they portray the body of a beautiful woman, just as the other women I had mentioned.

Unfortunately, they are many magazines and articles, such as Women's Health, that would disagree with this statement since women are supposed to be fit, tight and thin according to society. Once someone steps outside the standards, people are so quick to judge that person and create a negative stereotype.

I personally think it is great for these women to step outside the norm and do what makes them happy, not what will make society happy. Obviously, I do not support women that are affecting their health and are taking their workout to the extreme, but I support female body builders and their attitude on life. It is important for everyone to remember that society does not make your life worth living, you do.

Disability Sports

I have always had a close tie in disability sports due to my childhood and family life. My cousin had an interest in athletics and carried out that interest playing in the Special Olympics. I remember attending softball games and basketball games and cheering the team on as they played their hearts out.

It never really occurred to me that these athletes had to play each sport in a way that was different from athletes that are not disabled. Even as a coach for the Special Olympics basketball team I did not take into consideration the way each player had to play based on their disability. I knew that some athletes that only had one arm could only dribble, pass and shoot the ball with that arm, but I never realized how much it would change the game for them until discussing it in class.

There were many athletes our team played against that were in wheel chairs, some only had one leg, and others could not see as well as the rest. While coaching those athletes I tried my best to accommodate to their misfortunes, but I wish I had thought to actually play the game the same as the athletes I was coaching had to play.

I give theses athletes even more credit than I had before because I can not imagine how difficult it must have been for each one to figure out how to learn the fundamentals I was teaching them. I was teaching them the way I knew how to play, but never adjusted to the ways in which they needed to learn them.

Disabled athletes are some of the most dedicated and hardworking athletes I have met and I would give anything to have the amount of endurance and dedication they have. It is amazing to think of the several different ways these athletes have to adjust to the game.

Girls should not play on boys teams?

While sitting in class and listening to my peers present topics that were most impactful to them, a student made a comment that I initially did not agree with, but once explained I could see her point of view. She stated that she did not agree that women should play on boys teams because it hurts them emotionally and with recruiting as well as other factors.

I know I have touched on this topic before and felt that women should play on men's teams if they had the talent and dedication; however, that was until a student mention that women should not play on men's teams because they should be setting goals for themselves to achieve if they know they are better than the rest. Instead of striving to play with boys, they should set personal goals that will help them improve on their own level.

I absolutely agree with this statement and thank that student for providing the class with her viewpoint. I always felt that hard work and dedication were enough for an athlete to be granted credit for their talent and challenging the opposite sex in the same sport. It was not until that statement did I feel otherwise, but now I realize that women are gaining more attention, not because of their talent, but for the simple fact that they are playing with boys and not girls.

It is important for women to realize that even though they may be better than the other women they are playing against, does not mean they are at the same level as males. I think it is great to challenge oneself and want to improve by playing with men because they are typically better, but I think personal goals should be set first.

It is not until a woman has met all of her own goals and accomplishments that she should begin playing with men. There are several ways in which an athlete can better him or herself that should be taken into consideration.

Homosexuals and Athletics

Society today creates several stereotypes and claims to what is the norm that anyone outside of those lines are considered different and are not accepted. Unfortunately, we see something very similar to that in sports, more so men's sports. If am athlete acts in a way that is not masculine or is found to be homosexual, many teams are uncomfortable and are not as accepting. Even though they may have been playing with that teammate for years, they would feel uncomfortable and make it harder to grow as a team.

There have been several gay athletes throughout the years that have informed sports fans that they are homosexual; however, it was not until their career had ended did they player state that he was gay. It is obvious that many athletes are not as willing to play on a team with a homosexual member because it would create problems and lack of comfort to other players. If this were not the case, these men would have stated they were gay while they were playing their sport.

Along with teammates, I feel as though fans would not be as accepting either. Fans and sports- casters would use the athletes sexuality as a means to exploit and degrade the athlete during a game. If the player had a bad game or performed a bad play, it would be because of his sexuality.

It is sad that athletes and other homosexuals are not as willing to make people aware of the fact that they are different from the "norm". I think it is great to have a diverse group of people on a team, that is how the team grows and performs better with athletes of all backgrounds.

In the clip we watched in class, one of the players stated that they worst thing he could be called is gay. I know I have stated this before, but even if that person was or was not gay, he should still prove to society that he belongs in that sport and play to the best of his ability regardless of his sexual preference. It is amazing to me that people are so wrapped up in the lives of athletes and celebrities, that a simple thing as homosexual changes the perception of the athlete and his ability to perform on the court.

Women's Athletics. Publicity. Sex Appeal

Have you ever noticed women athletes getting recognized for their accomplishments on the field or court? Is there much exposure to women's sports in the news, sports station, or Internet because of their talent and ability to perform in a sport?

Most likely, you have answered no to most or all of these questions. Women's sports are not exactly publicized like they should be or for the appropriate reasons. When female sports are mentioned, it is most likely due to a vulgarity or inappropriate circumstance that occurred during the game.

For example, you would not have heard or even see anything about the collegiate women's soccer league if it were not for the athlete from New Mexico who abused the opposing team for most of the game. From intentionally tipping people, puling hair, to punching women, this athlete had every intention to physically harming opponents to get ahead in the game.

Because she performed such an act, the media jumped on it and spread it like a wild fire on sports media and even you tube! How did this kind of attention become a standard for women's athletics and the game in general? Unfortunately, the media only promotes women's athletics when similar instances occur, turning people away from sports and disrespecting those who play.

Another unfortunate means of attention to women in athletics is that of sex appeal. There are several women athletes who utilize promotional tools and use their sex appeal to become recognized. In most cases, the sport in which the individual plays is not represented and the product she is promoting is not noticeable at a first glance. Women have to degrade themselves and step down a level to become recognized in a sport, not based on their talent, but more so on they way she looks and how much she can reveal to society.

It is sad to think that women's sports have lost the respect it deserves because of disrespectful acts and the lure of sexual appearance. It is almost as if women have to have no respect for themselves or the game to become recognized as a talented, hardworking athlete. It is unacceptable that women have to go through such lengths to become known.

Race/Racism

Here it is, the topic everyone avoids because at one point or another someone will be offended. I am here to offer my opinion, not to harm or upset anyone and any way, I am just here to speak, what I feel, is the truth.

Racism is a very sticky topic that no one likes to discuss and really can not discuss without being disliked by a group of people. I know that there are people who truly are racist and will say harmful things because of the way they grew up.

However, I think racism is more of an excuse for a person's actions than it is about a person's or groups race. Many people are quick to chose racism and discrimination as a reason for an individuals actions when in fact it has nothing at all to do about race. Or when people are offended by accusations and harmful sayings, they refuse to step foot in that place again because it is filled with people who discriminate certain races.

For example, when Serena and Venus Williams were at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament the father and Venus were booed as they walked into the stadium while Serena and her opponent were preparing for the match. Once her father and Venus sat down the father was instantly on the phone and showed no support for Serena whatsoever. During a very trying time for Serena, her father should have been at her side right before the match started to try and clam her down and explain that she was not there for those people, but for the game. Even while the match was ongoing he could have pulled her aside and encouraged her that she was there for a reason and to prove to people that she belonged. Instead, of showing support and encouraging her to play her game, he sat on the sidelines on the phone, paying no attention to her and her feelings.

After that incident, the Williams refused to return and now boycott that tournament because of the things that were said and done. Now, i think it would be best to return each year to prove to those that they belong and a group of rude and ignorant fans would not hold them back from their performance. However, they do not return because of the treatment they received from the fans, fans that would most likely not be there again a second or third time. My feeling is to go somewhere and prove that you belong and can perform at a high level. In some ways I think it is more harmful to the girls that they do not return because they are letting the fans get the best of them.

A second example that pertains to race that was discussed in the article was that of racial segregation in sports according to an athletes position. If a person of a separate race has dreamed of being a quarterback, but instead is placed as a running back that is considered dissemination. This is something I strongly disagree with; if an athlete is successful in the position he is placed in and has the talent and ability to play in that position, how can it considered racism? The athlete was placed in that position because the coached saw that he could perform better and if he is getting the playing time and recognition for his work, how does on consider that to be discrimination? I understand that he wanted to play quarterback, but if he has the potential to perform better at another position then there is no reason to complain.

Now to be able to say that I understand how these people feel and empathize with them would not be appropriate because I am not of the same race; therefore, I do not have feelings. I am tired of people complaining how white people don't have problems and they don't feel the same others do because that is just another excuse. I have just as much feelings, if not more, than someone that is black or oriental. I may express my feelings in a different way, but it all hurts the same way.

The Jordan Effect

If you were to ask a dozen people on the street to name at least one product Michael Jordan has endorsed, you would probably at least 2-3 products from each person. Yes many people view Michael Jordan as one of the best athletes of all time, myself included. But, you have to ask yourself, do people in society expect athletes to be more than just an athlete?

I think that toady's society is so wrapped up in what the person next door in doing or saying and want to have someone provide them with the answers. This may be simple things such as what cereal to buy to who he or she should vote for.

Personally, I think that is absolutely ridiculous. Not only are athletes place in this position, but actors/actresses and other celebrities as well. OK fine, endorse a few products here and there, that is your prerogative, but when it comes to a presidential campaign or an issue overseas, I have my own sources and matter of opinion. I am not going to base my opinion on what David Beckham has to say about the war in Iraq. I am not saying that an athlete's opinion is not important, but that is not the person I am going to base my judgement on.

Michael Jordan came out to be a basketball athlete, he worked to his fullest potential and became on of the greatest players of all time. That is what he is most known for, embrace it. His goal was not be be an endorser for a few, or several, product or have a statement about an voting issue. He is a basketball player and that is what he does best and has worked the hardest for, let him do it.

Brown eyes Blue eyes

In a study conducted in the 60's with a 3rd grade class, the teacher, Jane Elliot, wanted to prove to children that discrimination against anyone, no matter size, shape, color, was not acceptable. The teacher asked the children if they wanted to be separated based in eye color and feel what it was like to be discriminated against. One day the blue eyes would be the better group and get treated better, the next day the brown eyes would be the better group.

In the end, the children were very prejudice against one another based on their eye color and picked on one another because of the separation even though they knew it was a test. A fight ended up breaking out between two boys of different eye colors, one calling the other blue eyes as a harmful term.

The question is, would this study be allowed today and would parents accept the fact that their child is knowingly being discriminated against?

Unfortunately, I do not think this study would be allowed today as teachers and schools are doing all they can to keep children from singling anyone out. However, that does not mean I disagree with the study. While the children knew they were conducting a study, they still got wrapped up in the stereotypes placed on society today. I think this is a great opportunity for children to experience what it is like to be neglected and have harmful things done to you or shouted at you. I do not agree that they should treat one another differently, but the teacher can say who has what rights on a certain day.

At this day in age parents of children would disagree with me because they want to keep their children safe and protect them from harmful things. But, when parents are not around their children do and say things they know they are not supposed to and that are harmful to others. The things that are said are not just about race, but size, interests and several other instances.

If you think about it, people are judged on a daily basis through family members, friends, acquittance's, and event the t.v. and radio. There are constantly commercials about weight loss and images of women with perfectly toned bodies. This may not affect some people, but others take a hard hit having to be reminded every 5 minuted that he or she should be doing something effective about his or her weight. Therefore, it is not fair for parents to find this unacceptable when everything and everyone around us are doing it.

Children need to learn the importance of behavior and treating one another like they want to be treated. Some may receive that at home, and for others school may be the best way to learn this life lesson. As long as the parents and children are aware that it is just a study, I feel that this is a very positive and effective lesson to teach children; especially at a young age.

Should girls play on boys teams?

Absolutely!

If a female athlete has the ability and skill to perform at the same level as a male in a sport, then what is the issue? I understand that there are safety concerns and possibly uncomfortable situations females can be place in; however, the women that are on the male teams are choosing to do so. They are well aware of the physical, mental, and emotional challenge of playing on a boys team and if women are willing to make those sacrifices and work to their fullest potential there is no reason why females should not be qualified.

Now I am sure some of you think that I am a typical feminist sticking up for women who want to go down a different path, but that is a false accusation. I myself would not consider playing on a men's team because I know I would not be able to handle it physical, but if another females is capable of being successful at a men's sport or on a men's team then she has every right to play with those men. Women who choose to take on such a challenge, to me, are a great role model for anyone because they are proving that no mater what sex you are or where you come from, anything is possible.

No Sissy Stuff

In the article Rules for Hegemonic Masculinity, the author describes the stereotypical role a man plays in society and the image that should be portrayed to be considered a "real man". For example, the author states that men should not wear emotions on their sleeve because it shows a sign of weakness and vulnerability. It also states that men solve issues physically and should never back down from confrontation.

I am here to speak on behalf of most women that this stereotype is not attractive by any means and that "real" men aren't afraid to speak their minds and share their emotions. I have always felt that men who are willing to share their problems and talk about life issues are more "men" than those that settle things through physical harm and destruction.

Now I am not saying that men should not stand up for a woman if she were treated in an inappropriate manner, but when it comes to confrontation with another male, men are more manly when they back down from physical violence and destruction.

Call me old fashioned, but I am a strong believer that violence never solves an issue and it is better to walk away from a fight than to be part of it. When a person is proud of his or her battle wounds, I think it shows that persons lack of class and respect for him or herself.

Caster Semenya

Imagine winning a gold medal for a race you have trained for your whole life. You can picture yourself standing on the platform, with your medal hanging around your neck and tears rolling down your face because you have just accomplished one of life's greatest goals.

Now imagine that your ability as an athlete is questioned due to the your physical appearance and your ability to outplay another athlete. Unfortunately, this is a horrible issue for the gold medalist runner Caster Semenya, as her gender is under review because she has greatly out-performed her opponents.

After reviewing her stats and her physical appearance, the International Association of Athletic Federations asked the athlete to undergo a series of gender tests to determine whether or not she is male or female.

I personally think this accusation absolutely ridiculous and no one should have their personal lives invaded in such a way. If the IAAF is going to perform gender test, they should be doing so on every athlete that is to compete at such a high level. It is inappropriate for the Association to selectively chose athletes to be tested based on physical appearance. That would be comparable to someone picking out a man or woman in society and stating that her or she is homosexual based on their hair-style, dress and the way that person carries himself.

I am disgusted that such accusations can be made and my heart reaches out to everyone that has been placed under such stereotypes.

Gender Awareness in Sports

Growing up, I was always encouraged to try new things and never to quit because I did not enjoy something. No matter what I tried, whether it was a board game, dance lessons, or sports I had a strong support system within my family. My father was not blessed with a boy to carry on the family name, but was given two beautiful girls that would teach him a thing or two. However, he soon realized that just because we were not the rugged boys he one day hoped to have, but two children looking up to their father to teach them the lessons of life.

We soon learned that nothing was ever handed to us and everything we wanted in life had to be worked for to our fullest potential. This lesson started at a very young age as we worked with Dad in the garage building book shelves and helping out in the yard. When our work was done, he would teach us to play sports and all of the rules. We would sit with him during football, basketball, and baseball season intrigued by the knowledge he has to share with us. When it came down to it, we were learning and doing most things boys our age did not do and still don't know how to do.

Because my father took the time to instill one of life's greatest lessons, I was given the opportunity to play in a variety of sports throughout my life. Some on a higher skilled level and others with the kids in the neighborhood. I was never taught that I couldn't be better than someone, male or female, if I worked to my fullest potential. But at the same time, I learned that there can and almost always will be someone better than me, male and/or female.

I am sure some of you are wondering, what is the point here? I am here to tell you that no matter who you are or the sport you play, gender will not make a difference when it all comes down to it. The passion and commitment to the game is what is important, not the difference of skill level between male and female.

Intro

My name is Ashley Ragan and I am a senior majoring in event planning. This past spring semester I completed an internship in Washington D.C. at a high end, well known event planning and destination management company in the surrounding area.

I have begun this blog for my sport and gender class and will be sharing my knowledge, or lack there of, of sports, athletes and other relevant topics. I have been involved in several sports since the age of 6 and hope to continue to stay active in a few that I most valued.

Throughout the years I have been involved in soccer, track, cross country, badminton and basketball. I found my love in life when I began playing basketball in the fourth grade. I finally felt like I found something that was all mine and no one would stop me from succeeding. I continued to play up until my junior year of high school and then quit the team because basketball was not fun anymore. The thrill and love for the game was stripped from me and my decision became final. Every day I regret making that decisions because I will never know if I could have had the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. My heart is still in the game and will always be.

Now that I no longer play basketball at the level I was once at, I enjoy watching the game that I am so passionate about. However, I will admit that I am a bit of a front runner; I tend to like the athletes that are the most popular because they are the ones that I know most about. Meaning there is a good chance I know who they play for. When it comes to sports I like a team because I was raised in a household that enjoyed watching certain teams play. I understand the rules of the game and how it should be played, but if I was asked to name 3 players from the Ohio State Football team, I would most likely name 1 person.

To me, sports is not defined by the best athlete, but by the game itself.