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.