Before I took this class, my perception of US sport was very narrow. I knew a lot about American football (or so I thought) and a ton about swimming and water polo since I was a player myself. I've always loved sports, and my family members have always been involved in sports, so I basically grew up learning about all of them. My understanding and perception of US sports culture has changed tremendously since I enrolled into this class. I didn't realize the amount of discipline and dedication it takes for a college athlete to play. I was more under the impression that being an athlete was mainly difficult for NFL, NBA, NHL and other professional divisions. Plus the thought of paying college athletes never even crossed my mind until we had discussions and debates in class about it.
Something that really stood out to me in class discussion was the perspective on disabled athletes. I found the video extremely informational and educating, while at the same time I didn't realize that there were so many options for "disabled" people. I also found the topic of athletes bodies being used as a form of prostitution very interesting. I always knew that athletes (especially women) were portrayed in a more sexual manner than they are in the game, but I didn't realize the extent of it all.
I think after this class is finished I will ask more critical questions about the US sports world. Now that I have a better understanding on sports in general, and have heard some of the perspectives from athletes, I feel capable enough to hold a conversation regarding any of the topics we have covered. I'm not sure if I will be able to use this information in my future career of becoming a dermatologist, but at the same time, you never know who you might meet. I still enjoy talking about sports and I will back my SEAHAWKS no matter what, but I don't see how this can truly relate to the medical field.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this class to future students and friends. I have already told a few friends to take this course because of the interest I had in it, and it's a fun class to be in. I really like how students get involved in class discussion, and it shows that we really care about the topics. Plus Professor Withycombe is the best teacher I have had since being at CU, and I really enjoy her teaching style.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
"Why the 'Mans Mans' Game is an Insult to Men"
In the movie Training Rules, Penn State was definitely not a safe space for LGBT athletes. Coach Rene Portland completely ostracized her players that were lesbian or associated with other lesbian students. She was known for kicking players off of the team because they "appeared" to be lesbians, and was clear about her "no gay players" policy. Portland was also known for taking away players scholarships and making sure that they weren't able to play on any other college teams. In one case, she was recognized for withholding transcripts and information on a player when the player had decided to transfer colleges because of this discrimination.
In this same video, some of the older players mentioned that the previous coach was much more supportive and didn't mind her players sexualities. She was accepting of all women basketball players unlike coach Portland. Lastly, according to the film, coach Portland was extremely homophobic and had made a statement in the news paper about her beliefs. To me this is completely not okay to do to anyone, including college athletes. She was both mentally and physically damaging these girls. Portland was abusive towards her players and some of them still have terrible memories from her harsh words and rude actions.
On the other hand, some of the strategies that might be possible solutions would be to not question athletes sexuality. In the film I specifically remember coach Portland pulling players aside to question not only their personal sexuality, but the sexuality of other athletes on the team. She was determined to weed out anyone that was not within her "standards" of the overall team. Although the LGBT community has become more popular and outsiders have become more accepting though out the years, there is still a large struggle going on in today's world. Not only do these people feel uncomfortable around those who are not in the same category as them, but they are being ridiculed for their differences.
I find it difficult to come up with specific examples or options to change our societies view on this issue, however I still think that a change can take place. Especially in college sports. Some of the negativity comes from coaches, but I definitely think that some comes from surrounding players as well. One suggestion I might make is that colleges should pass a statement where sexuality isn't allowed to be questioned. This would help because there will be less judgements, stereotyping, shunning and shaming. Overall I think that all colleges need to act upon this in a way that can both protect and help their players that are of the LGBT community.
In this same video, some of the older players mentioned that the previous coach was much more supportive and didn't mind her players sexualities. She was accepting of all women basketball players unlike coach Portland. Lastly, according to the film, coach Portland was extremely homophobic and had made a statement in the news paper about her beliefs. To me this is completely not okay to do to anyone, including college athletes. She was both mentally and physically damaging these girls. Portland was abusive towards her players and some of them still have terrible memories from her harsh words and rude actions.
On the other hand, some of the strategies that might be possible solutions would be to not question athletes sexuality. In the film I specifically remember coach Portland pulling players aside to question not only their personal sexuality, but the sexuality of other athletes on the team. She was determined to weed out anyone that was not within her "standards" of the overall team. Although the LGBT community has become more popular and outsiders have become more accepting though out the years, there is still a large struggle going on in today's world. Not only do these people feel uncomfortable around those who are not in the same category as them, but they are being ridiculed for their differences.
I find it difficult to come up with specific examples or options to change our societies view on this issue, however I still think that a change can take place. Especially in college sports. Some of the negativity comes from coaches, but I definitely think that some comes from surrounding players as well. One suggestion I might make is that colleges should pass a statement where sexuality isn't allowed to be questioned. This would help because there will be less judgements, stereotyping, shunning and shaming. Overall I think that all colleges need to act upon this in a way that can both protect and help their players that are of the LGBT community.
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