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.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Sports Pages #13 (Formerly SP#15)
Reflecting back on the movie Hoop Dreams, the significance of sport in the African American culture is extremely important. Especially when it comes to high school basketball players or football players who want to make it to the professional league. The two boys from the film had to keep motivated and dedicated while everything else in their lives was still happening.
I chose to compare the film Hoop Dreams and Love and Basketball. Both of these films have high school basketball players who are African American and want to make it to the NBA. In the film Love and Basketball, the main character is extremely dedicated to his sport and continues to play through out college as well as the NBA. He also has an African American girlfriend who plays basketball and wants to play professionally. These two films both show the struggles and lives that these payers had before, during and after their basketball careers. I think this is good because it's more realistic, and show that not everyone or every film has a happy ending.
Overall, I don't think that sport is damaging to any race. I would have said yes if we didn't see all races playing each and every sport, but we do. Although it may be more difficult for some races to get into the professional leagues, I still think that sport is healthy for everyone. It can be an outlet for some people, and like in the movie Love and Basketball, there were rough times for these athletes, and sport was a way for them to release their feelings.
Photo of the 2 main characters from Love and Basketball--
I chose to compare the film Hoop Dreams and Love and Basketball. Both of these films have high school basketball players who are African American and want to make it to the NBA. In the film Love and Basketball, the main character is extremely dedicated to his sport and continues to play through out college as well as the NBA. He also has an African American girlfriend who plays basketball and wants to play professionally. These two films both show the struggles and lives that these payers had before, during and after their basketball careers. I think this is good because it's more realistic, and show that not everyone or every film has a happy ending.
Overall, I don't think that sport is damaging to any race. I would have said yes if we didn't see all races playing each and every sport, but we do. Although it may be more difficult for some races to get into the professional leagues, I still think that sport is healthy for everyone. It can be an outlet for some people, and like in the movie Love and Basketball, there were rough times for these athletes, and sport was a way for them to release their feelings.
Photo of the 2 main characters from Love and Basketball--
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