It seems like this semester has really flown by, but at the same time when I look at all of the topics we have covered in this class, I feel like it was more than just a few. Watching people give their blog presentations last week reminded me of just how many topics we covered over the course of the semester. There were many topics that I had heard about, like the incident at Indian Wells, and some that I hadn’t, like the controversy of Jordan’s Hall of Fame speech or Renee Richard’s sex change and subsequent media attention.
I think that the topics covered in this class have given me a better understanding of how sport and gender play a role in the socialization of our society. Many great strides in women’s rights have been made and made public through the vehicle or agency of sport. The same goes for human rights as they apply to race as well. Everyone can picture two black men with raised fists standing on the podium receiving their medals at Hitler’s Olympics. Everyone has heard of Title IX, and, love it or hate it, Title IX has had a huge impact on the way men and women play sports.
I think that keeping this blog has enabled me to share my thoughts and opinions in a way that I may not have been comfortable doing in class. When writing a blog, I can step back and think about exactly what I want to say, there are no time limits on writing a blog. You can take five minutes and jot down some thoughts, or you can do a little research and discover what it is that you really think, and how you want to present those thoughts to the class.
As much as I learned from the class itself, I have also learned a lot from writing my blogs. Personally, I don’t like to rehash what was already said in class. I prefer to look up something that is related to what we read or discussed, but is still new and interesting for people to read. I enjoyed looking up articles and stories that expanded on things we discussed in class, and I was amazed at how easy it usually was to find resources related to those topics. I never realized how big some of these issues were and how far-reaching their implications, until I started blogging about them.
I think that I will probably use blogging in my future, even if it is just to keep my own thoughts straight or to ensure that I am keeping up with the latest news and trends in my field. As an event planner, knowing about upcoming trends is critical to my future career, and I will try to find interesting and helpful blogs to follow.
Overall, I definitely think that blogging has helped me to stay informed about current events in sports, and it has also helped me to better articulate myself through writing. I enjoyed blogging, and I would recommend blogging to future SM 425 students.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Homophobia in Uganda
In this class we have talked a lot about homosexuality and homophobia in sport. While it doesn’t directly relate to sport, I stumbled upon a video on CNN that discusses the controversy about a new law that is going to be voted on next year in Uganda. (You can watch the most recent video HERE.)
This law (which hasn’t been passed yet, but is receiving wide support from Ugandan religious and political organizations) would impose a possible lifetime jail sentence on anyone found guilty of “the offence of homosexuality,” “homosexual acts,” or “the intent to commit homosexual acts.” Even just the intent to commit homosexual acts can be punished by the Ugandan government by a life sentence. Even more extreme, serial, or repeat offenders will face the death penalty. Yes, the death penalty. If this law passes, homosexuals in Uganda will face death simply for having sex with the person of their choosing.
Governments and human rights groups from around the world have been expressing their concern about this potential law. The United States' own Hillary Clinton commented in the video “we view [the law] as a very serious potential threat to human rights.” Even a country that does not allow gay marriage in all of its states is expressing concern over this potential law.
While this law may not directly affect the United States or directly relate to sports and gender, it is a display of homophobia that cannot be ignored. I think it is incredible that laws like this can still be considered in this day in age. I think that it is ridiculous to sentence people to life in prison, or worse, sentence people to death, simply because they choose to stray away from the cultural norm. This video article brings up great discussion topics, and I am sure it will spark much debate around the world.
This law (which hasn’t been passed yet, but is receiving wide support from Ugandan religious and political organizations) would impose a possible lifetime jail sentence on anyone found guilty of “the offence of homosexuality,” “homosexual acts,” or “the intent to commit homosexual acts.” Even just the intent to commit homosexual acts can be punished by the Ugandan government by a life sentence. Even more extreme, serial, or repeat offenders will face the death penalty. Yes, the death penalty. If this law passes, homosexuals in Uganda will face death simply for having sex with the person of their choosing.
Governments and human rights groups from around the world have been expressing their concern about this potential law. The United States' own Hillary Clinton commented in the video “we view [the law] as a very serious potential threat to human rights.” Even a country that does not allow gay marriage in all of its states is expressing concern over this potential law.
While this law may not directly affect the United States or directly relate to sports and gender, it is a display of homophobia that cannot be ignored. I think it is incredible that laws like this can still be considered in this day in age. I think that it is ridiculous to sentence people to life in prison, or worse, sentence people to death, simply because they choose to stray away from the cultural norm. This video article brings up great discussion topics, and I am sure it will spark much debate around the world.
Magic Johnson and HIV/AIDS
In November of 1991, when basketball star Magic Johnson announced that he had contracted HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, sports fans around the world were shocked. Up until this announcement, HIV/AIDS was considered to be a disease contracted by homosexual men, drug users and prostitutes. It was definitely not a disease that heterosexual men got, especially not renowned ladies men and athletes like Magic.
I think that in most situations like this, the public would have assumed that the man who contracted HIV/AIDS was a closet homosexual. However, Magic had been quite public about his romantic affairs with women. His images as an athlete and a ladies man gave credibility to his masculinity, and therefore saved him from being considered a homosexual male.
I think that Magic’s announcement has helped change at least two things about our society. Firstly, I think that Magic’s announcement helped change the way that the public views HIV/AIDS. Today people no longer consider HIV/AIDS to be a threat strictly to homosexual males, drug users, or prostitutes. It has also helped raise awareness about the virus, and that awareness has probably saved countless lives over the course of the last two decades.
Secondly I believe that Magic’s announcement has helped decrease the social acceptability of athletes sleeping around with lots of random partners. Whereas it used to be considered cool, manly, and socially acceptable to sleep with as many women as possible (Case in point: Wilt Chamberlain claiming to have had sex with more than 20,000 women), these days it is considered irresponsible for athletes to have that many partners. It is also considered a bad example to young people who consider athletes to be their role models. I think that Magic Johnson’s public announcement of having contracted HIV/AIDS directly influenced this change.
While I think it was reckless for Magic to sleep around and contract a potentially fatal disease, I think that his response to the situation was great. He didn’t have to go public with his private struggles, but he did. And I think that it has helped us, as a society, better understand HIV/AIDS and the consequences of sleeping with tons of different partners.
I think that in most situations like this, the public would have assumed that the man who contracted HIV/AIDS was a closet homosexual. However, Magic had been quite public about his romantic affairs with women. His images as an athlete and a ladies man gave credibility to his masculinity, and therefore saved him from being considered a homosexual male.
I think that Magic’s announcement has helped change at least two things about our society. Firstly, I think that Magic’s announcement helped change the way that the public views HIV/AIDS. Today people no longer consider HIV/AIDS to be a threat strictly to homosexual males, drug users, or prostitutes. It has also helped raise awareness about the virus, and that awareness has probably saved countless lives over the course of the last two decades.
Secondly I believe that Magic’s announcement has helped decrease the social acceptability of athletes sleeping around with lots of random partners. Whereas it used to be considered cool, manly, and socially acceptable to sleep with as many women as possible (Case in point: Wilt Chamberlain claiming to have had sex with more than 20,000 women), these days it is considered irresponsible for athletes to have that many partners. It is also considered a bad example to young people who consider athletes to be their role models. I think that Magic Johnson’s public announcement of having contracted HIV/AIDS directly influenced this change.
While I think it was reckless for Magic to sleep around and contract a potentially fatal disease, I think that his response to the situation was great. He didn’t have to go public with his private struggles, but he did. And I think that it has helped us, as a society, better understand HIV/AIDS and the consequences of sleeping with tons of different partners.
Richard and Renee
When we talked about Renee Richards in class, I was astonished to find out that a man, Richard Raskind, played tennis with the boys, had a sex change, and then played tennis with the girls as Renee Richards. At first I thought that this was entirely unfair to the women that Renee played against after the sex change, but as we discussed it further in class, I realized that it was not some plot to dominate women’s tennis or gain an unfair advantage in the sport. There are strict rules as to when a man who has had a sex change can play against girls, and this is after the hormone therapy has taken effect and helped the person truly become a woman in all physical aspects. I feel that this eliminates any unfair advantage that the previously male player may have over women players.
I found it interesting that Renee actually regretted playing tennis on a public stage, even though she did well. I can see her point though, because I would not want all of that media attention either, especially about an issue that is so personal and private. She said that she wished she had just returned to a medical practice, where there would have been significantly less public interest and media attention.
I was also intrigued by the fact that Renee stated in an interview that she would recommend against the sex change surgery, especially if the candidate was over 40 years old. Most of the stories I hear today promote being true to your “inner self” and make it seem like these types of life-changing personal decisions are easy ones, with no regrets and a beautiful happily-ever-after attached. I like that fact that she gave a real opinion and serious advice to people in her situation.
I think that what Renee did will make it less controversial, although not entirely socially acceptable, for athletes who want to have sex changes in the future. She is one of the people that have made new ground for transgender athletes, and no matter her regrets, she has changed sport and the way it looks at gender.
English on the LPGA Tour
In class we talked about how the LPGA is “encouraging” women on the LPGA tour to learn and exclusively speak English. Players who fail to pass an oral evaluation of their English skills will be suspended from the tour. According to an article that can be found HERE on ESPN.com, the rule was instated to break down communication barriers between players and sponsors, fans and teammates. The article states the following:
“’Why now? Athletes now have more responsibilities and we want to help their professional development,’ deputy commissioner Libba Galloway told The Associated Press. ‘There are more fans, more media and more sponsors. We want to help our athletes as best we can succeed off the golf course as well as on it.’”
This new rule, created in 2008, was put into effect immediately for new players on the tour. The LPGA held a mandatory meeting with the international golfers and explained to all 121 players from all 26 countries that they would be suspended if they failed their oral evaluation. The organizations claims that it does not intend to leave the players who cannot pass stranded, but they plan on providing help with the language problems by hiring tutors and specialists.
While I understand that language barriers can be difficult, I think that the LPGA is being more than a little bit disrespectful to international players on the tour. If US players in an international tour that played in another country were required to speak another language or face suspension, I believe that there would be a cry of outrage and foul play. So why is it fair for the LPGA to enforce a rule that jeopardizes the chance that an international player will be able to compete on the tour? I think that it is a good idea for all players to speak a common language, but I don’t think that it should be mandatory for all players to speak English or face suspension. It seems a bit harsh to me.
“’Why now? Athletes now have more responsibilities and we want to help their professional development,’ deputy commissioner Libba Galloway told The Associated Press. ‘There are more fans, more media and more sponsors. We want to help our athletes as best we can succeed off the golf course as well as on it.’”
This new rule, created in 2008, was put into effect immediately for new players on the tour. The LPGA held a mandatory meeting with the international golfers and explained to all 121 players from all 26 countries that they would be suspended if they failed their oral evaluation. The organizations claims that it does not intend to leave the players who cannot pass stranded, but they plan on providing help with the language problems by hiring tutors and specialists.
While I understand that language barriers can be difficult, I think that the LPGA is being more than a little bit disrespectful to international players on the tour. If US players in an international tour that played in another country were required to speak another language or face suspension, I believe that there would be a cry of outrage and foul play. So why is it fair for the LPGA to enforce a rule that jeopardizes the chance that an international player will be able to compete on the tour? I think that it is a good idea for all players to speak a common language, but I don’t think that it should be mandatory for all players to speak English or face suspension. It seems a bit harsh to me.
The Jordan Effect
While Michael Jordan may be best known for his amazing basketball career, he also changed the way the sports and advertising industries collaborate. Although Jordan wasn’t the first athlete to be a spokesperson for a company, he was the first athlete to turn himself into a complete marketing tool. He has successfully turned his name and his image into a brand, a brand that can sell just about anything, from cologne to shoes to underwear and t-shirts.
Using Jordan as a spokesperson has given companies like Nike tons of credibility, popularity, and especially sales that the company might not have had otherwise. I remember reading somewhere that Jordan’s shoes, “Air Jordans” have their own branch within the Nike company, an impressive feat for an athlete and a pair of shoes.
We discussed all of this in class, but while doing some extra research for this blog, I ran into a New York Times article published in 1994 (right around the time of Jordan’s foray into professional baseball) that puts his popularity into yet another light. In the 1994 season, like in previous seasons, the Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team, gave away approximately 46,000 tickets to a Sunday night baseball game. As usual, they distributed the tickets to local school kids, and given past experience planned on about 2,000 kids attending the game.
When Jordan was added to the Barons’ roster, expected attendance soared, and the Barons tried to recall the tickets to avoid having 46,000 kids attend a game in a stadium with a 10,000 person capacity. Needless to say, this decision did not go over well with the people who had received tickets, so the Barons decided to honor the tickets over a period of time, rather than at one single game.
This story just proves Jordan’s popularity among fans. Even in a sport where he did not excel, people wanted to see the legend play. His name sold several thousand tickets to minor league games, even though Jordan was an average baseball player at best. Although this example is slightly different from the ones we talked about in class, the idea is the same. Michael Jordan has become an amazing salesman as well as an incredible athlete.
Using Jordan as a spokesperson has given companies like Nike tons of credibility, popularity, and especially sales that the company might not have had otherwise. I remember reading somewhere that Jordan’s shoes, “Air Jordans” have their own branch within the Nike company, an impressive feat for an athlete and a pair of shoes.
We discussed all of this in class, but while doing some extra research for this blog, I ran into a New York Times article published in 1994 (right around the time of Jordan’s foray into professional baseball) that puts his popularity into yet another light. In the 1994 season, like in previous seasons, the Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team, gave away approximately 46,000 tickets to a Sunday night baseball game. As usual, they distributed the tickets to local school kids, and given past experience planned on about 2,000 kids attending the game.
When Jordan was added to the Barons’ roster, expected attendance soared, and the Barons tried to recall the tickets to avoid having 46,000 kids attend a game in a stadium with a 10,000 person capacity. Needless to say, this decision did not go over well with the people who had received tickets, so the Barons decided to honor the tickets over a period of time, rather than at one single game.
This story just proves Jordan’s popularity among fans. Even in a sport where he did not excel, people wanted to see the legend play. His name sold several thousand tickets to minor league games, even though Jordan was an average baseball player at best. Although this example is slightly different from the ones we talked about in class, the idea is the same. Michael Jordan has become an amazing salesman as well as an incredible athlete.
"Megarexia"
Until we read and talked about it in class, I had never heard of “megarexia.” It’s basically the opposite of anorexia, which is where people can’t get small enough to please themselves or satisfy what they think their image should be. One health and wellness website defines megarexia with the following:
“Megarexia is a problem caused predominantly in males, and is the opposite of anorexia. People suffering megarexia see themselves as too thin and too weak. They become obsessed with eating, exercising, and using supplements and steroids in an attempt to build their physique. They carry around a distorted image of themselves, as no matter how big they get, it is never big enough. Megarexia is common amongst men suffering low self esteem. They devote their spare time to excessive weight lifting, eating the right foods and using drugs.”
(The entire article can be found HERE.)
I had thought that women had the market on eating disorders, but I was wrong. In today’s society, there is a lot of pressure on young men to be as big as the movie stars, athletes, and bodybuilders that they see on TV. With role modes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s no wonder that young men feel the need to take steroids and “buff up.” Just like the image of the “ideal” female body (slim and tight) is forced on young girls today, the “ideal” male body (very muscular and trim) is showcased everywhere in our daily lives.
While I think it’s great that society encourages young men to get in shape, I think that it is taken way too far. People place so much importance on outward appearances, and not only for health reasons. If boys continue to get the message that they are never big enough, fit enough, or strong enough, they will resort to using potentially harmful steroids to get big enough, fit enough, and strong enough. If we keep pressuring men to be bigger, where will it stop? When is big, big enough?
“Megarexia is a problem caused predominantly in males, and is the opposite of anorexia. People suffering megarexia see themselves as too thin and too weak. They become obsessed with eating, exercising, and using supplements and steroids in an attempt to build their physique. They carry around a distorted image of themselves, as no matter how big they get, it is never big enough. Megarexia is common amongst men suffering low self esteem. They devote their spare time to excessive weight lifting, eating the right foods and using drugs.”
(The entire article can be found HERE.)
I had thought that women had the market on eating disorders, but I was wrong. In today’s society, there is a lot of pressure on young men to be as big as the movie stars, athletes, and bodybuilders that they see on TV. With role modes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s no wonder that young men feel the need to take steroids and “buff up.” Just like the image of the “ideal” female body (slim and tight) is forced on young girls today, the “ideal” male body (very muscular and trim) is showcased everywhere in our daily lives.
While I think it’s great that society encourages young men to get in shape, I think that it is taken way too far. People place so much importance on outward appearances, and not only for health reasons. If boys continue to get the message that they are never big enough, fit enough, or strong enough, they will resort to using potentially harmful steroids to get big enough, fit enough, and strong enough. If we keep pressuring men to be bigger, where will it stop? When is big, big enough?
Sinking Free Throws Blind, Literally!
In this class we have talked a lot about athletes who overcome physical disabilities to participate in sports. One great example of this is Matt Steven, a high school basketball player who also happens to be completely blind. His story was featured in an article on ESPN.com and written by columnist Rick Reilly. The article is titled “Matt Steven can't see the hoop. But he'll still take the last shot” and can be found in its entirety by clicking HERE.
According to the article, Matt was born with two permanently detached retinas, which makes it impossible for him to see anything. In spite of his disability, he still joined the basketball game, with no expectations to play in a game. According to the article, Matt just “likes to be on the team.” Even knowing it was unlikely that he would ever see playing time, he went to every practice, and worked on his free throws. That’s when his brother, who is also the team’s coach got an idea.
He put his brother in one game to shoot all of the free throws. Matt was led to the line by a teammate, and then his brother tapped on the edge of the basket with Matt’s cane. Remarkably, Matt made four out of eight free throws in that game, much to the team’s (and the crowd’s) delight. At the time the article was written, the team was planning on having Matt shoot free throws in the next few games.
This young man is a remarkable testament to what people can accomplish, when they don’t let challenges dampen their spirits or undermine their perseverance. I like this article and this kid’s story because it reminds me that if I persevere I can overcome anything too. I think that it is inspiring to know that a kid who is blind can sink free throws with better accuracy than some NBA players. Who knew?
According to the article, Matt was born with two permanently detached retinas, which makes it impossible for him to see anything. In spite of his disability, he still joined the basketball game, with no expectations to play in a game. According to the article, Matt just “likes to be on the team.” Even knowing it was unlikely that he would ever see playing time, he went to every practice, and worked on his free throws. That’s when his brother, who is also the team’s coach got an idea.
He put his brother in one game to shoot all of the free throws. Matt was led to the line by a teammate, and then his brother tapped on the edge of the basket with Matt’s cane. Remarkably, Matt made four out of eight free throws in that game, much to the team’s (and the crowd’s) delight. At the time the article was written, the team was planning on having Matt shoot free throws in the next few games.
This young man is a remarkable testament to what people can accomplish, when they don’t let challenges dampen their spirits or undermine their perseverance. I like this article and this kid’s story because it reminds me that if I persevere I can overcome anything too. I think that it is inspiring to know that a kid who is blind can sink free throws with better accuracy than some NBA players. Who knew?
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