My Final Thoughts

Wow, SM 4250 has changed the way I think about sports and has made me appreciate my life in a whole new way. The issues we discussed in class were, in a nutshell, crazy! I enjoyed the controversial topics (i.e. females in males sports, Title IX, discrimination) and listening to my classmates' opinions. I sometimes dread classes that attempt to break the mold and discuss certain topics but I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Spencer's enthusiasm to introduce us to new ways of thinking.

As students, we can learn alot from reading scholarly articles and watching documentaries on real-life situations. Because I want to have a career in sports, considering the various issues in racism, disabilities, transgender, etc. will make me a better employee because of my knowledge in a variety of topics I might face in the future. I enjoyed SM 4250 and creating this blog because it is unlike any other class I have taken here at BGSU. I was given a creative format to discuss my thoughts and many opportunities to voice my opinions in class. I did not feel embarrassed or disrespected when talking about my beliefs with others.

As I anticipate graduation in May, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be a healthy, happy and well educated human being. I have an incredible support system around me and I have distinct goals set for myself. I am blessed to live without any form of disability and I am not subjected to any extreme form of discrimination. I was given a positive athletic experience in high school and was able to fulfill my dreams on and off the court.

The topics we discussed in class were unique and at times, sad. The individuals we talked about had experienced major obstacles in their lives and for some, had lived through hell. The positive stories made up for all of the negative reflections. I was touched by the "Living with Disabilities" class and Holly Mangold's quest to play football. These individuals are so brave and show true courage. It is unfortunate that so many athletes have to deal with negative press and public judgement. After hearing all of Dr. Spencer's lectures, one thing is certain: life is not easy and sports can be very complicated. I appreciate her willingness to face the various topics and giving us a chance to react. I plan to keep this blog as a form of expression and an opportunity to stay connected to other opinions and blogs. I enjoy sharing my thoughts with those interested in reading them.

Finally, it's nearing the end of the semester and Christmas is just around the corner. I hope everyone has a wonderful break and to those graduating, congrats!

Magic Johnson & His Battle with AIDS

I never thought that Magic Johnson would have been a representative of the AIDS/HIV virus. He was a dominate basketball player and has gained worldwide respect based on his God-given ability to play the game. I think his story is a good example of how unwritten life can be and why we must never take anything for granted. The universal stereotype of AIDS is that only homosexuals contract the virus and a large percent of cases end up fatal. The article "The Politics of the Body and the Body Politic: Magic Johnson and the Idealogy of AIDS" goes in depth about the virus and Magic's struggle of being a living representative of it.

Because Magic Johnson is not a homosexual and still contracted the virus, the world was in utter shock and disbelief. King writes, "Knowing that his condition could not be kept a secret forever, he could choose to acknowledge it early and end his career or try to hide it until (or if) he developed AIDS." I think Magic made a very brave and wise decision to retire from the NBA in order to put all of his time and energy into getting healthier. I sympathize with him because of the public attention he had to endure. He faced the world like a man and made all of us believe that he was in total control of the situation.

I am too young to appreciate Magic Johnson for his athletic capabilities. However, I am old enough to appreciate his ability to overcome a truly horrifying and embarrassing situation. He had a choice: to dig a hole and hide or face the truth like a man and help others in the same condition. I know his life has been anything but normal. In fact, I think it has been very difficult and stressful despite all of the athletic success. Magic Johnson should be proud of himself and what he as accomplished thus far. As a teammate and friend, I would like to think I would have still played against him on the court. The chances of contracting the AIDS virus through playing basketball has to be very very slim. I do not disagree with those players who were quick to oppose playing against him. I understand their decisions and hopefully, so did Magic.

Stories like Magic Johnson's are inspiring and eye-opening. God truly has a sense of humor with the obstacles he places in our lives. Magic Johnson took a horrible and extremely personal situation and used it to help others. I think that is the lesson behind all of the pain. I liked discussing this topic in class because I am embarrassed to admit that I was unaware of Johnson's health history and reasoning behind his retirement from the NBA. I am better educated on the topic and I appreciate everyone's willingness to discuss this topic in class because I was very interested in it.

Double Fault: Renee Richards

The story of Renee Richards was surprising (to say the least). I was captivated in her interview as she explained her lifestyle and why she made the biggest decision of her life in her late 30's. Discussing this controversial topic is a first for me. Personally, I find it difficult to judge her because I have never been in her position before. When considering her tennis career, I think it was unfair that she was able to play with other females because I believe she had a competitive advantage over them.

SM 4250 has taught me that when we are born, there is not a distinct difference between males and females that clearly separates the two. In most cases, males and females are obviously different and can be identified without much deliberation. However, there are individuals (like the countless ones we have discussed in class) who are born with multiple genitalia and a mixture of different chromosomes and hormones. Because of this, gender terminology has shifted along with the public perception of the phrase "male" and "female."

In the article "Double Fault: Renee Richards and the Construction and Naturalization of Difference," Birrell and Cole describe transsexual as being "a passionate, lifelong, ineradicable conviction." Renee Richards' decision to have a sex change was not without much therapy and years of personal battles. She faced many hardships on the road to becoming a woman. Despite being married and having a son, her belief about her sex remained constant. I was shocked that at her age, she was so competitive in the world of tennis. Could this be a direct reflection of her genetic code? Possibly. Because she made a choice to change her lifestyle permanently does not make her new phase of life acceptable in the sports world. I give her an extreme amount of credit for facing the media and staying true to herself and who she wanted to be. I do not disrespect her as a person for what she has done, nor do I think she made a mistake by doing so. I believe that some worlds were never meant to coexist. One of those would be transsexuals and sports.

Renee Richards is a smart, talented and accomplished human being. Playing professional tennis and being a doctor are two very notable achievements. Birrell and Cole often refer to her as a his/her when writing about her past and present life. Richards paved the way for other transsexuals to face the world and discuss this lifestyle while being watched through a very large microscope called: the media. Her talent is obvious and her lifestyle is confusing. Although we may never fulling understand her beliefs and actions, Renee Richards has overcome more in her lifetime than most people have to face in three lifetimes.

Yo, Yao! The Asianization of America

It's no secret: Yao Ming is an Asian sensation. However, have we as Americans learned to accept him into our society as an equal? Based on our classroom discussion and YouTube videos, Asians are being targeted for nearly every aspect imaginable. Language, height, athletic capabilities, economic impact, etc. The list can go on and on. America is being Asianized whether people chose to admit it or not. We enjoy Asian foods, support Asian athletes and use Asian-made products. However, the barrier still exists and Asians are one of the many minorities being picked on.

Yao Ming is internationally known for his size and ability to dominate in the NBA. He has been featured on numerous commercials and played for his country (China) in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He is a decorated athlete and like most athletic celebrity figures, he is both praised and verbally abused by the general public. The media has created advertisements based on Yao's physical features. He is used as a form of entertainment and a way to generate revenue. If the media seems to love him so much, why does it continue to discriminate against the rest of the Asian minority?

The article "Yao Ming and the Asianization of America" discusses Asian stereotypes and how Yao identifies with them. He looks different and acts different, much like the Asian minority in America. But what do we consider different? Leonard's article discusses the Asian stereotypes in regards to femininity and masculinity. These are stereotypes that have existed for years in America and in athletics, we often consider Asians to be an extreme of one or the other. Leonard also considers Yao's influence in America and Asia as the "Ming Dynasty."

Yao Ming is not the first Asian sensation to excel in professional athletics. He will not the last, either. Americans must learn to accept the various cultures of this "melting pot" and appreciate the values and talent that these individuals bring to the world of sports. Asian athletes are marketable and appealing to those who are unfamiliar with their culture. They can bring an international crowd to professional leagues that was not established before. The Asian minority creates opportunities in athletics. They by no means harm American society or our daily lives. If anything, Asians have helped Americans prosper.

March Madness: Mad About Men?

Take a good look at the picture above. Instead of trying to find your favorite team, try to find a female representative of ANY team!!! Brian's class discussion regarding March Madness and the popularity of men's basketball versus women's was a great topic to think about. I am so culturized that I did not even realize it myself. Announcer's, during a women's basketball game, resort back to the men's teams in one way or another. It is inevitable.

The article "Masculine Hegemonic Hoops: An Analysis of Media Coverage of March Madness" explored gender power relations and how media outlets analyze both male and female teams during a 26-day time period in the spring. The common themes found throughout the 500+ articles that were decoded are as follows:

1. He was always on my mind (during women's tournaments, announcers brought up individual men's players, etc).
2. She must have played with the boys to get that good (a common assumption).
3. First football, then men's basketball and then everything else.
4. Parents are newsworthy, especially athletic fathers (University of Florida example).
5. Race only matters for men (black males vs. white males).
6. Straight is great, but gay is nowhere (hiding sexuality until retirement).

My group had theme #5, race only matters for men. We discussed the fact that according to hegemonic masculinity, males are the dominant sex in the sport of basketball. Specially, black males are the more natural athletes with God-given talent versus a white male who learns the game and develops his skills on his own time. Our group believed that at times, black males are the more naturally skilled athletes. We also agreed that white males have a greater focus on the package deal: academics and athletics rather than just athletics. For many black males, athletics may be the road to academics.

Many cultures have different beliefs and attitudes towards gender roles and stereotypes. It is obvious that news stations and announcers are biased during March Madness and cannot help themselves when it comes to discussing men's teams rather than women's. The barrier between the popularity of men's and women's basketball has gotten weaker and less evident each year. Slowly, female sports are making a name for themselves and earning the credibility men's teams automatically receive. Despite the discrimination between genders during one of sports most popular events, March Madness is a global phenomenon and each year the competition gets better and more entertaining.

The Fiery Darts of Indian Wells

Serena Williams' chapter "The Fiery Darts of Indian Wells" in her newly released book, On the Line is a descriptive play-by-play from 2001 when the sisters competed at the Indian Wells Masters in Palm Springs, California, roughly 1.5 hours from their home. As we discussed in class, this tournament is perhaps one of the most controversial in all of tennis history. Serena writes about the events that occurred as if she had been playing them over and over again in her head since 2001. Clearly, what happened to her and her family during that tournament has left a permanent bruise on her heart. Since the 2001 verbal abuse and horrific displays of hatred against the sisters during Serena's match, the Williams sisters have boycotted the tournament and have shown no desire of returning despite the penalties they accept because of this decision.

I will be the first to admit that these inexcusable actions are a direct result of race and discrimination. Because I am not typically a big tennis fan, I was unaware of the controversy surrounding Indian Wells and read Serena's chapter as somewhat of a 'neutral third party.' After I read the chapter and watched the videos Dr. Spencer showed in class, I was disgusted, angered and speechless. What kind of person would act so vulgar towards teenagers trying to play in a major tournament? It seems to me that the fans were suffering in their own self-pity because they were unable to watch Serena and Venus play head to head. I understand their extreme disappointment and sense of let down because the tickets were probably very expensive and I'm sure major travel arrangements were made by some. However, this is not a reason valid enough to accept the fans' behavior towards Serena and her family. Had Serena been a 17 year-old white teenager, I do not believe this would have happened the way it did.

The tournament officials did not take advantage of their administrative positions and let the crowd act immature on impulse. The situation was completely manipulated by the staff at Indian Wells after Venus tried to follow the rules as best she knew how. Sometimes I wonder if the staff and tournament official enjoyed the heckling the girls got. The situation did, after all, create major publicity for their tournament. Serena, Venus and their father (referred to as Daddy in the chapter) were publicly humiliated and verbally and mentally knocked down. I am very glad the Williams sisters have boycotted Indian Wells ever since. The program in Palm Springs, California does not deserve the satisfaction and economic success the Williams sisters would bring if they chose to attend another tournament at that location. The saying "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me" is very appropriate for this situation. Life is too short to voluntarily throw oneself into a negative situation when it otherwise could have been avoided. Because of their race and the poor decisions made by the tournament officials, the Williams sisters were victims of some truly horrible behavior.

Serena's chapter is graphic. Finally, she got her chance to tell her side of the story. Serena made a bold statement that shows her true colors, "I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to give these people the satisfaction, or let them know they could get to me" (Williams p.71, 2009). She held her emotions in but unfortunately, her feelings were visible as she continued to play. She fell behind quickly and played at a level far below her capabilities. Regardless of how she played, she kept her head and she ended up winning the match in spite of the nay-sayers in attendance.

I am proud of Serena for finally telling her side of the story and for the sisters for getting even by not returning to the tournament. This terrible story should be a good lesson to learn for those who may be caught in similar situations. Serena wishes she could have done a few things differently but at the time, she was a naive teenager who did not know any better. What was she to do? It is a shame that in the 21st century, race is still a dividing factor in many aspects of our lives. I believe everyone should be treated the same because we are all given the same rights and were born the same way. Before people are quick to judge others, they should consider walking a mile in their shoes. Acting on impulse does not do anyone any good. God made all men and women equal and loves us all the same. So why can't we love each other? Society has placed a giant boulder between males/females, blacks/whites, coaches/players, teachers/students, etc. The cycle goes on and on but the concept stays the same. Discrimination and disrespect are learned habits. Venus and Serena were innocent tennis players trying to do what they do best: compete. It is a shame that the Indian Wells tournament went down like it did but at least the sisters can do something about it now. I hope they stick to their vow of never returning to that venue/tournament.

Reading the Muscular Body (10/20/09 Class)

White and Gillett's article "Reading the Muscular Body: A Critical Decoding of Advertisements in Flex Magazine"gives an incredible perspective of a form of popular press regarding bodybuilding. The authors discuss various identities males take on when deciding to become body builders and how their insanely toned bodies are a representation of hegemonic masculinity. White and Gillett studied the advertisements in Flex Magazine based on two characteristics: descriptive (what products were promoted) and textual (the themes represented).

In bodybuilding magazines, the pages are filled with supplements, training equipment and sometimes clothing. The men/women promoting these products are ripped, abnormal human beings that "supposedly" used the specific products to increase their muscle mass. However, what is inferred is that many of these "athletes" used anabolic steroids to look the way they do. To a naive reader, these body builders went through blood, sweat and tears to create the image they portray. To a realistic consumer, the reality is much less inspirational.

My group had Shape magazine and we found the articles and advertisements to be very feminine and conservative. Shape was trying to influence a healthy lifestyle to middle-aged active women (possibly mothers). The themes represented throughout the pages were inspiring and enlightening. I felt very calm and peaceful when browsing the pages of Shape. Everyone has their own opinion about the human body and how body builders should present themselves. Without passing judgement, Flex magazine has a very dominant, bold and cut-throat way of directing the themes of their advertisements. Clearly, the targeted consumers and subscribers have different lifestyles and that is the beauty of a target market. Brands can be specific and create material that is appealing to certain persons.

Body builders have a unique lifestyle and have, what seems to be, 0% body fat. They are fierce competitors and attempt to make a living off of their bodies. Magazines have a special role in popular culture. They educate the reader on various topics and subject them to material they have an interest in.