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.

A Life Without Disabilities

Fortunately, I have never had to experience any form of mental or physical disability. I was blessed with "normal" features and am able to participate in any activity I wish without too much complication. Our class discussion about various disabled persons in sport made me appreciate my life in a way I typically do not think about.

Adam Bender's success story touched me. The article "Kid can do it on one leg" was inspiring but it wasn't until I watched the video that I was truly inspired. The amount of pain and heartache that young boy has had to endure thus far is staggering. He has had to face challenges I cannot begin to imagine and I am twice his age! I was very impressed with his enthusiasm and will to achieve. He was a tough player and did not let his disability get in the way of having a normal childhood experience.

Some of the most famous people in the world have had some form of disability. The same is true of athletes. Helen Keller was blind and deaf and yet everyone knows her name and her story. The Special Olympics is known worldwide and has gotten increasingly popular each year since it's existence. The word "disabled" is often a false assumption of a human being because many disabled persons do not consider themselves as being unable to do something! Their spirit is incredible and cannot be matched.

If I had a disability, it is hard to imagine how I might participate in athletics. Because I have grown up playing sports and passionately follow several teams, I would like to believe that I would not let anything get in the way of that. I would hope that my spirits would remain as high as my support systems and that God would give me the strength to start each day with a bright smile and positive attitude. I think I would continue playing sports because it defines me and who I am. I am making a career in athletics and I want to be around sports for the rest of my life. I don't think anything can stop me from achieving that dream :)

An Athletic Directors' Dilemma (10/6/09 Class)

An athletic director has a very difficult job. He/she has to be on top of his/her game at all times. After reading this article written by Charles Kennedy, I grasped a better understanding of the seasonal conflicts that a person in an athletic directors position has to deal with. It's safe to say that I would never want to be responsible for either male or female athletes in an intercollegiate conference.

In the 2005-2006 academic year, major college spending was expected to exceed estimates of $4 billion (Kennedy, 2007). This extremely large sum of money is a direct result of the "arms race" colleges and universities have amongst each other. Because athletics are so competitive, spending large chunks of a budget is inevitable. College sports have become cult-like in nature. Faithful fans expect their beloved teams to be the best in the conference and throughout the nation each season, despite the sport. Since the passing of Title IX, athletics have arguably become more proportional, giving females more opportunities than previous years. An athletic directors job is to oversee the coaching staff to maintain compliance with Title IX, hire successful coaches that will, in return, create successful programs. An athletic director is responsible for the technical details within intercollegiate athletics that often go unnoticed without any thought.

To comply with Title IX, athletic directors have to pay attention to the following key areas of their respective schools: participation, scholarship, operating expenses, recruitment budget and coaching salaries. Obviously, it is no easy task! Each year, athletic directors have administrators working underneath them to aide in the process of the daily tasks. An athletic department runs on team effort and precise, effective work. In many cases, the reputation of a program lies in the hands of the athletic department and it's various pieces of the puzzle.

Kennedy writes about each of the previously listed key areas of Title IX compliance and breaks down the top ten conferences in the nation based on the "Kennedy Index" (taken from The Chronicle of Higher Education). The index lists the conferences and how they comply with the 5 criterion of Title IX. Based on the index, the MAC was the #1 conference with a score of -21.34. The MAC has the highest mid-major teams with 16 (7M-9F). The WAC is the lowest with 14 teams (6M-8F) (Kennedy, 2007 p.38, 42).

An athletic director has an enormous amount of responsibility to both the school and the athletic program. Luckily, the athletic department hires experts who know how to follow the rules on paper and be successful on the court. Title IX has no doubt made an athletic director's job more tedious and particular.

2009 Homecoming Symposium

I had an amazing experience during today's homecoming symposium. The BGSU graduates were terrific speakers and I learned a lot from their personal experiences. I appreciate the men taking the time to visit their Alma mater and give us (college students) a taste of a reality that is different from our daily class routines. I had the opportunity to interview with two different gentleman: Dan Jones, VP of Events for Intersport and Bob Gearhart, Sales Consultant for the Lake Erie Monsters. These interviews made my passion for the sport industry even more intense. I hope to intern with one of these organizations next semester. Although my interviews seemed to be successful, the biggest lesson I am taking from today came from Mr. Jones's speech during the 1:30 session titled "4 Questions You Can't Live Without."

These questions are as follows:

1. Are you passionate about it?
2. Can you be absolutely great at it?
3. Will it achieve your financial goals?
4. Can you be proud of it?

Mr. Jones explained that in every aspect of our lives, we should ask ourselves these questions prior to taking on a task or job. He persuaded us to compare these questions to daily life and unless all 4 questions are answered "YES!" then DO NOT partake in the activity or job! Life is too short and many opportunities will pass by if we do not ask ourselves these questions. Time is too precious to be wasted on something that cannot fulfill these 4 duties.

As I ponder these questions, I can relate them to my major: Sports Marketing. 1. I am VERY passionate about my field and I am very anxious to graduate and gain real world experience. 2. I will be great at my job because of my passion and because of the knowledge and experience I have accumulated over the 4 years at BGSU. 3. Sports Marketing will achieve my financial goals in one form or another. Student loans will quickly arrive, as will a rent or mortgage payment. However, I will sacrifice my personal wants in order to work in an industry I love so dearly. 4. I can be proud of my career focus and personal goal to be a Sports Marketer because consumers of sport are cult-like and live and breathe for athletics. People need sports as an outlet or hobby. My job will be important because it affects a large chunk of the population. I am already proud of myself thus far and I know I am just beginning this journey called life.

Most of today's speeches dealt with gaining experience and networking. I was already aware of these two crucial ways to help get a job but having the concepts pounded into my head was exactly what I needed to get motivated prior to graduation. Today was so fun and I am grateful to have been a part of it and learn from my peers.

Girls in Contact Sports (9/24/09 class)

The controversial issue of girls participating in contact sports has existed before the legislation of Title IX. The video shown in class regarding Holly Mangold's position on a men's high school football team has undoubtedly raised a few eyebrows. Being a female, I think females should be given the opportunity to participate in a male contact sport if there is not a female team for that sport (i.e. football, hockey). However, I doubt I would take advantage of Title IX's regulation because I would not want the negative attention that results from these behaviors. Throughout high school, I was the football teams stat and water girl. I loved being on the sideline and I still consider myself to be "one of the guys." Although I feel like I fit in amazingly with my male friends, I would never want to be on the same team as them. Personally, it isn't worth the public ridicule. For determined athletes like Holly Mangold, the desire to play football made her decision to play on a the men's team a necessary one. I do not share the same desires as her so I will gladly stick to the sports I know how to play best.

The bystanders between males and females is very disappointing. In 2009, we still do not live in an equalized society. I am offended by the notion that girls cannot "handle" a contact sport meant for males. We (females) are counted out before we even get a chance to participate! What does that do to our self esteem and confidence? Nothing. It actually cripples us as human beings because those stereotypes go beyond the athletic field and into our daily lives both professionally and personally. Males are very dominate and athletic. In many cases, they can do more physically than a female can. Is this a result of being socialized since birth? It's quite possible. Once we have the idea in our heads that males and females are very different people, that perception stays with us throughout our childhood and into our adulthood.

The YouTube video of Holly Mangold was refreshing because the typical stereotypes did not seem to affect her. She is a strong young woman that takes alot of slack from the general public. Because of that, I have a great deal of respect for her. The perception that money is the root of the problem regarding males/females in athletics is a reasonable argument. After all, many issues are a result of money. Because the NCAA is emphasized on a more competitive model (males), the governing bodies tend to lean in their favor. I am not a feminist. I am a fan of more male sports teams than female sports teams. I want to work for the NFL after graduation. However, I believe in equality for EVERYONE...not just the female race. I hope that Title IX can change and focus more on equal opportunities for both males and females because when I am a mother, I want my children to be given equal rights because it's the right thing to do, not because it's what the law states.

Masculinism and the Men's Movement (9/22/09)

Tuesday's class discussion revolved around an article by Clatterbaugh (1997) titled "Introduction to the Men's Movement." This article focused on 8 different perspectives of the men's movement and what it means to be masculine in each of the eight ways. I'd like to further discuss the role of masculinity and review some of the main points in the article. Clatterbaugh defines the masculine gender role as "a set of behaviors, attitudes and conditions that are generally found in men of an identifiable group" (p.3).

Growing up, I rated a males masculinity based on his athletic ability and hobbies. To me, sports like football, baseball and hockey were manly in high school and playing guitar, PlayStation 2 and poker were acceptable activities. As I matured, I realized that masculinity lies in the eye of the beholder. Being a college senior, I view masculinity as being able to hold a job and hold your own during a fist fight. It's funny how perceptions change as a person gets older and learns what life is really about.

"Introduction to the Men's Movement" was an enlightening read because of Clatterbaugh's views on masculinity. Some of the 8 perceptions still seem over my head, but I am able to grasp the majority of the concepts. The article relates aggression to masculinism and states that men who are aggressive may value different kinds of work in their professional lives. A man's personal belief of his "gender role" can define his behaviors, clothing styles, habits and living style. For example, a simple walk through a dorm hall on campus (MacDonald Hall) will prove the point Clatterbaugh and I are trying to defend. One might discover posters of half-naked females, empty beer cans, over flowing trash cans, unmade beds, Nintendo systems, athletic equipment and dirty laundry. These "masculine" objects are socially acceptable and honestly, quite expected at the college age. Students might be surprised to see anything but the above list of items in a boy's dorm room.

Despite our personal beliefs, masculinism exists and is portrayed in everyday life. If a man is seen in a shirt and tie with a suit, he resembles a masculine male and demands respect without knowing anything about his past, present or future. Men want to be respected and will use their outer appearance to do so. Masculinism is a huge part of everyday society and since the birth of humankind, men have displayed masculine roles.

What Happened to Civility in Sport? (Thurs. 9/17/09)

We have all heard about the incidents. During the U.S. Open, Serena lost a match due to penalty points and Roger Federer was criticized after he had an altercation with an official. The same week, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Hall of Fame and gave, what some consider, to be to a rather conceded acceptance speech. Everyone has a different opinion of how athletes (male or female) should act during certain situations. When the game or match is one the line, who's to say how they themselves would react to an unfortunate line call? When did aggression and passion become a negative quality in professional athletics? Dictionary.com defines civility as "courtesy, politeness." Competitive activity can get quite intense and being polite is often not the first instinct athletes possess in the heat of the moment.

The Serena Williams play call has been disputed for several days. I believe much of the criticism is because of her gender. After all, she is a female and she wears dresses during tournament play and has shown (somewhat) her softer, feminine side. However, her behavior was very aggressive and threatening. I think the way she acted on her emotions could have been handled differently. As a professional, Serena should know better and remind herself of the millions of viewers that were watching her every move. However, I disagree with those that want her suspended. I think the remarks and criticism that came after her behavior was punishment enough. I doubt that we will see that side of Serena on the court again. Also, I doubt that line judge will appear in another tournament while Serena Williams is competing.

Roger Federer displayed his emotions in a much calmer manner. Although we could hear the conversation he had with the official, Roger remained seated, facing a different direction and was non-threatening. Sometimes people forget that athletes are real people like everyone else. Just because they have celebrity status does not mean they are inhumane and can act perfectly in the lime light. These tennis examples are perfect real-world situations where athletes should be taken off of their pedal stools and treated as regular people. Civility does remain in sports but the general public needs to be more understanding.

To me, Michael Jordan can do no wrong. Yes, he might be somewhat arrogant at times-but he is the most talented player to ever step on the court! Let him have his shining moments until someone else takes his place. Although he may have lacked some sense of civility in his speech, we got to see a personal side of Michael that was not representing the brand name. He was given his 15 minutes of fame and he chose to read a speech he felt was worthy of his induction. He is a grown man and who are we to tell him what is good and what sounds bad? He put in the blood, sweat and tears in order to be successful. We (the critics) did not and what makes our opinion worthy of going against his? The general public, sports writers, bloggers and many other critics need to look at their own civility before coming down on infamous professional athletes for playing the game they love so much.

Civility does exsist in sports. We may have to look harder to find it in people, but athletes continue to display positive messages and healthy competition. Until we walk a mile in their shoes, we cannot judge their actions through a television screen.

Wrestling with Masculinity

I have seen an entirely different side of the WWE after reading this article. Clearly, I have been socialized because the issue of "manhood" never occurred to me after years of being susceptible to this form of entertaining behavior. This study highlights particular moments in wrestling that proved Soulliere's position throughout "Wrestling with Masculinity: Messages about Manhood in the WWE." I never watched wrestling as I was growing up because as a female (another gender stereotype) I did not have an interest in such a violent all male "sport." I enjoy the way Soulliere separated her article into messages of manhood. Reflecting to my youth, I realize now that these messages have been clear all along. I never considered them to be incorrect or unreasonable.

Since college, I have been a huge fan of Hulk Hogan. However, I do not like him because of his infamous wrestling career in the WWE. His reality show, "Hogan Knows Best" on VH1 was an overnight success. Gradually, I watched the real Hulk (Terry Bollea) unfold before my eyes. He is very much a family man and overprotective father. He lectures his children about finances and dating while arguing with his ex-wife Linda about money. I never see him as the wrestler. He seems manly to me, but in a much different way that does not revolve around violence or winning and losing. I'm sharing this information because Hulk Hogan is a prime example of the issues Soulliere discusses. However, wrestling was just a job for him and he was putting on a show that was expected from the fans. Do wrestlers buy into the things they say and do? Do they practice what they preach? Based on his reality show, Terry Bollea does not practice the morals or believe in the actions he performed fight after fight as a WWE wrestler.

I am disturbed by most of the messages Soulliere found after studying over 100 WWE fights. Although some are universal (i.e. men take responsibility for their actions), most of them would not make a man successful in the real world. These messages would only gain them more enemies. The WWE portrays men as being incredibly muscular, mean-spirited, out for revenge, evil, violent, foul-mouthed and bloody. In today's society, many boys and men still resort to violence to prove their manhood and take to weights in order to physically and silently represent their manhood. Soulliere makes a point about men proving manhood by writing "Finally, it is certainly clear that men are expected to settle things physically when Commissioner William Regal tells Booker T and Rov Van Dam: "If you want to settle your differences, settle them like sportsmen in the ring tonight" (Soulliere, 2006, p.5). This mentality makes society think that being violent and aggressive is socially acceptable.

In closing, this article is a perfect example of what is wrong with stereotypes and celebrity. These men and women influence so many youth on a drastic level. In relation to our class discussion, I do not disagree that Serena Williams was too aggressive when threatening the line judge. However, because she is famous and because society is socialized into thinking these actions are normal, people overlook such profane actions. Because of shows like the WWE, athletes can get away with verbal and physical abuse with a simple smack on the hand. What happened to the Golden Rule and manners? Entertainment has changed the way children, teens and adults face the world. If the WWE is any indication of how men will display their emotions, I'll choose my friends much more wisely than I did before.

Barbie vs. Society (Sept. 8th Class)

Today's class discussion took me back to my childhood and made me reflect on some issues regarding gender that I otherwise may never have considered as stereotyping or "differencing." There is a universal difference between males and females. However, the difference is perceived so many different ways it is nearly impossible to have a conversation or debate on an even playing field. Being a female, the "Barbie" socialization is most intriguing to me because I grew up playing with Barbies. As I continue to develop into a woman, my perceptions of the "socially accepted" female body has changed. I will continue to discuss this topic after voicing what I learned from the assigned readings.

Females are often referred to as the "weaker sex." Barbara Ehrenreich faces this topic head on in her Time Magazine article "Making Sense of la Difference." Ehrenreich discusses the various historic beliefs and what tests have been done to try to make or break the theories that exist. Ehrenreich writes "In the 19th century, biologists held that a woman's brain was too small for intellect but large enough for household chores." It is unfortunate to read such a degrading statement knowing that females have overcome adversity in the past century. Women now hold upper management positions and are competitive with males in many different jobs. Although this course is not strictly based on female stereotypes there are many popular assumptions that still cause a stir. Another stereotype that exists today involves females being worse at math than males. The article states that a females academic development declines after puberty. I believe that each person is different and that although many of the assumptions may prove true to some, it depends on the way a person is taught and raised.

Our class discussion relates to this topic because gender differences occur in all aspects of life. I was surprised to hear that Barbie dolls come second to make-up kits as popular toys for female youths. The fiction of gender exists socially, culturally and structurally. The broad topic of gender stereotypes can go in a million different directions. In the sports world, a lot of the issues deal with our childhood experiences that have shaped the way we label athletes and sport. As an elementary student, I participated in volleyball, basketball and track. Our basketball was always smaller than the boys' basketballs and our hoops were often lower. Also, the final scores of boys games were usually double if not triple ours (females). When asked what would change if the social gender stereotypes did not exist, I can confidently say that I would have played football. Football is my favorite sport but I have always known it to be a male dominated activity. Looking back, I am glad that I did not participate in football because of how I might have been perceived in public. It is a shame that a child or young adult can be portrayed as unfeminine or emasculated just because he or she goes against the social norm. Unfortunately, this is the society we live in and stereotypes take years to diminish.

What's In a Name? (A Reflection of Week 2 Discussions)

Michael Jordan is one of the most recognizable names and faces throughout the history of all professional athletics. Many consider him the greatest player to ever step on a basketball court. Rightfully so, he has five championship rings, five MVP trophies and a record ten scoring titles (Johnson, 1998). The CNNMoney.com article written for Fortune Magazine "The Jordan Effect: The world's greatest basketball player is also one of its greatest brands. What is his impact on the economy?" written by Roy S. Johnson is a detailed portrayal of the effect Michael Jordan (MJ) has had on the entire world.

This article has created several class discussions regarding Jordan's role in society, his career and his ability to win the hearts of millions. Driven by pure talent, Michael Jordan has become a legacy in his own right. Written in 1998, this article is far from outdated. The "Jordan Effect" has increased profoundly since the new millennium. The Michael Jordan "brand" including Hanes, sports videos (Space Jam), books and cologne have collectively generated over $701 million in revenues without the addition of shoes and clothing (Johnson, 1998 p.2).

Michael Jordan has indirectly helped numerous other aspects including the NBA's attendance records, the city of Chicago's economy and the profitability of Nike. In 1998, the overall impact of the "Jordan Effect" was estimated at $10 billion. 11 years later, we are still witnessing Jordan's success and remain loyal to him, his brands and those he has contracts with. This leads nicely to the photograph we were shown in class. When asked to list the social and economic dimensions of the dunking picture, my mind and hand could not work fast enough.

I was never given the opportunity to watch Michael Jordan play in person. I was too young to understand who he was and why he was so good at basketball. However, after years of being consumed with Michael Jordan advertisements and brand items, several ideas came to mind when it was time to write our perceptions of the picture. Socially, I see a leader. I see a man who has joined a nation and created believers. I see passion and pain. Years of hard work and dedication placed into a single moment. Economically, I see a revolutionist. Michael Jordan was the first professional athlete to use his name in such a massive way while making a substantial profit. The world knew who he was and would have copied anything he was doing to "be like Mike."

The impact Michael Jordan has on the world (particularly the United States) is hard to justify in short terms. He is unlike any other athlete playing the game today. His legacy will continue for centuries and his economical influence will be studied in the classroom for years to come. "The Jordan Effect" has changed the face of professional sports and his recognizable fame has yet to show any slope in popularity. Kobe Bryant and/or LeBron James are sometimes referred to as the modern day Michael Jordan's. As masters in their art, both LeBron and Kobe have shown significant impacts on the NBA, the economy and the worldwide popularity of the sport of basketball.

This Friday, September 11, Jordan will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame by presenter David Thompson.

The Gender Trap

Tuesday's discussion regarding the differences between gender, sex and sexuality was very educational. Emini Saner's article "The Gender Trap" is a painfully honest portrayal of the real world and how sports can influence an athlete in their prime and throughout their lives. Although many of us may perceive these terms to mean different things, each situation is different. Life is very complex and many people get caught up in the specifics rather than being openly optimistic. Our conversation this week definately prooved how far society has come. In the past, the topics of transgender, intersex, homosexuality would not be traditional classroom material. It is refreshing to know that Dr. Spencer and the faculty at BGSU can treat us as equals and/or adults and trust that certain topics can be discussed in a mature manner.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is no doubt responsible for numerous rules and regulations regarding gender. Afterall, the IOC introduced sex testing in 1968 at the Olymypic games in Mexico City (Saner, 2008). Technology has made it possible for men and women to physically change their sex. Also, certain drugs have the capability of transforming the human body like never before. For these reasons, people are able to do as they please with their bodies and become the person they have always wanted to be. Individuals have the option to go through procedures (among other things) to be happy and content with their sexuality.

Changing one's gender/sexuality can create some detrimental issues that can be life altering. Emotionally, such a physical change can destroy one's reputation, personal life, professional life, capabilities, etc. "The Gender Trap" discusses some of these issues and faces them head on. For example, Santhi Soundarjan, a 27-year old Indian athlete failed a drug test during the 2006 Asian games. She was striped from her silver medal in the 800m and because she had the genetic make-up of a male chromosome but was born with female characteristics (Saner, 2008). Many athletes have medical conditions that interfere with the rules and regulations of the IOC. During the Atlanta games in 1996, "eight female athletes failed sex tests but were all cleared on appeal; seven were found to have an "intersex" condition (...) also known as chromosomal abnormalities" (Saner, 2008 p.2).

There are thousands of cases like those at the Atlanta games and Soundarjan's. When situations like these go public, the results can be humiliating. Unfortunately, suicide attempts are not uncommon. I have not spent alot of time considering these topics in the sports world before. Looking at sports from a sociological angle is new for me. To work in the business, I think it is very important to understand these concepts as much as possible. Discussing controversial topics and studying their history is the only way to fully grasp the concepts behind them. Everyone views these cases differently and although no opinion is incorrect, voicing those opinions in class enhances our discussions and I appreciate my classmates honesty.

Introduction

Hi bloggers, my name is Dana Shifley and I am finally a college senior anxiously anticipating graduation in May. I am majoring in Sports Marketing. I am from the small town of Bucyrus, Ohio and am the middle child of three. My older sister graduated from BGSU in 2007 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and my younger brother is a sophomore at BGSU also majoring in Sports Marketing. My parents raised the three of us in an athletic environment and I am very grateful for that. In high school, I participated in volleyball, basketball and track. I also was on the bowling team :) I have to be around sports, its my life! I am obsessed with the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. Despite their repetitive failure, I remain faithful to the Browns because my dad has been a season ticket holder in the "Dawg Pound" for over 26 years.

This past summer, I interned at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida in their Sports Marketing department. In Daytona I was given many opportunities to do some really great things. For example, I job shadowed Joann Mantovani, Advertising and Promotions Manager for the Daytona International Speedway during the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR race on July 4th. I also got to attend the NACMA Conference in Orlando, Florida which dealt with marketing among other things. The experience was life changing and I had a blast living on the beach!

During second semester, I hope to obtain an internship with IMG in Cleveland, Ohio. IMG is a international powerhouse marketing firm and I could learn a great deal under their wing. I am trying very hard to boost my resume as much as possible before graduation. My career goal is to work in the NFL for either the league or an individual team. I would also love to work for a successful marketing firm (IMG). If given a choice, I would move to Chicago in May and start my career in the windy city.

When asked about paying $100 to see any two athletes play, my male choice was a simple one. Being a life long Cleveland sports fan, LeBron James would be the ultimate experience well worth $100. Akron is less than two hours from my high school and I watched his team play for the state title in Columbus years ago. He has grown as an athlete and individual so much during his rookie years in the NBA. His MVP awards and tournament runs have been very entertaining and impressive to watch. I admire him for living in his hometown and raising his children there. He shuts his mouth and lets his talent speak for him. He is very deserving of the massive endorsements and media attention he has received and for a young professional, he seems to handle his fame well.

Check out my favorite LeBron commercial during last seasons playoffs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsPndm2ff4Q

Attending a Kerri Walsh volleyball match is the ultimate scene for me. I just watched her compete this afternoon in Chicago with another female player fresh out of retirement. Kerri is raw talent and has a killer body. She is always genuine and professional in front of the camera and judging by her interviews, she is a very family oriented woman. She was so determined during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and I admire her courage and confidence. Kerri plays 110% until the last point is decided and is quick to compliment those she wins or losses against. Volleyball has been apart of my life since 7th grade and it is a great sport. Volleyball requires constant communication and excellent coordination. It is truly a team sport that cannot compete without individual talent and effective coaching. My sister is the assistant varsity volleyball coach at my high school (Wynford) and it is fun for me to support her and the young girls.

I am anxious to learn about the concepts of this course because the gender divide in athletics has existed forever. Looking at the differences from an academic standpoint should be very interesting.