Patriotism and Sport

Sport is often interconnected with superiority because it represents the best that country has to offer.  This usually means that athletes are talented, hard workers, and display a high level of sportsmanship.  However, history has shown us a time period where values and morals were not the primary concerns of athletes and their superiors. During the Cold War the United States was having an arms race against the USSR: democracy vs. communism.   In the article Sports, Drugs, and the Cold War, the world was in a mindset where “there was the assumption that the world has one winner and all the rest losers in each event [which] leads towards drug abuse.”  Each country wanted the biggest advantage possible to prove their point to the world therefore some supported or even provided their athletes with enhancement drugs to improve their athletic abilities.  The interesting factor is that in spite of several athletes not agreeing with the ethics of cheating, several did.  Honesty and integrity of the sport was thrown out the window and for the sake of patriotism.  Patriotism caused a complete shift of mindset for what each athlete though was the better cause.  It is fascinating that the rivalry between these two ideologies exceeded politics and not only affected the world but the principles and morals of some individuals.  Sport has always been a societal community where individuals come together to exemplify a common interest, but it has been proven to connect individuals with their nation in an astonishing manner.

Expectation we hold for our Athletes

Sacrifice, pressure, and preparation exemplified by athletes are characteristics that are also demonstrated in dogs that participate in dog fighting. When looking at the issue of sacrifice, athletes have always been revered for their athletic success and have been worshiped across the globe, living up to the hype. Often in today’s society fans are quick to turn on the teams they love if expectations are not met, which makes the athletes have to live up to the high expectations. The same situation applies to dog owners who easily discard a dog’s love and trust if they don’t live up to the owner’s expectations.  Sadly though, a dog’s sacrifice may come at the cost of more than just a bad season; it may cost them their life. Both the athletes and dogs deal with the pressure to perform. Athletes are held under high standards, applauded when they do something well and condemned if they make a mistake. They overcome physical strain to please the crowd, team, and community.  They are expected to win because winning is considered the most important aspect of sport to society.  This same intense atmosphere of successful performance comes in the dog fighting community, but on the next level. The dogs must perform well or face harm and brutal punishment from the owners that should always protect and support them. Due to the nature of society, both athletes and dogs are willing to prepare and train their hardest knowing that they will be cheered when they beat their opponents and praised when they destroy them.  Much like dogs that are trained to attack at any moment, athletes must be ready to perform once they enter field.  Both of these “athletes” are willing to put their lives on the line in exchange for love and acceptance from the crowd.  It seems like we have a tendency of choosing entertainment over the well being of athletes.  

Politics in the Olympics

The Olympics is a highly revered, ceremonious sporting event that was supposedly founded on the principle of bringing the world together for peace.  However, world politics has always managed to sneak in and make a worldwide statement.  During the 1968 Olympics two African Americans made a huge impact on the Civil Rights Movement for America. These two outstanding figures are gold medalist, Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlos, brought politics into the Olympics to stand up for all African Americans.  There were several years of discrimination across a broken country that pretended like everything was fine for the rest of the world.  The stand of these two athletes removed the fabrication and brought out reality.  Their actions were not without consequence however, both were completely banned from future participation in the Olympics.  When they returned to US they had a very difficult time finding jobs and maintaining a stable lifestyle.   Another individual that participated in this eventful time that is often overlooked stood between these two great athletes, Peter Norman.  Peter Norman was an Australian athlete that raced against Carlos and Smith, placing in second in the 200 meter dash.  Despite Norman’s extraordinary athletic abilities he was a very well just man, raised to treat everyone equally despite differences of color, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.  At the time of the medal ceremony he took the boldest step of his career and wore a civil rights badge.  Ironically enough his stance for social activism backfired his athletic career.  Norman qualified several times to the ’72 Olympics but was not allowed to participate.  Australia did not even have the courtesy to invite him to partake in the ceremony held in Sydney in 2000.  Nevertheless, his incredible efforts were not in vain when the Track and Field Federation awarded him October 6^th or official Peter Norman Day.  So if politics is inevitable is there a way to work around it?  This is a very hard question to answer, especially in situations where the political statements are necessary. However, the impartiality of the Olympics is necessary to be able to run properly.  I guess we just have to be thankful for those athletes that are willing to set aside their dreams to do something better for the world.

Fame and Sports

Professional athletes are often revered by society for their physical abilities, talent, and hard work.  Some athletes however are treated beyond admiration and are placed in the highest pedestals.  Society has often overlooked wrongdoing of athletes due to their fame and popularity.  According to the USA  Today, out of 168 condemned athletes 2/3 were released and 6 were convicted compared to the “average” person that underwent the same accusation trial 80-85 % of the time and was convicted 90% the time in 2003.  Since fame of professional athletes has not decreased over time it is safe to assume that these statistics have worsened.  In 2009 Donte Stallworth a New Orleans Saint at the time, faced a 15 years sentence for manslaughter while intoxicated.  However, in the plea agreement Stallworth was condemned 30 days in prison, where he only served 24 of those days.  Manslaughter would be a life-time sentence for any other individual in America but not for Stallworth. Does the law validate impartiality with talent? Is it ethical to do so?  When did society place entertainment before reason? Money and fame has found loopholes through society’s justice system.  The worst part is that we as a society encourage these types of behaviors.  We devour the media that feeds off of issues like this one.