"Darwin's Athletes": Sports & Ethnicity

Films such as Hoop Dreams, Love and Basketball, The Blind Side, and Remember the Titans, all underline the struggle of African American’s through the lens of sport. However, what is interesting is that almost all of these films emphasize that upward mobility for such marginalized groups can only be achieved through athletic success. As result these very activities are strictly stressed for individuals who are less privileged and come from poor backgrounds, African Americans specifically.

However, I believe that such portrayals and messages can be dangerous because they can effectively limit opportunities or narrow possible avenues that can lead to other outlets of success. This is especially true when we consider the percentage of athletes that go pro. According to the article "Here Are The Odds That Your Kid Becomes A Professional Athlete (Hint: They're Small)" From the Business Insider: only 11.6% of college baseball athletes go pro, 1.7% for men’s football, 1.3% for ice hockey, 1.2% for men’s basketball, 1% for men’s soccer, and 0.9% for women’s basketball. When we consider these percentages they highlight the fact that such aspirations are bleak and that in realistic terms many will not achieve the ultimate success of making it to the pros.

 

Yet, even while this may be the case films continue to push this success story. The film the Blind Side that came out in 2009 follows the story Michael Oher who came from nothing and ended up becoming a starting offensive tackle in the NFL. It is a true account of an individual going from “rags to riches”. It is also a story similar to Hoop Dreams and Love and Basketball where individuals put everything on the line to achieve their goals.  However, while these Holly Wood stories may be uplifting and provide a sense hope I believe they present more damage than good. I would argue that because they focus specifically on African American athletes they have the tendency and ability to continue the stereotypes that suggest that such individuals are good at only one thing- sport. I believe that we culturally need to move away from such narratives and begin to encourage all youth that success in not limited. 

"You Throw Like a Girl": Sports, (Wo)men & the Gender Order II

In this Carl’s Jr. commercial, normative gender roles are clearly underlined. Terrell Owens a former NFL receiver is poolside eating a hamburger and is surrounded by women in bikinis. The scene casts Terrell Owen as the “bad boy” whereas the women simply provide sex appeal and reaffirm the athlete’s status. This is highlighted through the way the women are positioned, they are seen bending over T.O as if they are praising or worshipping him, while Owens is seen as relaxed and comfortable with hamburger in hand; owning the macho image.

Carl’s Jr. has always used seductive women for advertisement. These women are always wearing minimal clothing and are consistently positioned in sexual positions, a strategy used to make hamburgers seem attractive or sexy. This message is explicit in each of their commercials; however, it is important to note that this tactic is present throughout western media. The saying “sex sells” is obviously something that is taken to heart and used on a consistent basis, even when the product itself has nothing to do with sex. The women displayed are skinny and their bodies are clearly emphasized. 

Therefore with this in mind it is evident that mainstream illustrations distort our perception of beauty and what is important. I would argue that such advertisements persuade people especially our female youth that personal value is determined strictly on physical appearance and nothing else. I believe that this is very dangerous because it suggests that people are not good enough as they are and that they need to make adjustments accordingly to fit the ideal image. As a result eating disorders such anorexia and bulimia have become more prevalent. Thus, I believe that we need more advertisements that promote natural beauty such as the dove campaign that was recently lauched to challenge these mainstream representations and provide an alternative and healthier message to the public. 

Video link: http://youtu.be/o0EzeStwP5I