This one is from the most recent edition of the NYT Magazine: Should Athletes Stick to Sports?
While it isn't focused on baseball, I thought it was interesting. Got me thinking about Jackie Robinson and his activism. What are your thoughts on the intersection of sports and politics?
I think that sports stars have just as much of a right to have political views and to express them as anyone else, and I don't think that them being hounded for nothing more than their personal political views is conscionable. As mentioned, Jackie Robison was an extremely vocal and opinionated activist, which I personally think is commendable, especially with him under the pressure he was. I don't think that people in general should be judged for no reason other than their political beliefs being "sensational" (rather they should be judged based on their conduct), but I think that this combined with the obsessive investigation into the lives of celebrities creates an obnoxious and worrisome combination. Also, I find it intriguing in a strange sense the way that politics creates more interest in sports and sports players when they become more associated with politics, as opposed to being vilified for having any opinion in the first place. I don't think that either way is the route to go, though; sports players (and celebrities as a whole, for that matter) are human beings with opinions, and they shouldn't be found extra-interesting by default of having an opinion, nor should they be shunned and condemned for having an opinion.
ReplyDeleteSports are a sort of unifying pastime of America in that they can be enjoyed regardless one's political affiliation, or so they've been thought of by spectators for years. Players and the greater game have been put on a sort of pedestal, untouchable by real-world events for fear of shattering the suspension of disbelief required to be captivated by adults running around on an (inter)nationally televised field. However, that fictional layer people coat reality with to protect themselves is just that: fiction. The real world will always influence and be a part of any kind of vice or entertainment, from Hollywood to professional sports, and influence the way people perceive the players on a team, which is reflected in media. As the author of the Times article put it, "Their images will be shaded by their politics, even if these have to be assigned to them.” This 'assignment' could be done by media or readers, but it can also be assigned by management from within teams as part of a strategic move to satisfy certain requests or political desires.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to note the clear bias of the author, and how his wording carries themes from our class and larger societal complexities that may or may not have been intentional. For example, when talking about political activism by players and the overarching popularity of Steph Curry, he states: "Perhaps more than any other N.B.A. star lately, Curry has tended to project a charming blandness, but in putting his sponsorships and money at risk — however improbable the prospect of his losing any — he went further than most outspoken athletes.” This was about Curry's expression of personal integrity that transcends monetary value, which was in response to Under Armor's claim that Trump had attributes beneficial to the country. This honestly confused me because Steph basically said that the company's values were in line with his own and that he'd ditch them if they weren't, but the article focused on more liberal and progressive "outspoken" athletes like in the WMBA and NFL. Maybe it's just my personal bias (in favor of Steph because he's magical) that's confusing me because I want to hear that his values align with my own in some way or that he at least isn't into Trump. Oh well. The themes outlined here are masculinity and creating a hero in sports. The stereotypically masculine traits of strong, bland, silent or charming – and for athletes typically intelligence isn't emphasized – are both presented and challenged by Steph Curry. The author implies that his charming blandness contributed to his popularity, both of which were jeopardized when he spoke out about his political/moral views. The last line of the article, "Jocks, if nothing else, know how to get the president’s attention.” further highlights this broadly accepted value in sports of brawn over brain – if they can play well, their intelligence really doesn't matter. This ties into both masculinity and the American dream because of the base objectification of men/players as only pawns in a game run by team management and capitalism, and by supporting the ideal that people can attain some sort of success and equality even if they didn't start out with money or other privileges. Sports will always relate to and be a microcosm for societal atmospheres and politics because politics affect people and players are people and people write about the players and those articles are read by and interpreted by people. It would be naïve to think that sports and politics, or any two things that depend on people for that matter, could ever truly be separate.
I, above almost anything else in this world believe in people right to say what they want to say. To me, free speech is the staple of democracy and liberty, and must be present in all areas of American life. Sports are often involved in defining America's identity, be it earlier with baseball, or in the present with the NFL and Nascar. If there's nothing more American than free speech and football in America, I see no problem with political activism from athletes. Jackie Robinson helped change the country, and even the world with his activism in the mid 20th century. With his help and MLK's movement of civil disobedience, segregation ended and the US moved towards a freer and fairer country. I think that political expression matters, but I also believe it is important to consider how that expression occurs. As someone who loves this country, Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem was not something I liked to see. I believe it sets a bad example for those watching, and do not think that refusing to honor the flag and all the veterans that stood under it by not standing up is a good way to advance civil rights, however I still believe Kaepernick was fully justified to do what he did, and shouldn't face fines or any punishment from the league. Kaepernick chose to do what he did on his own, and although I don't agree with the method, I find nothing unjustifiable with his actions. I think political expression is important and should always be allowed, but it should never be forced like how this article talks about Tom Brady. Free speech goes both ways, giving people the freedom to both say whatever they want, and not say whatever they wish not to. I do not think Tom Brady should be forced to discuss or explain his political leanings. He is an athlete, that is his job, and anything to do with politics is for his own benefit and of his own volition. When media outlets such as TMZ prey on the smallest slip up of words, and clickbait news sites like BuzzFeed attack any prominent figure with less than far left viewpoints, it's hard to blame Tom Brady for not wanting to speak out. Athletes are leaders and although it can be great for them to head movements by speaking out one important political issues like Jackie Robinson did with civil rights, it should not be compulsory.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I think there is such an abundance of fake news and gossip in the "news" today that a little transparency from athletes would not be the worst thing for the media. What I'm saying is if people only say that athletes should be separated from politics because it will be too provocative, then I believe there is no reason for athletes to be separated from politics. I actually think it would be a good thing for athletes to speak their minds more because they are some of the most glorified and respected members of American society, and it would be a positive influence for the younger generations to see that having your own, independent perspective doesn't make you a "soft liberal" but rather a contributing member of American society. It's important to limit censorship as much as we can in America.
ReplyDeleteAs professional sports have progressed over the years, it has almost become a requirement for the players to hold and express their opinions, regarding politics and social injustices. This expectation derives from the growth in public media, having everything covered and easily accessible to anyone with the Internet. As the article addressed News reporters are now barraging athletes with questions that are not only about their physical play but also on their thoughts pertaining to issues outside of the world of sports, practically forcing players to publicly address their personal beliefs. Now if a player chooses not to share, the media generates false assumptions regarding their political views, causing players like Tom Brady to give in and deliver their personal beliefs to the public. I personally see the intersection of sports and politics as a benefit, creating more sources for people to form their opinions behind. At the same time, I can see how the increasing number of athletes sharing their opinions can lead to people being misinformed, getting their facts and truths from unreliable sources. It is a balance and entails men and women to really consider whether or not what they are hearing is accurate or “fake news”.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is completely ridiculous that people think that athletes should not use their platform to talk about politics. Professional athletes are people too and they are still entitled to their right to speak freely about whatever topic they want. Right now, many players get backlash when talking about politics, from their organization and the media, but I think that allowing certain groups of people to not voice their opinion is oppressive and should not be the norm. I agree that athletes in major sports make a lot of money, are in a position of power and influence, and that they do not accurately represent the typical american, but many of these players came from situations that were similar to the lives of the “everyday american”. These players are looked up to by millions of kids around the world and talking about politics and issues that affect the nation is a positive in my mind. Trying to “shelter” people from politics through sports, in a time when politics is everywhere is ridiculous. Athletes need to use their platform to talk about major issues because they have the coverage and the national stage to speak to millions of americans.
ReplyDeleteI remember in the last stages of the most recent election Tom Brady coming out and supporting Trump. I distinctly remember feeling disappointed because I knew this was going to influence the voting decision of some Patriots fans. When famous and successful players, like other public figures, openly voice their political opinions, it definitely affects their fans. To extremely dedicated fans, they see these players like Gods who can do no wrong. Their opinion is the right one, and its possible their bias towards these players will mirror the same stances in their own opinions. That being said though doesn't mean athletes shouldn't be allowed to voice their political opinions. Public figures in all entertainment industries, like musicians and actors for example, voice their opinions, I don't see why athletes should be treated any differently.
ReplyDeleteFor many people, sports are an escape from their daily lives, maybe something they one day dreamed or dream about participating in, to others it is a tradition to follow sports, and there are many other reasons people watch sports. While many people see sports as their escape, the athletes who participate in these leagues are often reduced to nothing more than people who are good at sports, money makers, and those whose talent is fun to bet on. However, for athletes, sports are their job and their passion, and also how they spend a large portion of their time. We shouldn’t punish them by limiting their first amendment rights. During games something that prevents the normal carrying out of a game can be reasonably limited and punished through contractual agreement with the leagues and teams, but prohibiting players to answer questions in a political manner is simply too far and too limiting in what they can and cannot do. Since so many people follow sports, rather than being limited in their activism, athletes should be encouraged to act as role models for thousands of young Americans who look up to them, setting good examples of how responsible citizens can stand up for their rights and express their opinions.
ReplyDeleteProfessional athletes, with their fame and large fanbase, can easily share their opinions. While these athletes may hold special skills in their fields, they should be treated as normal people with legitimate political views. If anything, athletes should be allowed to if not encouraged to share their views and remain true to themselves. As a sports fan, seeing athletes, for example NBA players who speak out against racism, stand up for what they believe in makes them more appealing. As long as the sharing of political views remains within the bounds of ones individual rights and laws and will not interfere with the game they participate in then I see no problem with athletes speaking their minds and voicing their opinions.
ReplyDeleteProfessional sports are one of the largest unifiers in the US and in the world. The spotlight and responsibility that come from this call into question whether or not athletes should voice their opinions on politics. I believe 100% that they should voice their views if that is what they want to do, but the article brought up a strong point about the social media and sports fans being dominated by left leaning views makes it a fairly hostile environment for those who don't agree. Forcing these people to share their political views over things as small as a hat in a locker isn't something that should be done. I do think however that athletes have a great platform to voice their opinions through television and it can provide them with a way that they to are humans too. Athletes can influence public opinion if they so please due to their fame and I believe wholeheartedly that it is their decision if they please to do so or abstain from public debate entirely.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the fundamental right of every American in being able to speak and show support/dislike of anything (including politics) should not be infringed upon, no matter the platform. However, I also believe that the role of anyone with a major platform is to be a role model to youth. I believe that if athletes truly believe in what they are saying and believe it can positively impact fans, then they should say what they want. However, I do think they should limit themselves if they believe they will set a bad example for fans, even though they do have the right to speak it. An athlete must remember that they are employed because of fans and have a duty to do what they think can have a positive impact on their fans. That being said, there should be no criticism of if an athlete is allowed to speak. The real conversation is on what an athlete is speaking about and if it has a positive impact. This is why people criticize people like Colin Kaepernick; they believe his previous refusal to stand for the anthem was not a good model for behavior for impressionable youth. Of course, Kaepernick likely believes what he is doing is positive and helps empower fans to use their right of protest. As long as an athlete believes what they are doing has a positive impact, I believe they should be able to speak what they would like to.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do understand why athletes are not supposed to speak out on their political views, it doesn't make much sense logically. The first amendment states that all people are given the freedom of speech and if players are being denied that right it is unconstitutional. People are all entitled to their opinion, but that saying gets more difficult as opinions get farther from your own. Every famous person has a reputation that they are trying to live up to and these players are considered famous. Their Instagrams are being monitored and what they post on all other social media accounts is seen by the rest of the world. Nothing is private in their lives, so why do their political views have to be?
ReplyDeleteI think sports players have the complete right to participate politically with the world around them. It makes no sense to me that just because of their profession they should be more scrutinized or expected to be silenced politically. Also these players have major followings that look up to them and will strive to be like them and when these players express opinions and stick up for what they believe is right their fans take notice. For example this past year LeBron James very openly supported Hillary Clinton for president, and even publicly endorsed her. Although results in Ohio did not necessarily swing her way I can almost guarantee that James contributed to thousands of more votes in Ohio for Clinton because a hero of the magnitude of James supported her. Sports figures should participate politically because they have the ability to shine light on issues not always seen and change opinions using their likability.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand and respect that people often read sports articles for sports, and that if they had wanted to read about politics they would find another outlet for that, writing is a form of a persons expression and they should be able to put their thoughts and beliefs to paper. Sports can be an outlet or escape for people; a distraction from the world that is going on around them. Although I do see the beauty in having an outlet free from the political drama I think that it is so incredibly important to have awareness about the circumstances that the nation faces politically. Being the American sport that it is, baseball should be allowed to be a place of conversation and beliefs, however that being said I don't think that baseball should be a place that excludes or alienates people. I am torn between supporting people's rights to express their beliefs and possibly give players a platform to lobby for positive impacts that they could have on the nation, however I think that having baseball involved with politics can make it a less inclusive environment. I don't think that we are able to talk about certain topics as a nation without alienating people and creating an unwelcoming atmosphere. That being said, I am all for baseball players and teams donating, spreading awareness, and fundraising for different organizations that have a positive impact on the nation.
ReplyDeleteI think that sports stars are people and shouldn't have their voices oppressed by their league or people at the top. Just because they signed a contract doesn't mean they can't speak out and educate the public about themselves and their beliefs. Such actions tend to always be controversial due to the existence of multiple perspectives and sides, like Colin Kaepernick's action against the National Anthem in support of Black Lives Matter, was seem as heroic to some and disgraceful to others. However, Kaepernick wasn't doing this to impress anyone or receive praise; he did it because it was something he felt was right and reflected his own personal views at the time, and he wanted to express himself. This should be allowed of all sports players, particularly if any kind of protest is nonviolent and any words aren't slurs or other offensive things. Self-expression is sometimes ignored in big league sports, most likely due to the uniformity of a team, but it should be as valued as any other person's right to express themselves, in and out of the game.
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