So today we finished up watching the documentary about sports and politics. Leaving class Monday I felt like I had a good feeling as to what the documentary purpose was. But then today, I feel like the documentary took a complete 180 degree turn.
Monday the guy seemed to be EXTENSIVELY preaching that sports and politics do not mix. But then today he went on an absolute rampage with Muhammad Ali and his activism during his reign as a boxer. What I got from said rampage was that what Ali was doing was good. But on Monday it seemed like the worst thing an athlete could do is bring politics into sports.
I also thought it was interesting how he brought up the Michael Jordan endorsement situation with Reebok and Nike. I thought that was a big statement for Jordan to make. To me it seemed like his deal with Nike was above his teammates. But I don’t blame MJ because his deal with Nike was so prosperous for him, I wouldn’t want to screw something like that up.
The segment on Tommie Smith and John Carlos I thought was very powerful. I always knew the fist raise picture from the Olympics was to protest for civil rights, but I was never aware of the repercussions those men faced.
I feel like a sports athlete should be able to take a stance on something if they are passionate about it. Musicians, actors, and actresses are constantly taking stances on issues all the time. So why would an athlete not be able to? I do think that athletes should do the protesting or teaching of their cause on their own time through foundations and appearances. The field of sport is no place for politics. If anything it is a way for people to escape them.
No comments:
Post a Comment