In Michael Crowley’s article “Muhammad Ali was a rebel, Michael Jordan is a brand name” he questions whether the people who view Michael Jordan as a hero, are in reason to that opinion or if they are merely supporting capitalism. The essay compares both Ali and Jordan to the influence they have had, specifically in political involvement. Muhammad was in his time, involved in taking political stands against the government such as his declination to be drafted. Michael on the other hand, avoided any relation to making comments when prompted. Both of these athletes became world renown because of the access people had to them. While with Ali it might have been less exploited because of less access then, Michael became a superstar because of the …show more content…
quick advancement of the technological and informational era. Michael also became much more famous because of his shoes, the Jordans, and they have become among his top priority since retiring, but does that mean he is self-centered and unwilling to make any change with his status as a respected athlete? And what makes an athlete a hero? Do they have to take part in political debates and be role models to be seen as a hero? The answer is no. An athlete came into the sports world in order to play and while some do gain popularity and it becomes easy to spread influence, it is not their sole responsibility to be role models or to be politically active. An athlete first gains fame through his or her actions on the court and as their performance continues in excellence, the amount of attention they receive increases drastically.
Therefore, an athlete’s “hero” status begins in this case, on the basketball court. They are heroes to their team and of the whole games, especially those who were betting on it. Crowley says in his article that Michael was a great player and “Because Jordan was nearly perfect on the court, there seemed to be a desire to find perfection in his character as well.” which, like with any other superstar athlete, they wanted to create this image for him. This has been the case with many athletes and is what is expected of them because corporations want sales and the way to accomplish that is to give consumers what they want, to believe that they are heroes in character as well. In an article called “Why do we make athletes role models?”, the author states that when asking a former NBA superstar, Charles Barkley, whether players should be seen as role models, his answer was no . Barkley doesn't believe children should be looking up to them and that is the responsibility of parents to be role models. The author on the other hand, bases his own opinion on what he has seen in the industry and states “ It is inescapable. Athletes will be figures of admiration and emulation in this sports obsessed society.” With that being said, athletes then and today are continued to be put on a pedestal and are expected to …show more content…
do and say world changing things. But what happens when they decline to be a part of that? Michael is an example of not wanting to be involved and we have seen how he can now be viewed as simply a brand name instead of someone who has impacted the game. The argument saying that Jordan’s business is a part of the capitalist world we have today is correct.
It is true that the world today has become focused on capitalism and making money has become one of the top priorities for most people. It is the American Dream reborn with new technology. Though, the fact that Michael has his own shoe brand and is the owner of the NBA team The Hornets, does not make him evil and uncaring like some make him out to be. In an article called “Jordan contributes to black issues”, they claim that while he may seem full of self-interest running his own business, he is providing much more. He is providing a good amount of minorities and blacks a job through his company. “Most blacks aren't used to that. We want our leaders and heroes to make noise. Instead, Jordan has had more black people employed and upwardly moving through a $2.5 billion shoe brand for years.” explains what people expect from athletes like him and what he is trying to do. Not only is he providing jobs, but he is showing an example to the youth, both athletes and non athletes, that they too can be financially successful and that changes can be done not only through boycotts but by having a different type of power. The article states that there has only been few players who make it into the the business side of sports and few blacks included, have had the small chance to do so. Therefore, Jordan is showing his influence through a modern
approach. Athletes have also been brought up in the capitalist world so who is to blame? The consumers of this sport infatuation? The players for accepting the money? Or the corporates who created the business in the first place? Ever since information became easily accessible, sports have been seen as a source of entertainment with a monetary value that goes along with it. Therefore, that is the problem with today, that we can't place the blame on just one person because the informational age is now and technology has driven the consumers wild with all the access to what these athletes are doing. Crowley is correct in saying that we are supporting capitalism, but that is what sports have always been a part of, an entertainment business. Even in the time where Muhammad Ali was boxing, there were people making money off of the matches. If Muhammad’s actions werent so exposed would he still be considered a hero? Yes, because he was still a great boxer. This is the case with Jordan, he is a hero alone by playing a good game. Superstar athletes do not have to be express themselves vocally nor do they have to be role models on camera to be a hero. But to erase Crowley’s doubt of Michael truly being a hero off the court, his actions have proved him to be so. A modern day hero is someone who can become successful and create something from their career like Jordan did. There are many expectations that come with an athlete, especially a great character, but what will matter most at the end of the day is how well he or she can play and what they can create with that. Whether it is a million dollar company or taking a social stand with a boycott, the quality of heroism still begins in the game.
Walter LeFeber's book serves as a cornerstone of reference for its content as it relates to race, black business and the expansion of global capitalism since the late 20th century. With regard to race, it shows how race effected middle-class Michael Jordan at a young age and how he grew in the star he became, yet still could not es...
Many books have talked about the history of the African American athletes, but in In Forty Million Dollar Slaves, William C. Rhoden takes a different approach, filled with poetic brio and passionate argument. Rhoden’s book has received endorsements from such well-known academics as Cornel West and Arnold Rampersad, and the book alludes to music, literature, and religion as well as history and politics. Its intent is as much prophetic as analytical. Rhoden argues that African American athletes are among the most famous and highest remunerated salaried individuals working today, but that doesn’t mean they have control over their own destinies. However, Rhoden is aware that his title, which suggests that even an athlete earning forty million dollars
To begin with, I would like to tell how Michael Jordan is the most well known athlete throughout the U.S. First off, mike has many endorsements that are popular in American society like Nike and Mc Donald?s. ?According to the bureau of food and drugs?, one and four Americans eat at a fast food restaurant each day. That shows how much Mc Donald?s has an affect on U.S. With Michael Jordan, advertising and supporting McDonalds then everyone will notice him and realize who he is. Nike is a footwear company, which thousands of Americans purchase there shoes each day. When Jordan came to the NBA, he signs a contract with Nike worth $30mil (Jordan Michael Bio). He created the shoes called ?Air Jordan?s? and created a line of shoes called ?Jordan?s? which made him very famous. Nike?s profits upped 20% through 1984-1986 helping them to be the dominate shoe company in America (?The Best Frequent Flyer?). Still in 2007 His brand of shoes are still making money in stores everywhere around the U.S. Nike sold more Air Jordan?s than any basketball shoe ever made (?Sports Illustrated For Kids?).
The issue of race in sport is somewhat baffling in that many people would rather not address at all even though sport has been intricately intertwined with racial issues throughout the Twentieth century. Those who would have us omit the topic altogether argue that analyses typically single out the black athlete, and then attempt to explain his/her inordinate success in ways different than we do with other groups. Critics contend that this is racist, since it perpetuates the idea that blacks are different, and often inferior. Edwards (1972) asserts that a typical theme resulting from such analysis is that blacks are physically superior, but intellectually inferior, to whites. Hoberman (1997) has further made the case that physical prowess, especially in such sports as basketball, has become a defining characteristic of the African-American community, and that beliefs about physical superiority are closely related to an anti-intellectualism that permeates black male culture. Essentially, Hoberman’s argument is that inordinate attention and idolization of prominent black athletes such as Michael Jordan has focused attention away from more realistic and important role models, and this, in turn has stunted intellectual, and social economic development in black communities.
Rhoden is hypocritical for pawning off the “one-on-one” idea of not being a team player, but then shuns Jordan for clearly choosing that route. It is true Jordan could have created change, but he put his personal goals and ambitions first. Rhoden details the way that Jordan put himself first in order to keep his image and brand separate from the racial politics of the time period. This may be controversial, and he may not like it, but the fact of the matter is, Jordan’s life challenges Rhoden’s fundamental argument. Superior black athletes go one-on-one on and off the court.
In the collegiate world of sports, basketball has become an increasingly recognized sport among African Americans, predominantly males. The hope of any young basketball player is that one day a scout will come and recruit them into stardom The question that presents itself as a problem to the lucky few who are chosen to go professional, is whether or not an education is more important than a million dollar shoe deal, “The NCAA's (1998) annual six-year study reported that only 33% of Black male basketball players graduated, (Chronicle of Higher Education, 1999). Individually, basketball reported the lowest graduation rate in all divisions,” (Robinson, 2004:1). Basketball players have become so idolized in the eyes of young Black male basketball athletes, that the value of education appear to be less important in the development of these young men, “According to Sailes (1997), there is an over-representation of Black males in particular sports and an under-representation in other segments of American society. He provides the example of percentages of Black males competing in the NBA (77%), NFL (65%), MLB (15%), and MLS (16%) in comparison to the fact that fewer than 2% of doctors, lawyers, architects, college professors, or business executives are Black males.”, (Robinson, 2004:1). The idea of the attainment of a professional basketball player’s salary in the NBA, without even having to go to school for the time it takes to earn a degree is very appealing to some players. Those with a wealthy, or even upper-middle class upbringing may not view material assets as a priority. In the Black community, we have theorized that money and success play a more important role than education in most households. Although these two seem to go together, one resulting from the other, this does not apply in the sports world. Our research will examine the role that the family value system plays in influencing Black vs. White male athletes to turn professional, as opposed to obtaining a college degree before turning professional.
The business of sports marketing has become both lucrative and influential in shaping sport in general and the individual athletes. The desire for endorsement offers and profitable media coverage has become a crucial facet of modern sport. With a selection of athletes making millions of dollars a year, outside of their sporting arena, it is obvious to see the impact of marketing and advertising on sport. In this essay I will examine the ways in which marketing effects the athletes and sport in general. Also, I will identify the characteristics of a marketable sporting "celebrity" and further look into African American athletes specifically and the way the African American community is marketed.
...ennis, basketball, soccer, and martial arts—have come from the days of cheerleading and synchronized swimming when she was growing up in the ’70s.” Disparities in media coverage and over-sexualized female athletes on magazine covers is something that needs to come to an end because of its effects on both male and female viewers, young and old, athletes and non-athletes. Both female and male athletics influence young people and shape their personality and morals as they mature. Retired WNBA player, Lisa Leslie credits her participation in basketball with shaping her character, as well as her career. “Sports can also help teenagers during an awkward time in their development.” (“Women’s Athletics: A Battle For Respect”). The solution is to come together as a society and identify how to balance the respect for female and male athletes in the media.
In “Delusions of Grandeur” by Henry Gates Jr., Gates tries to persuade the black youth to derail from just being athletes and entertainers. The only way that message or concept will be spread is through the black athletes. The black athletes have the power to change the mindset of the black communities and make things right in the eyes of the children. They have the influence to impute a different meaning to life. They have the power to impute that life is not all about having the fanciest cars, clothes, and girls and is about giving back to the community and doing what makes you happy. It’s hard for them spreading that message when they constantly have to deal with
When I began my report I didn’t know much about Michael Jordan, but I did know that he was “undoubtedly the greatest player in the history of the NBA'; (“Michael Air Jordan'; 1). It seemed like every time I heard the word basketball I also heard the name Michael Jordan. There’s just no avoiding him. If you are watching television you might see him playing basketball or golf. If you were reading a magazine there will probably be an advertisement with his picture. If you were walking down the street you might see a kid wearing Air Jordan shoes or a Bulls jersey with “JORDAN'; on the back of it. This man is probably as recognizable as the Pope.
The history of sports goes back since ancient times. It has been a useful way for people to explore nature and their environment. Sports include different activities and games such as football, soccer, basketball, and etc. to express their skills and talents. Also, sports are a way to relax and have fun; but are sports all our African Americans rely on? The dream to become future sports stars. The reason why Gates begins his essay with an anecdote is to show and compare how many african-american athletes were at work today and how little the chances of African-Americans becoming athletes are compared to being a lawyer, dentist, or even a doctor. African-Americans assume that they are born athletes and it’s because the school system doesn’t teach them reality and educate them to undertake more realistic goals for careers.
“We are more visible, but not more valuable”. This famous quote was said by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the most famous black basketball players, symbolized what many black athletes were pursuing when they first got into sports. In today’s world not only are black athletes a part of our sports venue, they are dominating the landscape of some sports such as the NBA which consists of a whopping 80% black athletes. Black athletes continue to revitalize sports in America as some athletes became the face of their sports such as Muhammad Ali in boxing, Jackie Robinson in baseball and Michael Jordan in basketball. Sports came as a form of entertainment for many Americans, but for black athletes it came as a pathway to express who they were and what they believed in. The more they became involved in sports, the more media they were able to attract which enabled them to talk about topics other than sports such as racism, their religions and equality through the civil rights movement. These views and statements made in their interviews and press conferences were the ones that became publicized and more popular amongst the typical white men in America and it played a huge role in changing the way blacks were viewed in American society.
Michael Jordan, portrayed by Jim Naughton in the biography Taking To The Air: The Rise of Michael Jordan, is well regarded as not only the greatest basketball player of all time but also the face of a generation. During the mid to late 1980s NBA basketball was simply treading water. As a result of the lack of a marketable superstar, the NBA was losing popularity to the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Following Jordan’s emergence, the NBA’s attendance rose dramatically and it’s worldwide popularity skyrocketed. Michael Jordan returned basketball to its past popularity in the United States and revolutionized the way the world viewed the game of basketball. (Harriman) Michael Jordan’s life is succinctly depicted in Taking to The Air: The Rise of Michael Jordan. Jim Naughton focuses on Jordan’s influence on worldwide sports and culture as one of the most publicized and marketed athletes of all time. Naughton explains the circumstances in Jordan’s upbringing that gave him the ability to be a humungous star. This biography is examined by Kirkus Reviews. They describe Naughton’s biography: “Besides offering a solid chronological biography and record of Michael Jordan’s basketball career, here Naughton also gives an astute assessment of this superstar’s impact on society.” (“Taking to the Air”) The article in the Kirkus Review explains that this biography investigates Jordan’s impact on marketing while telling the story of his life. Like Kirkus Reviews, I too believe that Naughton’s work goes into great description about Jordan’s upbringing and later career while also examining his cultural impact. Throughout his life, Michael Jordan has topped the sports and entertainment worlds by becoming the greatest basketball pl...
Today, with the dominance of black players in professional sports, it seems unfathomable that a mere 50 years ago, not only were black athletes absent in all mainstream sporting arenas, it was simply not an option and even illegal in some states. His legacy is the inspiration he gives to athletes and people of all color. Robinson is heroic, in part, because of the excellence of his athletic achievement and equally important, for his political commitment to racial equality.
Athlets have been lookd up to as role models for as long as sports have exsted. There is just something attractive about the thought of being in good physical condition and being talented in sports. But, are athlets the kind of people that children should be looking up to for direction and guidance? Many children often look up to the professional athletes as role models. In fact, in 1995 Sports Illustrated for Kids did a survey for kids who were ages 7 through 12 about who their role model was. The majority of the kids answered that a professional athlete was who they most looked up to. Only four percent of the children answered that their role model was one of thir parents. Because of today?s media, athletes are constantly in the public eye. Everything they do on and off of the playing field. Some professional athletes speak a positive message through their fame by demonstrating constructive ideas such as teamwork and commitment while they are on the field. Even off of the playing field some athletes set a good example by visiting children in schools, going to hospitals, or even setting up foundations and organizations to help the ill and less fortunate people. However, other athletes are not as considerate to the fact that someone may be looking up to them, some athletes are not concerned about anything other than the sport they are getting paid to play and themselves. These athletes are the ones that propose questions over whether athletes should be considered role models or not. A role model can be defined as a person whose behavior, example or success is or can be emulated by others, especially young people. Who would want their child looking up to someone who has been convicted of domestic violence or has a drug addiction? It is an argument of opinion that cannot be settled.