Sports as defined by Britanica are organized physical contests played for their own sake (Thompson, 2019). Historically, sports have been characterized by a motivation from the athlete to assert or demonstrate dominance over an opponent. In recent times, especially due to massive developments in technology after the seventeenth century, human survival has been less reliant upon human athleticism or ability but rather reliant upon the ingenuity of the human race (Thompson, 2019). Sports are still quite prevalent in modern day society, which proves that sports serve a greater purpose than just survival. In his article in The Athletic, lead columnist Marcus Thompson II argues that the human race keeps sports relevant because “they are displays …show more content…
Knowing that sports are incredibly important to society, many researchers explore the impacts of playing sports, competitively or recreationally, upon the people who play them. In their peer reviewed paper, Newman et al. acknowledge that in modern times, playing sports is not just a potential job, or even just a way to stay healthy. They argue that sports play a huge role in the formation of identity, specifically among urban youth (Newman et al., 2021). Knowing that sports play such a huge role in the formation of identity, how does the state of youth sports affect the urban communities of the United States? The state of youth sports in the US negatively impacts the mental and physical well-being of urban populations while also hindering the character development of these communities. In order to fully understand the issue at hand, one must understand the state of youth sports in the United States. In their peer reviewed study, prolific researchers Post et al. explore youth sports in the U.S. from an economic …show more content…
Through interviewing 22 low SES youth soccer players, they found that soccer had a big impact on the way they saw themselves and the way other people viewed them. One of the youths they interviewed identified as someone with discipline. He highlights that discipline is important to keep him from committing crimes that he sees everyday in his neighborhood. Many other youths agreed, they correlate their good behavior with their sport. They identify that soccer has become one of the most important things in their life alongside friends and family (Erez & Shoshana, 2023). Erez and Shoshana assert that soccer provides important role models such as coaches and teammates that help support low SES players form a positive identity (Erez & Shoshana, 2023). In their peer-reviewed paper, O’Rourke et al. explore the influence of soccer on the lives of formerly homeless residents in Vancouver. Similarly to Erez and Shoshana, O’Rourke et al. agree that soccer can be a big factor in the well-being of low SES youth and adults, but they point out that the issue is not that
Gatz, Margaret, Michael A. Messner, and Sandra Rokeach. Paradoxes of youth and sport. Albany: State University of New York, 2002.. 12-13.
When the social science of game developed as a sub-teach in the fields of sociology and physical training throughout the 1960s, race and racial relations pulled in immediate attention from researchers and social activists. Two researchers’ publications in the early 1960s focused on the sociological progress underlying the integration of professional baseball; however the most provocative discussions of race and game were distributed in the late 1960s and early 1970s by sociologist-dissident Harry Edwards, coordinator of the boycott by black U.S. athletes of the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City. Edwards' book, The Revolt of the black Athlete, published in 1969, obviously depicted the prohibition and abuse of blacks in games and challenged popular suspicions that games were free of prejudice and provided African Americans with chances for upward social versatility and social acceptance in the public arena at large. Edwards' work was complimented by the composition of other researcher activists and created further in his Human science of Sport (1973), the first textbook in the field. Edwards (1971) likewise was the most noticeable humanist to scrutinize a widely-read article in Sports Illustrated, a real week by week sport magazine, in which a sports writer contended that blacks were physiologically better than whites and that the victory of blacks in specific sports was due their natural abilities as athletes.
Youth sports are a staple in nearly every American’s childhood as highlighted in “Children Need to Play, Not Compete” by Jessica Statsky. Statsky makes two contentions in favor of this argument: first, that the participants of youth sports are not physically and psychologically ready, and second, that the mentality of win or lose is more harmful than helpful during the formative years of a child’s development. I agree with Statsky that children’s sports are too often over competitive, but some competition is beneficial to their development.
Sports have served as a platform on which the subject of race has been highlighted. Sports have unfailingly been considered the microcosm of society. This is because the playing fields have revealed the dominant culture’s attitudes and beliefs that people held about race relations throughout history in the United States. Many racial barriers were broken in the world of sports long before they were crossed in the realm of mainstream society as a whole. From Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball during the year of 1947 to Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists clad in black gloves during the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics, sports have started conversations about race in the United States that have undeniably changed the course of race relations in the United States.
On September twenty-second in the year 1862, President Abraham Lincoln executively ordered the Emancipation Proclamation during the American Civil War. This command declared the freedom of all slaves in the ten Confederate States of America. Slavery was completely abolished in all states with the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment on December sixth in the year 1865. Since then African Americans have been free to live their lives without being owned, claimed, bought, or sold. Although this was a start, it definitely was not enough for African Americans to be considered equal. With all of the progression African Americans and other minorities have made, there are still obstacles the modern day ethnic-American faces. Some of these obstacles lay within a shared interest amongst Americans, sports. It has been hypothesized in the journal article “Race and Pathways to Power in the National Football League” by author Jomills Henry Braddock II, that a retired African American athlete would face struggles when trying to move into the coaching field or front office positions (Braddock 2012, 712). In the journal article, “Weighing in on the Coaching Decision: Discussing Sports and Race Online,” author Jimmy Sanderson explains to readers that the realm of the sports world has been heavily linked to white ideology (Sanderson 2010, 302). One cannot fully live the American Dream without sustaining successful and promising career goals. It is possible that people of color can get their foot on the first rung of the corporate ladder but actually climbing their way towards the top has proven to be a difficult and almost impossible task. It is evident that affirmative action has not been able to protect minorities from stereotypes and discrimination...
Participation in sports has proven to increase self-discipline and self-esteem, and can teach athletes to learn from their mistakes and move on (Issitt). Athletes playing team sports also develop the ability to work well with others and use teamwork in their everyday lives. Teammates form relationships that are strengthened over a common passion and goal. These relationships can last long after high school is over (Chen). These social skills translate into better communication used with an athlete’s family, peers, and in the community. Likewise, “A 2006 study in Maryland found that student athletes are 15 percent more likely than non athletes to be involved in their communities and to take the time for civic engagements, including participating in voting and volunteer activities” (Issitt). The same study also concluded that athletes are far more likely to be comfortable with public speaking than non-athletes. This study provides concrete evidence that high school sports can help to gain mental and social skills that will be used later in life
Sports are a popular pastime among all ages and types of people. People not only participate in them for fun, but also for money, physical fitness, rush of competition, and for many other personal reasons. Playing sports is especially common among young people in schools. Athletics are great and enjoyable for many reasons, but there can be a point where sports participation can go too far and become negative for children and adults. Sports specialization for young people is an increasing trend that results in sports having a negative impact on individuals and society.
Sports is what has molded us into the people we are today. The world of sports is so unique, and people have different interest and fascinations. From being a child I can remember watching the Red Sox and Celtics with my father and becoming a die hard fan for those teams due to my family being serious fans. Not only did watching those games turn me into a good New England fan but it also gave me some good quality time with my father and brothers.
Jessica Statsky, in her essay, “Children need to Play, Not Compete” attempts to refute the common belief that organized sports are good for children. She sees organized sports not as healthy pass-times for children, but as onerous tasks that children do not truly enjoy. She also notes that not only are organized sports not enjoyable for children, they may cause irreparable harm to the children, both emotionally and physically. In her thesis statement, Statsky states, “When overzealous parents and coaches impose adult standards on children's sports, the result can be activities that are neither satisfying nor beneficial to children” (627). While this statement is strong, her defense of it is weak.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair. Sport speaks to people in a language they can understand.” Nelson Mandela. Sport contributes to community identity, serving as a focal point for engagement, pride, and achievement. The diversity of sports and sporting activities (including social sport and physical recreation) makes it an ideal medium to reach men and women from every age-group, culture, and socio-economic background. The broader benefits of sports go beyond the personal benefits derived from participation. Sport is a popular focal point
Teaching kids to be leaders in today’s world is a hard task that many people have tried to do and have been unsuccessful, but youth sports, on the other hand, have no problem teaching kids these important life skills. Ever since Youth competitive sports existed people have been arguing over whether they are. Youth competitive sports teach kids many important life skills, for example, they teach kids how to work together with other people. Another life lesson that sports teach is leadership skills. Although some people say kids shouldn’t play youth competitive sports because they can get injured, the pros like teaching life skills outweigh the cons by a lot.
Sports are an important aspect of society. They help people to strive to reach certain goals and join people together, but they also can divide people and turn a fun game into the main purpose of someone’s life. Taking sports games too seriously can be harmful to both the athlete and the spectator. The attitude of always winning at any cost in sports has managed to distract us from other important parts of our lives, such as health and education. This importance of the value of sports can heavily influence the way that we see ourselves as both the spectator and the athlete by creating a positive self image and distilling confidence and discipline within the player, or by embedding self doubt and inversion.
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it” said John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach. Sports have become very popular over past years and it seems like nobody really joins the sport knowing the true benefits coming from these sports. After all, most people do watch sports on tv more than reality shows or movies. Many teens join sports in their high school years, and most don’t know that these sports are the things keeping teens out of conflicts. A new disagreement has arisen over whether or not sports can keep teens out of trouble. Participating in sports keeps teens out of trouble because it prevents depression and stress, creates a community, and averts boredom.
Marriage is not a simple milestone; universally, potential soul mates are everywhere. However, why are there several individuals who either do not take marriage seriously or do not get married at all? It’s facile to love someone, but compatibility, trust, common backgrounds, and family input are key to a successful marriage. Statistics Canada confirms 4 in 10 marriages result in divorce. However, places where arranged marriages are practiced have a much higher success rate. The divorce rate in these places is only at an estimate of 4%. Arranged marriages occur by having two individual families seek a suitor with the same background and cultural views, and having the potential bride and groom meet up to take notice if there are any sparks between
Sports, a very popular past time today, have been around since ancient times. Greek Olympic Games featured events from chariot races, javelin throws, to wrestling. In addition, a game similar to soccer was played in China by the second century BC. In England, a violent rugby type game was even played to settle feuds between villages. With the development of the industrial revolution and the creation of the first public schools, sports decreased in violence and were played more recreationally and constructively. Basketball was invented to help the youth in New England spend their energy in the winter months. Since the early 1900’s sports have been a key experience in the United States (“History of Sports”). I have played sports for many years, and the experience has helped me grow significantly as an individual.