Sports Cause the Discussion of Ethical, Social and Cultural Issues

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Sports Promote Discussion of Ethical, Social and Cultural Issues

Abstract: In contemporary American society, the pervasiveness of sports has become the vehicle for the discussion of important ethical and cultural issues. The typical American is included in this discussion due to this cultural saturation. This saturation plays an important role in public discourse. Sports provide an egalitarian platform for the daily discussion of important ethical, social and cultural issues.

Throughout history, sports have been an integral part of human experience. In his Laws, Plato stated, "...man is made God's plaything, and that is the best part of him. Therefore every man and women should live life accordingly, and play the noblest games..."(Plato)

Humankind has, over the centuries, participated in, observed and commented on sports.

In contemporary American society, sports have become a readily accessible means for the average citizen as well as the academic to participate in the public discourse. As Professor James Shall has noted "Philosophic discussions sometimes lend themselves to non philosophic beginnings" (1). The pervasiveness of sports in society provides the vehicle for the discussion of important ethical and moral issues. The typical American is included in this dialogue because the culture is saturated with sports. Americans of all socio-economic and educational backgrounds discuss these concepts in a wide range of venues, such as, scholarly journals and popular magazines, in sports bars and around the breakfast table. They are debated in the workplace, as well as in casual social gatherings. Radio talk shows regularly feature sport-related subjects and newspapers exhibit this conversation throughout every se...

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...lues are clarified. Therese Iknoian, writing in Family Life Magazine, suggests that parents "Look for a program that requires its coaches to have special training. Otherwise, they may rely on the aggressive, punitive, win-at-all-costs coaching model they see in professional sports." (82). She also counsels parents to "observe practice sessions. Watch how the coach handles athletes. He should not always be yelling his commands or using physical activity as a punishment (time-out on the bench is a more appropriate penalty) (82). The author, suggest that aggression in a coach is not good for society and that our children should not be treated this way. This is matter for public debate.

Sports clearly are an integral part of our society. They have become an important component in the way the average American participates freely in the cultural and societal debate.

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