Final Reflections

Before this class I never really realized what really happens in sports. From what I see, well what the media shows, everything seems pretty equal, especially in regards towards race. I think my mind really changed when we talked about how sports can potentially be a “passport out of the projects”. Coming from an “at risk” high school, I definitely have seen how important sports are to certain people. They would always say “we gotta get out the hood”, not I understand why sports are such an important factor in their lives. Another thing that bothers me, not really surprised, was the pay inequality. This was especially an issue when we were talking about tennis and how it is a predominantly women who play this and still they were not getting equally paid.

I was considering doing some kind of research or study on how the some of the athletes, especially African American athletes, feel on this campus and during their season. We saw how demanding the sport is and on top of that they still have to worry about academics to make sure that they can maintain their grades/GPA in order to keep their scholarship. What I learned in this class got my wheels turning quite a bit about this topic.

I would recommend this class to everyone and anyone. There were a lot if interesting topics and a lot of information that I previously did not know. I lke to share some of my learned knowledge with others and they think it is great. This will also play well into my life later on, if and when I do continue with my pursuit in a career in broadcast, specifically leaning towards sports. Sports is more than the score, there are many issues that need to be addressed and actions that need to be taken.

Why the 'Mans Mans' Game is an Insult to Men

Since the time of the Ancient Romans and Greeks, many things have changed and evolved not only in sports but in our society as well. Even though we have come a long way since then, there are still major concerns with the LGBT community in sports and it is unfortunate. I wouldn't say that "yes, it is a safe space for the LGBT athletes", but I do feel that it is slowly, very slowly, becoming more accepting. Often times, the actual team does not have a problem or at least that big of a problem accepting the player who "comes out". The bigger problem are the fans who can be homophobic and disrespectful.

One of the biggest problems, at times, is the media. We see articles and stories about athletes being charged with rape, assault, harassment harassment harassment murder, etc. and they are forgiven? But the moment a player comes out, it's a revolt because it is "wrong". Our society has to change and become more accepting of this community for anything to change.