Conclusion

I chose to do a blog for a few reasons. First off, I wanted to be able to pick out topics that I thought were interesting. A lot of times, teachers assign projects about topics that they find interesting, and that they know a lot about, while many times students (especially the ones that do not know to much about sports) (ME) are not able to really but their heart into the assignment. Another reason I wanted to do a blog, was because I had never created a blog. I though it would be a fun project, and something I could look back at after the class was over.

One thing that I really enjoyed about the blogging process what being able to read other students posts, as well as their posts on my blogs. It was very interesting to see what some of the students that did not have much to say during class, thought about certain topics, and about what others said during the class period. If I were to change anything about the blogging assignment, I would have set more due dates for blogs. I would sometimes forget that I had to do the blogs until they were mentioned in class, so I would have to rush to finish them before they were due.

Throughout this process, I learned a lot about others opinions. I learned that it was very important that somethings you say or write can be taken in the wrong way, so you should always make sure you are being politically correct, and not saying something others will take offense to.

I think that it is a great idea to give students the options to make a blog, journal, or write a paper, because each student is different may be able to do their best work in their own way. I think that if I would make any more set requirements, I would make only one post due per week, and keep it about a paragraph or so long. Also I think that people should have to post a picture, or a video (just because I think it makes it more interesting) Also, I think that we should sign up to a group to blog with in the beginning of the semester, because then people would feel more motivated to actually keep up with their blogs and post on others.

I think that in the future I will create a new blog, maybe not able sports, but about current topics. After I graduate, I want to become a wedding coordinator. I think that a blog would be a great way to show current clients, and potential clients different weddings I have created, and showcase some of my favorite vendors.

Presentation Reflection

For the past few classes, each member of our class did a group presentation, or individual presentation about their blogs, journals, and papers they did for class. After seeing all of the presentations, I noticed that the majority of the groups focused on the same topics.

My group chose to focus our presentation on the Female Stereo-type. Ashley and I talked about how we did not feel the exploitation of the female athlete was right, and that it is very sad that most of the attention female athletics gets, is when the athletes are sexy. The boys in our group focused on the fact that the females should be able to be sexy, and how they worked very hard for their bodies, so it's only right that they show them off.

Other topics that there presented on included racism, (which we all know has been a sticky topic to discuss throughout this semester). It seems as though the class is spit on the Indian Wells incident, but I think it's safe to say, everyone agrees that what fans were saying was wrong and uncalled for.

Also, a lot of groups presented on the topic of females playing on males teams, and males playing on female teams. I noticed that many people didn't think that it was okay for females to play on male teams, because men would not play to their full potential, because they were scared of injuring a female, or they wouldn't want to embarrass the girl. On the other hand, a lot of people though that it was okay for males to play on female teams, because it would help them develop their skills, and help the girls play better. If I'm not mistaken.. this looks like a double standard to me..

I know that when asked why people chose to do blogs and journals instead of writing a paper, many people said that they didn't want to do all of that research, but honestly, I believe that many people felt that doing a blog allowed them to be creative, write about whatever they wanted, and actually have fun looking at articles!


(Hey... Why not?!!?)

Adapting to Disabled Athletes

Before taking this course, other then the Para Olympics, I never really heard of athletes that still competed even though they had a disability. I think that it is outstanding, and very brave of these athletes to stick with their sport, even though it may be hard for them.

One of the most influential stories I have read about, was the Olympic hopefull Skier with only one leg. The athlete competed against other athletes for years and years, and completely dominated in the sport. Unfortunately, they did not make it to the actual Olympics, but qualified to compete in the Para Olympics.



I feel that what makes this story so inspirational is that the athlete was a competitive skier before their unfortunate incident which caused their disability, but with the help and adaption of different ski equipment, such as poles with "feet" on the end of them, the athlete was able to continue competing in their beloved sport. Being a Skier myself, I feel that what this athlete is doing is very brave.

In class we talked about whether male or female's with disabilities would be more likely to compete in a sport. I personally believe that a male would be more likely to actually go out and compete, because society are more excepting to males not fitting their ideal role, while women are meant to fit perfectly into a female stereo-type.

Often, women are coddled and protected by any negative feedback, so seeing a women with a disability playing a sport would be like deliberately putting them into the firing range of negative press.

Personally, I believe that if an athlete's heart is in the sport, no matter what sex they are, they should go out and compete. Like I've said on past blogs, the competition does not have to be to win, but to do something you love and to try your best.

Video Game Violence

As I sit here writing this blog, I'm watching my boyfriend play Basket Ball on his XBOX Live. Just a few minutes ago, he started yelling at the video game (or the player he's talking to over his headset) for making an unnecessary intentional foul so that he couldn't score on a fast break. When he got the ball back, he returned the favor, and caused an unnecessary intentional foul on the other player. I asked him why he would do that and he simply replied "Because he deserved it"

This may be a harmless example about the effects sports video games have on children or in my case, my boyfriend (same thing), but as video games become more and more intense, so does the influence they have on the players. Many of these video games are teaching players that making illegal fouls are okay, and that it is just part of the game, while in fact many of these rules have been made to protect players from getting hurt.

In the Video game Madden 2010, the violence portrayed in the game, makes many of the illegal fouls (such as helmet to helmet hits) more acceptable for many of the young players. If any of these fouls were committed in real life, brutal injuries could occur. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SoDPFhT-u8

Not only are video games full of physical violence, they are also full of verbal threat. In an old professional game my cousins used to play, I can remember the characters saying that they were going to kill the other one, and that they wanted to destroy them. As times change, and the video games become more real life, players are going to start acting out these actions in real life.

My boyfriend may not agree that screaming and causing unnecessary intentional fouls are out of line, but I'm sure if someone did it to him while playing the game in "real life" he would be very upset.

Parental Violence in Sports

During my senior year of High School, I was at my high schools last soccer game of the season. With a tied score of one to one and only minutes left in the game, an obviously poor call on one of my schools players was called. Of course many of the fans were upset, but one of the seniors parents took the situation a bit too far. The parent stormed the field and grabbed a hold of the referee who made the call. After screaming at him for a few minutes and walked over to the side line where the opposite team was sitting and started yelling at the coach and players. Because of this mans uncontrollable actions, the game was called, which made it impossible for the team to continue onto the finals.

Fortunately, no one was injured during this incident, but the son of the inappropriate father was humiliated, and the team got a lot of negative feedback from the press and opposing teams.

Now a days, children are encouraged to not only play sports, but to dominate in sports. I have read many articles about parents storming the playing field and yelling at the refs and coaches, while their children watch. What is this teaching our children? That if they do not like a call, they can scream and yell at refs to get their way?!

In the following video, 8 year old Hockey Players in Ontario Canada start fighting, as both parents and coaches join in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhZ_PC0CLec

Personally, I believe that this situation is out of control. I think parents have the right to get "involved" in the game, but they need to remember that they are influencing their kids actions by their own.

It is important that the youth is passionate about their sport, but when it comes to fighting and embarrassing themselves over a game, people need to remember that these are only children playing.. and it's only a game!

The Jordan Effect

It's almost impossible to name an Athlete who has had more of an effect on the World then Michael Jordan. For years and years Michael has had his name on hundreds of products, such as sports drinks, Nike Shoes, to his own brand. Because of his great influence in Sports, many people have argued that Jordan should have then it upon himself to become more involved with politics, and help certain parties get into office. Throughout the years Michael has remained neutral to governmental parties, claiming the Democrats and Republicans both buy shoes.



Personally, I think that what Michael did was very smart and very professional. So many athletes and celebrities use their fame to push certain ideas on to others, and just because they are idolized, people think that what they are doing is right, and will follow them.

For example, swimmer Amanda Beard posing naked for PETA. Yes, I think that Amanda may feel very strongly about this issue, but sometimes adds can be over the top and extreme.




Michael Jordan has worked extremely hard to become the elite athlete that he is today. Millions of people around the world look up to Michael, and appreciate many of the smart decisions he has made throughout the year. I think that many athletes and celebrities should act on Micheal's past actions, and remember that people look up to them, and will unknowingly follow many of their actions, just because they are celebrities. Keep it neutral!!

Tim Tebow

I touched on this topic earlier in the semester, but after the overwhelming negative reaction to the emotions of Tim Tebow after losing the SEC Championship game to Alabama, I though it was important that I added a few more notes.

We defined "Sport" earlier in the year, and we can all agree that there must be set rule, no set outcome, points, and a few other attributes, but I personally believe that sport must have heart. When a heat is not playing well, or an athlete is not on the top of their game, we hear the commentators go on and on about how "their heart just was not in the game" but when Tim Tebow showed that his heart was absolutely into his game, he was criticized and made fun of.

Personally, I don't understand what people wanted him to do after he lost an extremely big game.. I guess if he was more "masculine" he would have picked up a folding chair from the side lines, and smashed it over Nick Saban's head, or started calling out and fighting with the other team. Instead, he showed his true emotions, and proved he was human.