"Final Reflections"

THE FINAL SPORTS PAGE!

• What was your perception of US sport before you took this class?

Answer: My perception of US sport before taking this class looked much like one of most Americans.  The things I glorified in US sport were things such as power, dominance, and violence. 

• Has your understanding/perception of US sports culture changed through taking this class? if so, how and why?

Answer:  Following up on my response to the last question I will say that my perception and understanding has changed.  I see how the things that are glorified in US sport such as violence can be damaging to the athlete in the grand scheme of things.  Through this class, I was able to recognize the problem and will support change in the future.

• What discussion topics/new facts stood out to you the most? why?

Answer:  The topics that stood out to me were masculinity in sports and also advertising in sports.  It was really interesting to see how advertisers such as Nike, Gatorade, and many others shape our ideals and cultural norms.  

• Will you start to ask more critical questions about the US sports world once you move on from this class?

Answer: Of course! This class has allowed me to see sports on a level beyond just entertainment.  I can now also make connections of how it links to cultural beliefs in US society.

• Do you think you will be able to use any of the skills learned in this class in your future career? if so, how?

Answer:  I do believe the skills I learned in class will help me in my future career and possibly life.  The ability to understand people while doing sport can be beneficial to understanding people in doing other things in life.

• Would you recommend this class to a friend? if so, why/why not?

Answer:  I would definitely recommend this class to a friend.  A sport fan, athlete, or neither can benefit studying sports in US society, one can understand US culture through critical analysis of sport in society.

References:

Professor Withycombe

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

The movie titled "Training Rules" examined the Penn State women's basketball team during the 80's and 90's.  The team's coach made a slogan "No drinking, no drugs, and no lesbians" while at the university.  The problem wasn't solved or even really noticed until this documentary put a spotlight on a former team member who publicly came out to speak upon the issue.  

Is sport a safe space for LGBT athletes?

After watching the documentary it seems as if the inclined answer would be no.  In my opinion, I believe that it wasn't until a couple of years ago the answer would be no.  Due to recent publicly open gay athletes such as pro basketball player Jason Collins and exceptional college football player Michael Sams I would say that sport is a safe place for LGBT athletes.  

Why now and not then?

America has drastically changed from legalizing marijuana to legalizing gay marriage.  American culture has provided a new attitude towards LGBT lifestyles and is now widely accepted and seen as normal.  Through culture in America it became possible to change the old views on the LGBT community.  

I believe the only strategy to creating a more inclusive culture in American sport is through providing education to everyone about other cultures and of wrongful oppression in the histories of America and other countries.  In my opinion, most people are anti-gay because they are ignorant to gay cultures and lifestyles. It seems irrational to believe that more people are naturally hateful and bad than they are good.  

Music, pop culture, and education have paved a way towards a more progressive culture in American sport.

-Brandon Fukutome

References:

"Training Rules" 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/17/opinion/pearlman-wheres-jason-collins/

ESPN and Sports Radio discussions of Michael Sams