Written Analysis #2

Written Analysis #2

            Winning the World Serious, Stanley Cup, Heavyweight Championship or any other athletic achievement is the ultimate demonstration that the sports world is steeped in rituals.  Over time, new titles and competitions have been created, but the recognition for winning has remained the same.  There can only be one victor and with this triumph is the desire to possess a tangible item that will signify to the world that a person or team is the best in a particular sport.   Some teams even have rituals based on ideas such as superstition, culture and religion.  We teach our players at a young age that there are certain things that have to happen in the course of a competition.  High school athletics exhibit rituals such as aftergame handshaking, pep assemblies, and pregame events to include the performances by a band or cheerleading team.  While some of these do not continue into professional sports, there is an expected behavior on game day. 

            Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, there exists a stereotype that African American males are better athletes than those of other races.  This has not always been the case, nonetheless it has developed into belief among many people in today’s society.  My son, who is a high school basketball player and bi-racial, asked me to watch the move “Glory Road”.  The movie is set in the 1960s and depicts the true story of Don Haskins and his predominantly black collegiate basketball team as they travel to the national championship game to win the title.  A financial donor to the university makes a statement that the black athletes are ruining basketball.  My son swiftly pointed out the irony of this comment compared to the racial make-up of the current basketball players. This paradigm shift is not unnoticed by today’s youth.  In my own experience of living in a predominately white community, I have overheard high school athletes make assumptions about the performance of the African American players on the opposing teams. 

By acknowledging stereotypes and learning about the rituals that are demonstrated and passed on to the young athletes today, I will be able to recognize these and dispel any negativity stemming from the stereotypes while supporting the celebration of winning.