Chapter 2 to me was similar to chapter 1 in the sense of the Puritans and Quakers and their views on sports. I think it would be really neat to see firsthand why these people felt that relaxation and idle enjoyment were such bad pastimes.
It is amazing to me to see a culture that went from that way of thinking to the culture we live in now where people work more than 40 hours a week just to make enough money so they can idly enjoy a vacation or some other mindless activity. I enjoyed reading about the opposition culture of the Victorians because they were the ones who went against society and norms to relax and play games of their own free will. I am still sickened that not that long ago in the late 1800’s men were still paying to see dogs fight or dogs kill rats in enclosed areas.
Although some might argue that saloons were a place where men went to do immoral or idle activities I would say that they were able to enjoy and talk about sport while socially drinking and being with other male companions (although I would have agreed more had it been a place for both men and women to congregate). As baseball grew in popularity I find it funny that there were those who pushed to convince people of its moral value which “teaches a love of order, discipline, and fair play” (33) to the Victorian culture.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mascots 1/27/09
I found the video we watched in class on Thursday to be very frustrating. This video was about Native Americans and their views on mascots like the Braves or the Red Skins. I guess I never knew the meaning behind Red Skins until I watched the video; I always thought it was because their skin was sort of a red color (the same way some people refer to Asians as yellow skins). I didn’t know that this term was mostly used to refer to Native Americans when it had to do with skinning or scalping one. When I learned this bit of information I have to admit I was slightly taken aback and could possible see why Native Americans today would have a problem with that term. However I became very frustrated at how angry some of these people got over the use of names like the Braves.
To my knowledge this does not refer to any particular tribe, just that the Indians themselves, as a whole were “brave.” I find this to be complementing and respectful that we see them as brave and mighty fighters and warriors and we would want to name a sports team after them. Even when the name of a particular tribe is used; the names are never used in a negative connotation and are given to teams because they sound strong. As far as the dancing and face painting done by the mascots, I again see this as not only a sign of respect but also interest in the Native American culture. Although I am again frustrated by those who are upset by it, I can somewhat put myself in their shoes to say that these were originally tribal ritual/religious dances and are now being used to excite crowds at baseball games. However, to go along with that, Native Americans were known for their “pep rallies” before sporting events and should understand the point of getting the spectators involved.
I guess overall just feel that some people need something to complain about; I tried putting myself in the position that Native Americans are in by pretending that there was a team named the “Dagos.” Being full Italian and very involved in my heritage, I still am not at all offended by the term Dago which was once used as a derogatory term towards my ancestors. I am proud of my history and my heritage and I know someone would not use a term for a mascot if they thought it was negative or derogatory (because who would want a negative team name/mascot?)
To my knowledge this does not refer to any particular tribe, just that the Indians themselves, as a whole were “brave.” I find this to be complementing and respectful that we see them as brave and mighty fighters and warriors and we would want to name a sports team after them. Even when the name of a particular tribe is used; the names are never used in a negative connotation and are given to teams because they sound strong. As far as the dancing and face painting done by the mascots, I again see this as not only a sign of respect but also interest in the Native American culture. Although I am again frustrated by those who are upset by it, I can somewhat put myself in their shoes to say that these were originally tribal ritual/religious dances and are now being used to excite crowds at baseball games. However, to go along with that, Native Americans were known for their “pep rallies” before sporting events and should understand the point of getting the spectators involved.
I guess overall just feel that some people need something to complain about; I tried putting myself in the position that Native Americans are in by pretending that there was a team named the “Dagos.” Being full Italian and very involved in my heritage, I still am not at all offended by the term Dago which was once used as a derogatory term towards my ancestors. I am proud of my history and my heritage and I know someone would not use a term for a mascot if they thought it was negative or derogatory (because who would want a negative team name/mascot?)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Introduction 1/22/09
Well this is my first time ever writing in a blog, and it's very strange actually. I have to write like I'm talking to someone but no one is there. Hmm..
Well, to start off, I am a senior in Tourism/Event Planning. I'm from Independence, Ohio which is right outside of Cleveland.
I'm taking this course because it sounded pretty interesting and I was able to use it in place of a required elective.
I actually don't follow sports very much but I'll watch a game/match on TV if there is one on. I don't know the names of current football or baseball players but I do find the history of sports and how they evolved very interesting.
As for my own sport history, I didn't play alot of sports until middle school where I joined the track team and immediately fell in love. In high school I joined track again and was a sprinter. I ran 100m, 100m hurdles, long jump, and my favorite was my 4x100m relay team. Although my high school was very small and my track team even smaller, we had some great athletes and I visited regionals and districts all four years of high school. I also played fast pitch softball through my junior year in high school. Because it was the same season as track, I missed most practices and alot of games, so I often was a designated runner for the Varsity team.
Now, in college I don't play any sports (not even intermural) but I do exercise and I did take tennis lessons this past summer. I loved it! Although I need alot more instruction and practice I loved how different it was from any other sport I played. I found it quite challenging because it wasn't something I grew up playing and I really had to think about the technique of it. To tell you the truth though, I still have a lot of trouble scoring a game!
I'm looking forward to this class and learning more about the meaning of sport and analyzing different issues involved in it, such as ethics.
Well, I hope that wasn't too bad for a first timer!
Thanks for reading!
Well, to start off, I am a senior in Tourism/Event Planning. I'm from Independence, Ohio which is right outside of Cleveland.
I'm taking this course because it sounded pretty interesting and I was able to use it in place of a required elective.
I actually don't follow sports very much but I'll watch a game/match on TV if there is one on. I don't know the names of current football or baseball players but I do find the history of sports and how they evolved very interesting.
As for my own sport history, I didn't play alot of sports until middle school where I joined the track team and immediately fell in love. In high school I joined track again and was a sprinter. I ran 100m, 100m hurdles, long jump, and my favorite was my 4x100m relay team. Although my high school was very small and my track team even smaller, we had some great athletes and I visited regionals and districts all four years of high school. I also played fast pitch softball through my junior year in high school. Because it was the same season as track, I missed most practices and alot of games, so I often was a designated runner for the Varsity team.
Now, in college I don't play any sports (not even intermural) but I do exercise and I did take tennis lessons this past summer. I loved it! Although I need alot more instruction and practice I loved how different it was from any other sport I played. I found it quite challenging because it wasn't something I grew up playing and I really had to think about the technique of it. To tell you the truth though, I still have a lot of trouble scoring a game!
I'm looking forward to this class and learning more about the meaning of sport and analyzing different issues involved in it, such as ethics.
Well, I hope that wasn't too bad for a first timer!
Thanks for reading!
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