"Final Reflection"

All my life I have been involved in sports and the being able to learn more about which the societies  perception around it just makes it even more interesting. Taking this class and learning about new topics that surrounds sports gave me the ability to go into deep depth about sports. This course made us think critically about sports in different ways we don't see watching television. Being a collegiate athletes this subject kinda sorta drives me just by learning and being more aware about the ancient sports culture. I believe sports has shaped myself into being the person I am today and it has made a difference in my determination and love for sports. Learning in this class has change my whole perception of sports even how its presented to us on ESPN. I really learning about the ancient days in sports and how it was played with a certain way of their own such as baseball before the rules they have implied to it now days. Taking this class made me ask myself more about the obstacles athletes face behind the camera and all the fame just being elite athletes. I have a different view on college programs and how these athletes are being used and playing their role at the end of day. With me being a elite athlete playing on a huge stage in football now days I believe more athletes should obtain the knowledge of how sports is really not what we assumed it of being. The US culture is changing day by day and its important for people to be aware of it in todays society.

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

Mens who come out as gay, I believe in a sense its becoming more accepting in our society. Throughout in our society it has been accepted, But still haven't reached the fact that it can be dealt with in certain sports. Many years it hasn't been accepted so players often times felt uncomfortable rather they should come out by just thinking they trouble they might cause. They fail to have courage in coming out about their sexuality because this is seen to be not common because of what their teammates might think, fans and ever owners of teams might not allow that. For professional athletes I believe being gay in an environment thats not safe for a gay man especially. For example Michael Sam from Missouri an All-American DE, best in the nation. He was comfortable with his sexuality and decided to come out as gay shocked the country and it even pushed some NFL teams away. Coming out gay he fell down a couple of rounds and was faced with so much scrutiny around through media and also with NFL players already and his hasn't been drafted yet. This is typically this reason why I don't believe the next level for athletes hasn't been accepted yet and might not be for awhile. I believe having your own sexuality and feelings comfortable about rather its being a lesbian or gay for males should be acceptable also well respected. LGBT athletes shouldn't have to hide their identity and be depressed about being accepted. It just carries more stress on these people and I believe we should be all treated fairly.

"Darwin's Athletes" Sports and Ethnicity

Sports in the American culture is very significant and its brings all culture from around the world together in a sense. Growing up athletes need guidance and a way to be way more motivated. Sports changes young lives and gives them a vision to be great and to pursue their dreams. Every kid dream is to become a professional athlete but not all athletes make it due to grades and series of injuries they may have suffered or some athletes are just not that good. These often have lack of the opportunity to have a chance to chase their dreams growing up in the inner city with the lack of help to push them. Black American image through media, magazines,  social sites. They are seen being flashy, cocky, and always in nice gear with nice cars.

The Documentary Hoop Dreams demonstrates the Black African American struggles of success as teenagers. These young men are goals are to be successful and make it to the NBA. As students in Chicago these young men lack the opportunities chances of making their dreams come true. This Documentary is similar to the movie Coach Carter. They both shows the realism of the struggles in their cultures they have to go through in order to succeed. These Black African Americans are seen to lack discipline and most of the times live in neighborhoods thats low income. The opportunities are seen as being slim with little to none opportunities as upper class children in the good neighborhoods. Sports actually to me is a life changer from most youth African American to do something different. A changer  to change these children lives and provide them with better opportunities to be successful and be a better person in life.