Sports and Character
Jonathan Lee
Prof. Keel
English 100
01 August 2012
Character can mean moral or ethical strength; or more simply, who one is when no one watching. The word character implies an unavoidable scenario for every individual; should one do the right thing or the wrong thing? In the world of sports, we see respected athletes not only acquiring fame and wealth, but influencing things like racial and gender equality. Yet, we also see on television what happens when athletes are dishonest; they can be publicly stripped of their dignity and reputation. Furthermore we see on television examples of moral deviance in business, politics, and entertainment; as well as the dire consequences of being held responsible for such acts. Participating in sports exposes individuals to a fast-paced microcosm of the real world; where everyone encounters the moral conflict of choosing between duty and desire, and is asked to make a choice based on the consequences they know or experience. Therefore, participating in sports can influence character since the world of sports simulates the dynamics of a society full of individuals that want to follow the rules, not follow the rules, or do both; while showing everyone how the system weeds out deviants and praises obedience. Currently in America, we live in a capitalistic society, but ultimately a society dominated by Social Darwinism; which means “Survival of the fittest”. Yet what makes survival in social Darwinism different from survival in the animal kingdom, is the fact that the criterion for fitness is not just limited to physical and reproductive qualities. Furthermore, we live in a democratic society where Social Darwinism is regulated by the people in order to promote fairness and equality. With this in mind, being considered fit in a capitalistic world can mean being wealthy, famous, sociable, skilled, etc; where physical and reproductive qualities can be a means to attaining the fitness described. Yet one can be wealthy by
Prof. Keel
English 100
01 August 2012
Character can mean moral or ethical strength; or more simply, who one is when no one watching. The word character implies an unavoidable scenario for every individual; should one do the right thing or the wrong thing? In the world of sports, we see respected athletes not only acquiring fame and wealth, but influencing things like racial and gender equality. Yet, we also see on television what happens when athletes are dishonest; they can be publicly stripped of their dignity and reputation. Furthermore we see on television examples of moral deviance in business, politics, and entertainment; as well as the dire consequences of being held responsible for such acts. Participating in sports exposes individuals to a fast-paced microcosm of the real world; where everyone encounters the moral conflict of choosing between duty and desire, and is asked to make a choice based on the consequences they know or experience. Therefore, participating in sports can influence character since the world of sports simulates the dynamics of a society full of individuals that want to follow the rules, not follow the rules, or do both; while showing everyone how the system weeds out deviants and praises obedience. Currently in America, we live in a capitalistic society, but ultimately a society dominated by Social Darwinism; which means “Survival of the fittest”. Yet what makes survival in social Darwinism different from survival in the animal kingdom, is the fact that the criterion for fitness is not just limited to physical and reproductive qualities. Furthermore, we live in a democratic society where Social Darwinism is regulated by the people in order to promote fairness and equality. With this in mind, being considered fit in a capitalistic world can mean being wealthy, famous, sociable, skilled, etc; where physical and reproductive qualities can be a means to attaining the fitness described. Yet one can be wealthy by
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