The Stereotypes Of Extreme Sports

When a person goes wingsuit diving and first jumps off the area, they immediately come in contact with some of the most surreal feelings in life: the sensation of the wind blowing through their face and each strand of hair, the images of nature they fly by, and the pleasure of personal achievement. Despite having this example of an extreme sport, most people will still view extreme sports, like wingsuit diving, as reckless and an action that only brings adrenaline, injuries, and death. Contrary to what most people believe, extreme sports carry more to its meaning and purpose than just the typical remarks and stereotypes people make of them. In fact, they provide much more, such as a sense of controllability and the feeling of accomplishment.
In one case, many observers believe that all participants who engage in these types of activities are reckless and take foolish risks and impulsive actions purely for the exhilaration of it all. Contrary to this statement, participants who take part in these sports are not represented by this depiction. Dr. Eric Brymer, a lecturer from the School of Human Movement Studies in the Faculty of Health, showcases the true portrayal of these athletes by stating that “ ‘The people [he] knew were very careful, disciplined, and determined and focussed, not at all reckless or risk taking… which is not something you would associate with a thrill seeker’ “(qtd. in “Extreme Sports” par. 5). Instead of being reckless as observers had thought they would be, participators become fixed on the actual task in front of them and disconnect from their surroundings in order to succeed in what they are doing. Thus, participants of these attractions are not represented by the archetypal statements made, but they are actually characterized by the traits of being extremely alert and conscientious, not at all impulsive. An observer would not be able to tell that these misconceptions weren’t true, nor would they be able to see the true benefits to extreme
In its favor, extreme sports provide individuals an escape from their monotonous lifestyle and gives them the opportunity to add a little excitement to their lives. Not only that, these activities can help normal people and autistic children improve their overall quality of life. Even with its benefits, extreme sports contains its disadvantages too, such as the physical injuries the participants can obtain and the encounter they may have with death itself. With adding extreme sports to their lifestyle, an individual is able to live life to the fullest and experience the many positives that can’t be felt anywhere