Media in Relation to Sports - Essay Example

Introduction

One of Shakespeare’s characters in one of his plays once said that “Some people are born great, some achieve greatness while some have greatness thrust upon them” (Adair, 2015). Today, the three concepts of greatness can be applied to the modern sportsman. The source and nature of athlete talent or greatness has however always been debatable. Some argue that sportsmen are born with their talent, while others argue that hard work and determination brings about talent. Thus, Shakespeare’s concept holds even more ground. However, athletes only believe that only by recognition by the public, is greatness truly achieved (Adair, 2015).

The acknowledgement and the desire for greatness by an athlete however comes with its trimmings. Sportsmen are ensnared in modern day celebrity frills such as power, influence, money and unknown responsibility. Thus due to the trimmings that come their way, as modern day sportsmen climb up the ranks, they also unknowingly become the role models of our children today. They carry attributes of character, resilience and performance that draws admiration from fans across the whole world, especially the youngsters. Children grow up seeing and admiring them as their heroes. Some youngsters even devote their lives to imitating the athletes every move, reading about them, watching them and wanting above all to be exactly like them. Due to the children’s and the youth’s fascination in the sportsmen and particularly due to the massive influence the media makes in popularizing sportsmen, it is vital for every athlete to recognize and concede to their responsibility towards the people who look up to them. Sportsmen should therefore acknowledge the fact that they are role models (Ireland, 2017).

Sportsmen as Role Models

Throughout history, there has been debate and speculation on sportsmen being termed as role models. For instance, in early April 1933, Nike ran a TV commercial, through the end of the NBA playoffs. The TV advertisement, featured Charles Barkley who in the TV commercial claimed that he was not a role model. Charles at that time, was a superstar NBA player of the Phoenix Suns and due to his popularity, his comments generated quit a commotion. Upon defending himself, the superstar hoopster emphasized that a sportsman’s ability to catch touchdown passes or make baskets does not necessarily make him or her a role model. Barkley believed that sporting ability does not automatically qualify an individual to being a role model. He insisted that the role of a role model, solely relies on parents, teachers and coaches, who spend a huge amount of time with the children and the youth, hence in a better position to influence their upbringing and success (Dadigan, 2016).

Consequently, whether or not sportsmen choose to take on the responsibility, they are still role models. Nevertheless, even when considered role models, many icons in the sports world have had numerous instances of questionable behavior. For instance; some have been accused of racism on the football pitch, others of betting scandals within cricket and others have been accused of wild stories in the rugby pitch. A number of present day sports stars and legends have often been mirroring the worst aspects of the society, which the media has always been enthusiastic to point out. For man is to error, it is however inhuman, to think of sportsmen as perfect saints. However with the all seeing eye of the self-righteous modern press today, it is a different world and different moral standards are expected, especially from elite athletes (Smoll, 2015).

There are no obligations placed upon athletes to be good role models. Likewise, there are no consequences such as fines, prison sentences or community service, against a sportsman who does not act like a good role model, unless if his or her delinquencies are illegal. Illegal misdemeanors such as betting scandals among Pakistani cricketers are some of the behaviors that have consequences. Therefore, unless a sportsman breaks the law, whether or not their behavior is appropriate is entirely up to them (Dadigan, 2016).

Measuring the true impact each adorned athlete has on individuals that look up to him, is rather impossible. Some of their disciples after the sportsman misbehavior will see their role models in a new light and condemn and despise their actions. Others may start to think that their behaviors is acceptable, and that one can live a life without any consequences. The latter would then imitate their role models actions and use them as a shield when accused of the same misbehaviors their heroes committed (Dadigan, 2016). The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a survey on how sportsmanship was perceived by children and youngsters. 62% of children said that in any game, trash talking the opponent was the norm while 46% said that it is not very common for athletes to take cheap shots at their opponents (O’Connor, 2015). The children also added that even as they play games at home, it was common to see the spoiled-athlete sportsmanship among them. Thus some sportsmen who are role models to children, teach children that it is okay to fight or yell in a game in order to get what they want. However, athletes can also have a positive impact on the children lives, especially when it comes to fitness. By imitating their favorite sportsman, a child may be inspired to engage in sports and stay active, which reduces obesity and other health risks. Staying active also builds a high degree of fitness and an impeccable work ethic for the child, in and out of the field (Smoll, 2015).

Actions made by the ‘hero’ athletes, significantly influence the lives of their disciples, who worship them. Some of the young people who think their sports role models can do no wrong are vulnerable to disappointment. When a revered sportsman goes astray, it can create trauma or disillusionment among his or her followers. For instance, Lance Armstrong and Alex Rodriguez, who admitted to the use of drugs which enhanced their performances, greatly disappointed their fans. Drug use among star athletes also leads to their followers also using drugs. For instance, according to ‘USA Today’, the sales of androstenedione, a steroid substitute greatly increased after Mark McGuire admitted to using it. The star athlete admitted to setting the record in 1988 for single season home suns while on the abuse of the drug. Consequently, sending the message that it is okay to use drugs as long as you are the best (Mendes, 2014).

On the other hand, sportsmen becoming good role models, is a matter of choice. Some renowned athletes always try to give important messages to their fans. For instance, Lennox Lewis, a former heavyweight boxing champion, made a significant impact to the young people. He made a huge contribution when he announced to the public that “Real men don’t hurt women” (Dadigan, 2016). His comments made the youngsters that look up to him, to understand appropriate masculine behavior. Thus, it is clear that each athlete has the power and ability to positively inspire his followers and the next generation (Dadigan, 2016).

Characteristics of Athlete Role Models

Sportsmen who would like to be or are good role models, should depict admirable characteristics. For example, an athlete who is a good role model should first and foremost make a commitment to behave in a way that reflects high moral values. He or she should depict personal integrity and respect towards society. Also, an athlete should also present himself or herself in a responsible manner. In everything he or she does, they should not be oblivious to the fact that the media is watching them and so are their fans. Sportsmen should not be considered heroes because of their superstar jock, but because they are good individuals. In any case, role models are not immaculate idols as people sometimes think, but are humans, with weaknesses and flaws (Ireland, 2017).

Additionally, an athlete who is a role model should be enthusiastic about being a role model. He or she views his or her talent and media following as a platform for crusading for good and positive societal change. A sportsman who is a good role model always has an altruistic mission. He or she uses media to share inspirational messages and has a selfless drive to benefit others. Role model athletes also devote time to community projects and giving back to the society. They make appearances in community events and works with charity foundations. For example, over 120 athletes have retrofitted athletic equipment and established scholarship funds. Players like Eric Karros and Troy Aikman of UCLA, Kerry Collins of Penn St and James at U of Miami have all benefitted from such scholarships (Dadigan, 2016). Also, a few years back San Diego placekicker started research for endangered San Diego zoo animals. In addition, a sportsman should also have a keen sense of empathy. He or she should possess the capacity to put him or herself in someone else’s shoes and recognize the emotions they experience. Empathy in an athlete, promotes his or her pro-social behavior which aids in his or her ability to solve communal challenges, impacting the community at large (Coop, 2012).

In order to become a good role model, a sportsman should champion the mastery of goal orientation to his or her fans. It is human nature to tend to compare oneself with others, but a good role model advocates for someone to compare themselves with themselves. For the modern media is always on athletes, an athlete should demonstrate to his or her fans how he or she focuses on personal accomplishments and efforts rather than comparisons with others. John Wooden, a legendary UCLA basketball coach championed the mastery of goal orientation. He said that ‘success is a piece of mind that is as a result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable’(Dadigan, 2016). As a result, athletes who are good role models, should show their disciples that success comes from within by learning a new skill, improvement in oneself or maximum effort, rather than in competing with others (Coop, 2012).

Not only are athletes considered as off field role models but they also act as role models to other athletes. Sportsmen are believed to provide a role model effect in school athletes and other athletes who are trying out. They prompt efforts of other sportsmen on emulating wickets, goals, tries and baskets in parks and backyards. Eventually through passion and constant imitation, a school athlete ends up being just like one of the elite sportsmen he or she emulated. On the other hand, researchers are unconvinced about the effectiveness of the role model effect in sports engagement. For instance, in the London Olympics of 2012, British athletes performed exceptionally and their performance was staged against their policy of ‘participation legacy’ (Mendes, 2014). The legacy was a strategy to increase morale in upcoming athletes across the United Kingdom. Despite their efforts plus the performances of the British athletes, the rate of participation in sports fell after the Olympics. Therefore, it was assumed that there is no connection between sports exercise and sports fandom. Moreover, a global survey that was conducted also found that only 10% of elite sportsmen were inspired by other elite athletes to participate in their current sport. 59% of the superstar athletes were encouraged by their parents while 28% were encouraged by their friends to start their current sport (Ireland, 2017).

Conclusion

In today’s secular world, athletes are sometimes considered as gods, and their actions are scrutinized by millions all over the world. For with the internet and social media, anyone with access to a device can follow what their hero athletes are doing and sometimes copy them, with a zeal almost as similar as those of religious cults. Today, the media delivers information to the world through multiple platforms which provide 24 hour content. Sports celebrities are brought into living rooms everyday through satellite television, games, analysis and broadcasts. Thus, focus on sports personalities has been expanded exponentially in our era. Hence, it is inescapable that youngsters have become obsessed with the sports society. Some of the star athletes may deny the impact on young people lives and rail against it. Others are aware of it but do not acknowledge their responsibility towards society while others are aware and acknowledge it. In any case, none of the sportsmen chose to be a role model or adorned hero but then again, all they can do is decide on how to act, as greatness has been thrust upon them. For with great power, comes great responsibility (Ireland, 2017).