What is Sage's critique of the the myth of upward mobility through athletics for black men? How is his critique of intercollegiate sport as a "mixed blessing" related to an athlete's power in a sporting system that uses amateurism as regulatory ideology (98)? How does the "ol boys" network or the lack of African American administrators in intercollegiate sport relate to your understanding of hegemony? Keep in mind the four ways that consent is maintained.
Peggy McIntyre lists several examples of white privilege. Briefly respond to a time where you have benefited from one of these privileges or explicitly been denied these privileges. How is Peggy McIntyre's arguement in "Unpacking the Knapsack?" rejected by SI writers in the article "What Ever Happened to the White Athlete?"
It is portrayed throughout the book that sport is an avenue of social mobility for whites and African American athletes who are denied opportunities elsewhere. But on the contrary, very few African Americans have become prominent sport figures in the past and present. Many sociologist have compared blacks of having a better change winning the lottery or being hit my a meteor than becoming a professional athlete. Sage critiques intercollegiate sport as a “mixed blessing” in relation to the sporting system of amateur ideology in two ways. First is that few African Americans have been able attend and graduate college that would otherwise be inaccessible to them if it hadn’t been for scholarships. Secondly, on the other hand, Sage argues that blacks are clearly “exploited by their schools” (Sage 98) through sport; being recruited with lack of education, placed in classes that will keep them eligible to play the sport, and then once eligibility is up, they are ignored by their institution and stuck with no chance for a college diploma.
ReplyDeleteThe “Ol’ Boys” system of the lack of African American administrators in sport is directly related to understanding and maintain hegemony. The “Ol’ Boys” system states that those who control the power and access of the higher levels of sport hold the power to choose who obtains those upper-level positions. This system directly reflects Sages take on Hegemony, where the disempowered people consent to the status quo through persuasion, negotiation, concession, and compromise.
In Peggy McIntyre article, she lists several white privileges that can be related to several instance involving around race. The one that I picked was; 3. If I should need to move, I can be pretty sure of renting or purchasing housing in an area which I can afford and in which I would want to live. As of right now, I feel I could safely assume that I could choose to live in a place that would suite me best (safe), which goes along with the next white privilege she lists; 4. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me. I feel that I’m in no harm where I live/choose to live and life pleasantly and happily with no immediate worries or dangers. In regards to “What ever happened to the white Athlete,” Peggy is listing all the white privileges that most of us have and don’t have to face everyday, whereas in Si’s article, he argues that the face of the white athlete is disappearing in the world of sport and becoming dominated by the other race (non-white).
Although sport can and has been a means of upward mobility for several black men, Sage critiques that in comparison to the population, very few African American men have achieved this success. The odds of becoming a professional athlete is only about 1 in 5000 (97), and notes that there is a greater chance of being hit by a meteorite or winning the lottery. However, many young black men still believe that have a legitimate chance of becoming a professional athlete, and therefore devote their time to something that may or may not(probably not) grant them upward social mobility.
ReplyDeleteSage also critiques that intercollegiate sport is a mixed blessing for African American athletes, because oftentimes athletes are recruited for their athletic ability even though they’re academically unprepared for college. They are advised to take courses that keep them eligible to play, but don’t prepare them for graduating and getting a diploma (98). Once they are no longer eligible, the school no longer cares about what happens to them and many fail to graduate. These facts fit in perfectly with how the sporting system uses amateurism as a regulatory ideology, because the athletes essentially have no power whatsoever, and are used for their talent and only their talent. Once they’re no longer useful to the school/organization, they are cast aside and left to fend for themselves even though most are sorely unprepared.
The “ol boys” network reinforces hegemony in our society because they can control access to higher level positions. If you are part of a group with whom they don’t want to associate (African American, for example), they can use their power to keep you from achieving that upward mobility to the position you want. This keeps power in the hands of the white “ol boys” , and so perpetuates the historically dominant ideology of white racial supremacy and status quo.
In “Unpacking the Knapsack”, Peggy McIntyre lists several examples of white privilege. I can relate to many of her listings, like #46. “I can choose blemish cover or bandages in "flesh" color and have them more or less match my skin”. I’d never thought of it before, but in almost every store that sells makeup, the selection of foundation is much more extensive for the white population. While a person with light colored skin probably has around 10-15 choices of cover-up, those with dark colored skin probably have only about five options, maximum. Being a person with light colored skin, I benefit from this white privilege.
McIntyre’s argument about white privilege is basically the opposite of the arguments of the authors of the Sports Illustrated article. They argue that the white male athlete is disappearing from contemporary American high school and professional sports and being replaced by other races and ethnicities, which directly counteracts McIntyre’s observations about white privilege.
Many people see sports as a mean for social mobility for African Americans, but those people glamorize the success stories without looking at the numbers. Realistically, black athletes have a 1 in 5000 chance of becoming a professional athlete (Sage, 97). However, the black community and the general media embraces this notion, and many young blacks try to become professional athletes instead of honing their skills in another area.
ReplyDeleteSage contends that increasing number of scholarships for blacks is a "mixed blessing". These athletes are getting a chance to go to school for free, but many of them are exploited by the university (Sage, 98). They are mainly put in classes only to keep them eligible and not in classes which could help them graduate (Sage, 98). 55 to 75 percent of African American athletes in major colleges do not graduate, which is much, much lower than the general rate at the schools (Sage, 98). This fits into amateurism as the NCAA and the schools exploit these athletes for their own benefit, while doing nothing to help them out. Once the athlete runs out of eligibility, he or she is no longer needed by the school, and no longer receives any benefits from their service.
The "ol boys" network helps keep blacks out of leadership positions, because they have the power to insulate themselves from people they do not wish to associate with, i.e, African Americans (Sage, 94). The main ideology backing the lack of black managers or general managers in sport is that people believe white athletes will not listen to blacks in charge, which helps maintain the status quo of whites in power, and it does so without harming the structure or the ideology of the system.
In the article "Unpacking the Knapsack", Peggy McIntosh writes about many privileges that whites have over other minorities. I can relate to many of these, but the one that identify the most with is number 10 "I can have my voice heard when I am the only one of my race in the group". I had never really thought about this, but I have a lot of African American friends, and when we are in a group, my opinion always gets heard and it can tend to be the final decision for the group. This is one way that I benefit from white privilege.
McIntosh's argument of white privilege is almost the complete opposite of the authors of the SI article. They point out that the white male athlete is slowly disappearing in high school and professional sports, and they are being replaced by people of different ethnicities. This is a stark contrast from McIntosh's observations about white privilege in all walks of life.
The few successful, black professional athletes stand out to the public, and give a very skewed perception of black male ratios in sport. The odds of a black male becoming a professional athlete is about 1 in 5,000. There are 12 times more black lawyers and 15 times more black doctors than there are black professional athletes (97). Many young, black athletes still believe that sport is an outlet to success in sport and upward mobility.
ReplyDeleteMany black athletes have been recruited to play sports at schools they would otherwise not be able to get into. When their eligibility has been used up, or they become academically ineligible, they are discarded and ignored by the coaches that recruited them (98). More than half of NCAA Division I athletes in football, basketball and track do not graduate. The idea of amateurism plays largely with this idea. An athlete must play their sport for the love of the game. If they risk being shot to the curb after being ineligible, or if their grades suffer, the only reason to play a sport at a school possibly out of the person’s league (whether it be academically, or even in sport) is for the love of the game. The athlete consents to this before signing on to a team. He knows what is at stake, and knows why he is playing.
The “ol boys” network and lack of African American administrators in intercollegiate sport is a result of hegemonic interests and power of white, males. White males have secured administration positions in intercollegiate sport for centuries. Racist ideology, stereotypes, and caricatures have portrayed African Americans as lacking the requisite intelligence and rational thinking capabilities for leadership (94). These irrational ideas are largely maintained through persuasion. White males in power place their ideals and beliefs on other people in power.
A time I have benefited from a privilege that Peggy described was: “41. I can be sure that if I need legal or medical help, my race will not work against me.”
I had surgery 2 summers ago. I was seen by the doctor immediately when my issue arose, and treated the following week. I am lucky because I have been told this doctor is this way with all (potential) patients.
Peggy’s argument surrounds the idea of all the privileges and daily circumstances that white people experience, that people of other races often struggle with. Peggy’s argument describes a world largely dominated by white people, whereas in the SI article, the author argues that the face of sport is turning to other races.
Sage's critique of the myth of upward social mobility through athletics for black males is quite dismal. This is evidenced by his choice of statistics and quotes; for instance, he states that the chances of an African American male becoming a professional athlete are 1 in 5000, and that "you have a better chance of getting hit by a meteorite in the next 10 years than getting work as an athlete" (quote by Harry Edwards found in Sage, 97). The myth of upward mobility through athletics is misleading because although the success rates for African American achieving upward mobility through athletics are slim, many African American high school athletes still think they can become professional athletes (Sage, 98). Sage goes on to describe the increasing numbers of African Americans receiving athletic scholarships at predominantly white schools as a mixed blessing because although the scholarships are offering students a chance at attaining a diploma which could result in upward mobility, they are often exploited by the cartel-like athletics departments and have low graduation rates. This is because they are recruited for their athletic eligibility regardless of their academic background, and are advised to take classes that keep them eligible to play rather than prepare them for acquiring a diploma. Once they are no longer eligible or are academically ineligible to compete they are often left to fend for themselves, and have lower than average graduation rates. In this situation amateurism functions as a regulatory ideology to keep power and profits in the hands of the NCAA and athletic departments; amateurism ensures that athletes are playing only for the love of the game, which reduces the power of the athletes and prevents them from receiving material reimbursement.
ReplyDeleteThe "ol boys" network demonstrates that those who get selected for upper-level positions are under the discretion of those with control of power. In this manner, the white ol boys are able to use their power to prevent African Americans from attaining leadership positions, thus reproducing their power while maintaining white supremacy and the status quo.
I can relate to #26 in Unpacking the Knapsack: I can easily buy posters, post-cards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys and children's magazines featuring people of my race; when I was growing up I purchased many white Barbie dolls, which clearly coincides with this example of white privilege. McIntosh's idea of a world dominated by white privilege is starkly contrasted in the SI article that describes sport as becoming dominated by other races.
Many people believe that sport, or becoming a professional athlete, is a way to gain upward social mobility. And, supposibly, it is one of the most prominent avenues for African American’s to take. However, Sage says that sport has not moved large numbers of African Americas into higher social-class standing. He uses the following statistics: There are 3,400 male professional team sport athletes. There are about 50.2 million American males in the age range of most professional athletes, and only 6.2 million are African American. Therefore, the odds of an African American male becoming a professional athlete is about 1/5,000. He then hints that there is a better ways of gaining social mobility, through education, by stating that there are 12x more black lawyers and 15x more black doctors than black professional athletes. It is not hard to understand that professional sport cannot provide large numbers of African Americans with upward social mobility. As a result, they should not count on turning pro as their way out (Sage, 97/98). Sage states that African American’s have received an increasing number of athletic scholarships, but he feels that they are a “mixed blessing.” Yes, a few of them have attended schools that otherwise were not accessible to them and have graduated with a degree that has helped them achieve upward social mobility. However, he also feels that other athletes are “exploited by their schools” (related to amateurism ideology). They get recruited although they lack the proper academic background to succeed. Then, once their eligibility is up or they become ineligible, they are ignored and no longer privileged. They represent and make their university money and then move on without getting a dime for themselves (Sage 98).
ReplyDeleteSage states that at the present time, blacks account for less then 5% of the key management positions in professional and intercollegiate sport. He feels there are two barriers for why African Americans do not hold these positions. The first is the ideology that whites will not follow black leaders, along with the stereotypes, and caricatures that have portrayed African Americans as lacking the intelligence and rational thinking capabilities for leadership. The second is the dominance of the white “ol boys” network, which controls the access to these higher positions. These “top dog” men get to decide who they want to hire as a coach or athletic director, etc. When each university contains these types of networks, the power is concentrated in the hands of a few, or is hegemonic. Power is not shared between multiple groups and the disempowered groups consent to the status quo. It is only these “ol boys” that get to decide the schools future. If they do not want a black coach, then a black coach is not hired. When together, they persuade each other’s opinions, and if a black member never becomes part of their group, they are never going to see his side of the story and their feelings will stay the same (Sage, 94).
One of the privileges that I have benefitted from as a white female is that I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to the "person in charge", I will be facing a person of my race. For example, at the University of Iowa, when I need advice regarding my degree I see one of my academic advisors. Both of which are white. Or, if I happened to have a big problem and needed to talk to the President of the University, she is also white.
Peggy McIntire’s argument, that the white race is privileged, is rejected by the SI article “What Ever Happened to the White Athlete.” Kevin Little, one of the fastest men in the world, feels that white individuals are no longer the privileged athletes. African Americans are beginning to dominate professional sports. For example, one of the 14 track and field gold medals won by U.S. men at the Atlanta Olympics, just one – in the shot put - was won by a white athlete.
The idea is set up for African Americans, in particular black men, where if you have the ability to perform a sport at a high level then you'll be able to gain upward mobility in society. Sage critques this idea and believes that there are only a handful a African Americans that have achieved such success. Sage gives a statistic of the chances of a black man making it professional in his sport, he says, "the chances of an African American male becoming a professional athlete are 1 in 5000, and also adds,"you have a better chance of getting hit by a meteorite in the next 10 years than getting work as an athlete" (Sage, 97). Even with these results kids all around the country still feel that the only way to make it in this world is through sports and sports alone. One reason why this belief is so strong is because of what Sage calls a "mixed blessing" were many African Americans are getting athletic schloarships from universities to improve their athletic skills which is the upside of it. The downside of it is that the universities are neglecting the importance of their education, and just solely focus on their athletic ability. Sage says 55 to 75 percent of African American athletes in major colleges do not graduate, which is much lower than the general rate at the schools. (Sage, 98) Through this, amateurism functions as a regulatory ideology by helping keep the power bestowed in the NCAA and reaffirming that the athletes attending the university are playing only for the love of the game.
ReplyDeleteThe "ol boys" network is based around the fact that when a certain person or group is able to gain dominance in a particular area (in this case whites administrators over black administrators) then they are able to keep their dominance over the lower person or group. This is directly in connection with Sages view on hegemony, where the disempowered people or lower people (blacks) consent to the status quo (white dominance) through the means of persuasion, negotiation, concession, and compromise.
The white "ol boys" still have the control.
In Peggy McIntire's article I feel that I most relate to number 39. If I'm ever late to either a golf team meeting or any other type of meeting in particular I never have the assumption that people are going to say that the reason that I was late was because I was white.
The SI writers article and Peggy McIntire's article have a lot of contrast between each other. Peggy McIntire’s argument in her article that the white race is privileged is rejected by SI writers who in fact believe that whites are no longer the privileged athletes and are instead being replaced by people with different races.
Sage critiques upward mobility through athletics for black men by stating that few rather than many African Americans actually become successful in sports. Rationally, only 1 of 5,000 blacks makes it into professional sports. Sage also critiques the “mixed blessing” in intercollegiate sport. He states that if it weren’t for scholarships, few black athletes have attended and graduated a college or university that normally wouldn’t be available to them financially. On the contrary, he also says that blacks are exploited by colleges and universities through sport. For example how they are offered scholarships even if they are poor students and once they’re in school they receive educational benefits that keep them eligible to play, and if they become ineligible, they are basically thrown back onto the streets, with nothing from their university.
ReplyDeleteThe “ol boys” network relates and the lack of African American administrators in intercollegiate sport relates directly to hegemony. The “ol boys” network states that those in control of power also control the high-level positions that reside in sport. This is almost exactly the same as the definition of hegemony, the power resides in the hands of few rather than the hands of many and that the disempowered people consent to the status-quo through negotiation, persuasion, concession, and compromise.
I chose #4 of McIntyre’s article, “I can be sure my neighbors will be neutral or pleasant to me.” By choosing this, I’m not saying that only African Americans/African American neighborhoods are violent or unpleasant. Rather the fact that in a predominantly white neighborhood, moving in as a white, more times than not, there will be little to no problems. I feel that this works with every race. For example, if you’re Hispanic, moving into a Hispanic neighborhood would probably result in less conflict than if you were moving into a different neighborhood dominated by a different race.
McIntyre’s “Unpacking the Knapsack” lists some ways in which being white results in benefits or privileges that other races wouldn’t receive. While in Si’s, “What Ever Happened to the White Athlete” argues the conflict that predominantly white sports are being taken over by athletes from other races.
Sage’s critique on the myth of the upward mobility of African Americans in sport is that even though African Americans are able to attend colleges or universities for athletic abilities, the majority of them do not graduate, so they leave with nothing. This is due to the athletes failing classes because they were never academically fit to be able to handle college in the first place. The school’s only interest was using the athlete for the improvement of their team. So once the players run out of eligibility, they are left without a college degree and the feeling of being used. Most of these athletes do not even get the opportunity to play at the professional level. So this so called great opportunity for upward mobility is actually a way of making lower class African Americans fall into a false sense of security. The mixed blessing, therefore, is that even though they are at college, most of them leave gaining nothing- no degree and no professional sport contract.
ReplyDeleteNot having African American administrators in intercollegiate sport allows for the white dominated hegemony because if no African Americans have high status power, then they do not have any control. According to Sage, “Those who control access to those higher levels (white administrators) can subtly insulate themselves against those with whom they do not wish to associate (Sage 94). Therefore, African Americans cannot reinforce new ideals of black equality or dominance through sport or the media because they are barricaded from getting a position of higher authority.
The white administrators are able to stay in power because are good at maintaining consent from the masses. Consent is maintained when the group in power is persuasive, good at negotiating, gives concessions, and gives compromises. The administrators in intercollegiate sport persuade African Americans to sign contracts with them by negotiating scholarships, making compromises, and conceding other benefits and privileges that athletes will receive if they attend the school. They preach that they given the athletes a great opportunity to turn their life around. Because the administrators give these so called benefits to the athletes, it looks like they are doing them a favor by signing them to their school; therefore, they are allowed to stay in power. In addition, because the masses are ignorant of the system of using academically unfit athletes, which also keeps white administrators in power. So in a way, the power the administrators have is from persuading everyone that when they use African American athletes, they are actually helping them achieve upward mobility.
McIntrye argues that white people are equipped with things like visas, blank checks, passports, because they are privileged and just given these advantages. Sports Illustrated, however, in the article “What Ever Happened to the White Athlete,” argues that sport is becoming minority dominated and that these minorites are given more advantages and are taking over sport.
Out of McIntrye’s list of advantages white people share, I found that I too have benefited from some of these privileges because I swear like a sailor and I am never judged as having poor morals or deemed illiterate because of my race. I have also always been trusted by authority figures and adults before I even have a chance to prove my trustworthiness.
Sage’s does believe that sport can provide black men with the opportunity for social mobility but that it is not very likely it will happen. Sage states the odds of an African American becoming a professional athlete are 1 in 5,000. Meanwhile, there are 12 times more black lawyers and 15 times more black doctors than there are black professional athletes (97).
ReplyDeleteThe “mixed blessing” point of view is one that black athletes are recruited to play sports for a college but do not have the proper academic background for college. The athletes are then advised to take courses that have no impact on gaining a degree but are solely so the athlete can remain eligible to play. Then once the athlete’s eligibility is up the staff that recruited the athlete does not pay attention to the athlete’s academics anymore. This shows the power is not in the athlete’s hands because those who recruit the athlete say things about a better life and better education but once on campus it is all about the sport.
The “ol boys” network relates to the understanding of hegemony because they can create barriers for leadership positions in sport. They can control the access to higher-level jobs and they can make sure people who they do not like or agree with are not hired.
The example I have benefited from is example #36; If my day, week or year is going badly, I need not ask of each negative episode or situation whether it had racial overtones. Never in my life when I have had a bad day has someone asked me if it had any connection to my race.
McIntyre’s argument there is a white privilege is rejected by SI writers in that in sport now white athletes are stereotyped as the lesser athlete. In sport today the black athlete is seen as being superiorly athletic based solely on the color of their skin. White athletes who are as athletic or more athletic compared to black athletes are seen as an outlier.
Sport is a wonderful thing when it can help a person come from virtually nothing to being a shining star that is idolized. Unfortunately for African Americans and many others this is not something that will happen. Sage’s critique on upward mobility for black men in sport is that although it may happen the odds are very stacked against it. The ones that do benefit from this mobility rarely become prominent figures as well. Once their career is over they are usually off the radar and not heard about anymore. Despite this reality that not many African Americans will become professional athletes many still believe that they can be. Sage refers to African Americans receiving athletic scholarships as a “mixed blessing.” On one side of things it is great because it gives people opportunities they may not have had in receiving a higher education. On the other side of things many of the black athletes that receive athletic scholarships don’t end up getting their college diploma. This is due to the fact that colleges hide the athlete’s inability in academics by enrolling them in classes that are easy and won’t lead to any kind of degree. This keeps them eligible to compete in sport and make the team look good. Once their eligibility has run out they are just tossed aside and no one pays attention to them anymore, not even the coaches that once devoted so much time to them. After that has happened the ex-athletes are faced with the challenge of making a life for themselves based on the education they received during their time at college.
ReplyDeleteThe “ol boys” in the Sage reading refers to how African Americans are not hired for coaching positions and upper level managements positions on sports teams. White individuals mostly hold these positions. The people that are at the top can sort of keep the people that want around and not let people that are different than them into the positions they control. This reinforces hegemony because the people in charge can keep their dominance through concession, negotiation, compromise, and persuasion of the subordinate group.
One of the privileges that I have been denied until more recently is the first on the list. Number one states, “I can if I wish arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.” When I was growing up I was the only African American in my school and for the most part my whole community. Therefore all of my friends were white and I never had the opportunity to interact of hang out with people of the same race as me. I never really noticed this until college when I started to have the chance to hang out with people of the same race. Even now I still find myself in the company of white people for the most part.
“Unpacking the Knapsack” is almost the complete opposite of the SI article entitled “What Ever Happened to the White Athlete?” In the SI article white athletes are said to be disappearing from sport and being replaced by athletes of different minority groups. It gives the idea that minority groups are at a greater advantage for being an athlete in today’s world. This is the opposite of McIntosh’s article that says white people are privileged above other races.
Many African American people believe they can achieve upward mobility through sport. This is true for some, but only a few. The odds of a African American becoming a professional athlete is 1 and 5000. Along with their odds low, many African Americans don't end up finishing college because they are unprepared. This is where the idea of "mixed blessing" comes into play. Scholarships are awarded to African Americans eventhough they lack the academic background to succeed in higher education. They are also advised to take courses just to keep them eligible, but are dead-end choices to get a college diploma (Sage, 98). They are almost set up for failure. Amateurism plays a huge role because once the team/coach is done making money off their player, they have no concerns about them anymore. Either they were very good and cold continue playing at a professional level or they have fulfilled their eligibility. This is when they fall back on their education, which is non-existent for majority.
ReplyDeleteThe “ol boys” network in intercollegiate sport relates to hegemony because of how white males have secured administration positions. They control the access to higher levels and can insulate themselves against those they don't want to associate with. Racist ideology, stereotypes, and caricatures have portrayed African Americans as lacking the requisite intelligence and rational thinking capabilities for leadership (Sage, 94). These ideas are maintained in society and people are persuaded to believe this.
In Peggy McIntosh's article she distinguishes the different conditions where white people might feel different than an African American. I can relate to number 36 because I never have to think about if my week went bad because of racial comments. African Americans may think about their bad week and a lot of problems could have been brought on because of their race. This is one problem I don't have to deal with.
McIntosh's argument of white privilege is the complete opposite of the SI article. SI indicates that white male athletes are disappearing in high school and professional sports and they are being replaced by people of different races. This is a direct contrast from McIntosh's idea that white's have more privilege over other races.
Sage argues that although sport has given opportunities for upward mobility among black men, it has not done so for a large number of African American (96). To make his point, Sage cites that the odds of an African American male becoming a professional athlete is about one in 5,000 (97). Nevertheless, it seems that the American Dream for the African American male is often believed to be most achievable through sport. Case in point, 51% of African American high school athletes believe they can reach professionalism in sport (Sage, 98).
ReplyDeleteSage finds intercollegiate sport to be a “mixed blessing” for African Americans because while it gives them an opportunity to reach higher education through athletic scholarships, the schools that recruit them are less concerned with their personal success and well being. For instance, some athletes are recruited to schools where their academic background is not strong enough for them to succeed there (Sage, 98). This demonstrates amateurism as a regulatory ideology in that the athletes are used to make a profit by the schools that recruit them. Once the athlete’s eligibility is up he is left to flounder and often fail in an academic environment he was convinced he could succeed in when he first came to that school. It is the schools who have all the power and the athletes who must produce and ultimately be discarded when their time is up.
The “ol boys” network relates to hegemony in that the white males want to remain in power and so they do what they can to keep people who do not fit into their group in positions with less power, such as African Americans. For instance, in 1998 5% of athletic directors at Division I institutions were African American (Sage, 96). As we have discussed in previous lectures, this hegemony remains due to the group in power attaining consent through persuasion, negotiation, concession, and compromise. To me this type of hegemony suggests that it is not what you know but who you know and if you are not accepted by the group in power then you are not going to have a position in power regardless of your qualifications.
A privilege I have become accustomed to as a white female is not being suspected of stealing of illegal acts. For instance, when visiting a museum I had to go through a metal detector which beeped as I went through but the person in charge told me to keep going. Following me was an African American man who also beeped but the person in charge proceeded to search him instead of me.
While McIntire argues that whites are privileged, the SI writers of “What Ever happened to the White Athlete?“ refute her claim and suggest that whites are no longer privileged in the realm of sports. This ideology claims that black athletes are more athletic than white athletes. Consequently, you could argue that both races receive advantages and disadvantages because of this stereotype. White athletes may receive more opportunities because people view them as less advantaged than black athletes because of their ability. On the other hand they may also be at a disadvantage if they are seen as not being very athletic compared to blacks. Black athletes may receive opportunities by those who buy into this ideology because they are believed to be more athletic because of their race. In contrast, they may be disadvantaged if a person believes this ideology and thinks black athletes are already advantaged because they have athletic talent and does not give them much of an opportunity.
Sage pretty much say that it is a myth. The chances of anyone black or white going pro is very slim. However it is a way of moving up the ladder (upward mobility) so a lot of young black men spend a lot of time training to go pro when they could be spend that time towards something else that has a higher chance of upward mobility.
ReplyDeleteWell everything has its goods and it bad's just as sports do. The mixed blessing refers to colleges using athletes in a way. They want the athletes to do well for the university and don’t really look at the long term end result. When they recruit athletes sometimes the athletes are not always ready for the universities academics, so advisor advice athletes to take classes that will keep them eligible. But I know from experience of being an athlete, you have to be on track to graduate in 5 year in order to stay eligible. And that does not mean you will take 25 credit semesters your 5th year. It is done on a percentage of your degree plan. Schools hide behind amateurism because if they are not paying the athlete then the athlete has no power after he/she graduates.
Well it like who the “ol boys” hire there “boys” and the same people stay in power. White men have been in power in administration power for so long and they have so many “ol boys” under them it is hard for an African American to come in a hire some of his “boys”
33. I am not made acutely aware that my shape, bearing or body odor will be taken as a reflection on my (Athletic ability)
race.-I am a high jumper in track and many people think that I jump high because I am black and not because I work out a lot and I work hard. Unlike a white high jumper
McIntyre’s is saying the exact opposite of what the SI writer is saying. SI writes about white male athletes are slowing fading out of high school and pro sports while other races are taking over. McIntyre is going with the idea about whites men being more privilege.
Although sport can and has been a means of upward mobility for black men, Sage critiques that in contrast to the population, few African American men have accomplished this success. The odds of becoming a professional athlete is only about 1 in 5000 (97). Even with this low success rate, numerous young African American men still believe that have a genuine chance of becoming a professional athlete. As a result, they dedicate their time to this goal in hopes of achieving upward mobility.
ReplyDeleteSage argues that the increasing number of scholarships for African Americans is a mixed blessing. These athletes are getting a chance to go to school for free or close to it, but many of them are taken advantage by the university (98). They are put in easy classes to keep them eligible to participate but not to help them gradate with a helpful degree (98). 55% to 75% of African American athletes in major colleges do not graduate, which is much lower than the general rate at the schools they attend (98). These actions fit perfectly into amateurism. The NCAA and the schools take advantage of these athletes for their own benefit, while doing nothing to help them out in the future. As soon as the athlete runs out of eligibility, he or she is no longer wanted by the school, and is no longer able to receive the schools benefits.
The “ol boys” network and low number of African American administrators in collegiate sports is a result of hegemonic interests and power of white males. White males have protected administration positions for themselves in intercollegiate sport for many years. Racist ideology and stereotypes have depicted African Americans as lacking the necessary intelligence capable for leadership (94). These unreasonable ideas are largely maintained through persuasion. White males in power place their ideals and beliefs on other people in power.
In the article "Unpacking the Knapsack", Peggy McIntosh writes about many privileges that whites have over other minorities. I can relate to many of these, but the one that identify the most with is number 13, “Whether I use checks, credit cards or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of financial reliability.” I have seen this first hands numerous times. When I go and make big purchases I never get asked for ID or anything, the person assumes I can purchases it, but when a black person comes into the golf course I used to work at I am instructed to check ID for checks.
In his book, Sage agrees that sport does have the potential to provide upward mobility for black men, especially in the ‘rags to riches/American Dream’ ideological way. However, he does not believe that the scale of it is large enough. Too few black men really accomplish much social mobility on the avenue of sport. Instead, we just see a few instances where this occurs, like Jackie Robinson, Wilma Rudolph, and Magic Johnson, publicized hugely. Overall, he summarizes his view well in the sentence: “it is certainly true that sport has provided some African American athletes with opportunities for social mobility denied them in other sectors of life….[but] sport has not moved large numbers of African Americans into higher social standings” (Sage, 96).
ReplyDeleteUnlike the myth of sport being a vessel for black males’ upward mobility, we have a very clear stereotype of the black athlete who may be good at their sport, but will probably end up academically ineligible at some point in their college career. This relates to one of Sage’s points, regarding the “mixed blessing” of the amateurism ideology in college sports. He points out that coaches often heavily recruit athletes, regardless of whether they are academically prepared for the particular university. Because of amateurism, the only payment they can receive is a free ride, which is easily viewed as a blessing. However, many athletes (especially black athletes) are unable to keep up with the academic expectations at the colleges they end up in. Otherwise, they are encouraged to enroll in easier courses that ultimately do not lead them to a good degree, if any. This is where the “mixed” part of the blessing comes in (Sage, 98). The athletes in this situation are rather powerless. If they came from a poor academic background, and are lured onto a team (which also includes enrollment in a university, although that part may be overlooked occasionally in light of the glamorous recruitment process) by potential perks, opportunities, and glory, they may not be thinking ahead into their future. Once they’ve signed themselves away to the NCAA, there’s not a whole lot they can do.
The “ol’ boys” network/lack of African American administrators, to me, says that whites are meant to be in control, and that the African American athletes are basically just their pawns to play with and keep them entertained. This relates to hegemony in that the power is maintained in the hands of the few, here the white males. Of the four ways consent is won and maintained, I think a messed up compromise could be applied to that—the African Americans get the glory through their athletic ability, and the whites get to have the high up positions of control.
Peggy McIntosh’s article asserted that white privilege, while not being hidden, is still not an especially covert thing. She says that whites have the advantage in basically every aspect of life. The Sports Illustrated article contests that by saying that within popular sports, white athletes are fading out of the picture and losing interest in competing when they feel that they cannot contend with the levels of black athletes.
Within McIntosh’s list of common white privileges, I have had “I am pretty sure that my neighbors…will be neutral or pleasant to me” apply to me, specifically when moving into the dorms. Our hallway certainly isn’t all white, but the majority is, so I don’t have to worry about being in the minority of our space. There have been several instances of arguments over racial comments, bur as I am not in the minority, I am not expected to back up my ethnicity’s side.
Sport has the ability to move a person upward in their social status. According to Sage, 51 percent of African American high school athletes believe they can become professional athletes (98). These students are relying on their athletic ability for upward social mobility. In reality, only one in five thousand African American males become professional athletes. Those athletes who do make it to the college level are receiving a "mixed blessing" (98). Athletic scholarships give students the chance to attend a university in which they do not have the resources to attend. For some of these athletes, their talent is exploited; athletes who struggle academically are kept in easy classes to keep them eligible, but do not attain a college diploma.
ReplyDeleteThe "ol boy" network relates to hegemony because those with power, will remain in power. African Americans are prevented from achieving any power in sport, such as coaching and administrative positions. Power lies in the hands of a few, while those without power stick to the status quo. The dominant group stays in power through concession, persuasion, compromise, and negotiation.
In McIntosh's article, I can relate to number 46. Before my senior pictures, I needed a cover-up for a blemish on my face. I tested three brands of makeup, and with each one there was atleast two products that matched my skin color.
McIntosh's argument claims that whites are privileged in many ways. However, the SI article claims the opposite. This article claims that whites are losing privileges in sports, and white athletes are being replaced by minority athletes.
Sage says that social mobility for black men has been done through sport. However, he critiques that when comparing them to the rest of the population, black men have had very little success. There are over 50 million American males in professional sports, and black men take up 6.2 million of the 50 million. Although, when you look at how many black doctors and black lawyers there are, there are 12 times as many (pg 97). Harry Edwards said of blacks becoming professional athletes, “You have a better chance of getting hit by a meteorite in the next 10 years than getting work as an athlete (97-98).”
ReplyDeleteWhen Sage critiques intercollegiate sport, he goes on to say that even though blacks are being recruited to play sports, they lack the academic background. This meant that those student athletes would end up having to take “easy” courses to keep their GPA up, keeping them eligible to play.
The “Ol’ Boys organization lacked black administrators in sport because of hegemony and the amount of power white males had. And because whites had this power, it allowed them to keep blacks out the group and keeps white in charge.
In McIntyre’s article, I can relate to #5, “I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.” This is very true. I can shop hours upon hours without being questioned or followed by an employee. However, I think that if I were black, I would be questioned about what I was doing, and I would be followed to make sure that I don’t steal anything.
McIntyre’s argument states the total opposite of what the article in SI states. They write about how white men athletes are starting to slowly dissipate at the high school and professional level, and being substituted by those of other backgrounds.
Sage says that sport has given opportunities for upward mobility among black men, but it has not done so for a large number of African American (96). To make his point, Sage goes on to say that the odds of an African American male becoming a professional athlete is about 1-5000 (97). Nevertheless, it seems that the American Dream for the black male is believed to be most achievable through sport. Case in point, 51% of black high school athletes believe they can reach a professional level of sport (98).
ReplyDeleteSage thinks that intercollegiate sport is a “mixed blessing” for African Americans because it gives them an opportunity to reach higher education through athletic scholarships. However the schools that recruit them are less concerned with their personal success and well being and are more concerned with athletic performance. A common example of this is that some athletes are recruited to schools but their academic background is not strong enough for them to succeed there (98). This shows amateurism as a regular ideology in that the athletes are used to make a profit by the schools that recruit them. Once the athlete’s eligibility is up he is abandoned and usually doomed to fail in the academic environment, an environment that was supposed to be a good one and a place to succeed.
The “ol boys” network relates to hegemony in that the white males want to remain in power and so they do what they can to keep people who do not fit into their group in positions with less power, such as African Americans. For instance, in 1998 5% of athletic directors at Division I institutions were African American (96). In my opinion this form of hegemony shows that it is not what you know but whom you know. If you are not accepted by the group currently in power then you will not be going to have any power regardless of your qualifications.
While McIntyre argues that whites are privileged, the SI writers of “What Ever happened to the White Athlete?“ refute her claim and suggest that whites are no longer privileged in the realm of sports. This ideology claims that black people are more athletic than white people, but white athletes could receive more because people view them as less advantaged than black athletes because of their ability. On the other hand it could also be seen as a disadvantage if they are seen as not being very athletic. Black athletes though receive opportunities by those who buy into this ideology because they are more athletic because of race. In contrast, they may be disadvantaged if a person believes this ideology and thinks black athletes are already advantaged because they have athletic talent and does not give them much of an opportunity.
A privilege that I took from the McIntosh article was 18. I can swear, or dress in second hand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty or the illiteracy of my race. I feel like I can do any of these things at any time, but it would not be attributed to my race, it would be attributed to my age most likely because I am just a college kid.
For black male athletes it has been argued that sport has allowed more upward social mobility for black men “than any other social practice or institution” (96). However, with success in sport these athletes have been denied access and mobility in other “sectors of American Life” (96). Sage states that sport has “not moved large numbers of African Americans into higher social class standing and the rags-to riches stories of individual, high profile African American athletes disguise the actual reality of how little social mobility results from sports participation” (96). Athletic scholarships that have been distributed to black male athletes has been referred to as a mixed blessing because a.) they are presented with an opportunity to attend college which may not have been accessible to them otherwise however b.) some black male athletes have been presented with a scholarship that was given to them based on their athletic ability and has lacked the academic background needed for them to succeed in this newly based college environment. The ‘ol boys’ network controlled the access “to those higher levels” and can therefore “insulate themselves against those with whom the do not wish to associate” which in turn creates a hegemonic relationship. A representative from the LA Dodgers states that “blacks may not have some of the necessities to be a field manager or perhaps a general manager”. This statement alone exemplifies how the higher authority strongly influences who has power in the pertaining field.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Peggy McIntyre’s examples of white privilege I can directly relate to #26. I have always been able to purchase items such as posters, post cards, picture books greeting cars, dolls, and magazines that clearly represent my race. When I was younger there were not very many African American doll options. I was not aware of this selection of race in dolls until American Girl Doll Store came out with a African American Girl Doll in which represented the whole African American race in comparison to the other 6 or so dolls who fell into the white/Caucasian category. In the SI article they argue that white athletes are slowly fading from the sport spectrum and other races are beginning to dominate that athletic field. In McIntyre’s article she strongly stresses the privileges that are presented to white Americans on a daily basis and how whites remain the dominant race in our society.
Sage believes that the idea of social mobility through sport for African Americans is more misleading than it is made to believe. He says there are some stories that lead people to believe it’s more common than it really is. There are a certain few famous African American athletes who made it big and their stories inspire others to try and aim for the same thing. Sage says that they can try all they won’t but it’s not a very realistic goal. Sage quotes two men who both say that there’s a better chance of getting hit by a meteorite or winning the lottery than for them to make it big. The “problem” is that many don’t believe that they have no chance. In most cases I don’t think it would be considered a problem because people are encouraged to go out and achieve their dreams. He talks about how intercollegiate sport gives many African Americans a sense of false hope. There are always some that do succeed and graduate and go on to play pro but that’s not the majority. Many very good colleges will give scholarships to black athletes but once they get there they can’t keep their grades up to do good in class. Many of them end up end up leaving without a degree. Some of them manage to graduate with a degree but most don’t even end up making it to the pros or even more than a few years in the sports industry. It gives them false hope that they’re going to grow up and be like Michael Jordon when that’s most likely not going to happen. The lack of African American administrators enforces the idea of hegemony, that only dominant groups are in charge and there isn’t much opportunity for others. These people in charge chose and decide what happens, this is exactly what hegemony is. It’s all based on the powerful and privileged. One of the things she said that I thought was very true was that she could get pulled over or in trouble and it wouldn’t be because she was singled out because she’s white. I think this is a very true statement because I’ve been in a situation before similar. I have friends of different ethnicities that have been pulled over plenty of times and gotten tickets while me being white I’ve also been pulled over but I’ve never gotten a ticket or in trouble before. They always say it’s because I’m a white little girl and they’re not but I like to think that’s not true. When you really think about it I’m sure that people get pulled over all the time and think it’s because of their race and that’s really sad.
ReplyDeleteSage argues that sports participation is not a lucrative form of social mobility for African Americans. To start with, the odds of an African American male making it to the professional level in sport are one in 5,000 (97). Sage contends that African Americans have a much greater chance of social mobility through careers in law or medicine than sports (97). In regard to intercollegiate sport, Sage has an even greater critique. He asserts that intercollegiate athletics exploits young African American athletes by recruiting them even when their grades would not normally allow them to attend the university. Because of this, they are often forced to take easy courses to ensure eligibility that do not correspond with a particular major. After their years of eligibility are up they are given little aid and often do not graduate. Further, Sage argues that even the few who do make it to the professional sport level then only have five years of prime playing time (98), hardly enough to maintain the lavish lifestyles of the elite class.
ReplyDeleteDue to an almost complete lack of African American administration in sport fields, the “ol boys” network is able to maintain hegemony. I think they mostly do this by sheer force, or coercion. While white males hold the power it is easy for them to overlook the qualified black applicants and continue to hire homogenously. However, there is also probably a fair amount of concession and compromise by the minority. Seeing the absence of minority administrators might lead young, qualified individuals to pursue other careers rather than attempt something so stacked against them.
I have become much more cognizant of the “white advantage” just this semester. My roommate is African American and I have seen her face so many difficulties and complications in situations that I have previously sailed through. Her problems are not necessarily related to the color of her skin but every time something happens to her, racial discrimination is one of the first things that come to my mind. This made me realize that when something bad happens to me, if someone is rude to me, or I am treated unfairly I never attribute the discrepancy to race. I can’t imagine having always to wonder if people are treating you a certain way because of something so arbitrarily out of your control like the color of your skin. This is probably most closely related to McIntire’s point, 36.
The SI authors dismiss McIntire’s claims of white advantage specifically in sport, in their eyes sport is increasingly becoming a playing field for minority groups and the white male athlete is being hedged out.
Sage critiques this myth by saying that it is nearly impossible to achieve upward mobility through athletics for black men. He states that very few black men have achieved upward mobility through athletics throughout history. Sage gives statics, claiming that the chances of obtaining wealth through sports are one out of every five thousand people. The sense of gaining upward mobility through sports is seen from African American men who obtain scholarships to universities to enhance their athletic ability. Though this is true Sage says that these universities neglect the athletes’ education, calling is a “mixed blessing”, valuing their athletic ability more. He states that only 55 to 75 percent of African American males obtain degrees from these universities. This leaves those who do not make it in the professional world of sports, to turn to jobs that are not as rewarding, had they gained their degrees.
ReplyDeleteThe “Ol Boys” network maintains hegemony through sports in the white male world. This group of men consisting mainly of white males, holds the power of upward mobility in intercollegiate athletics. These men may choose to see certain people or groups succeed as well as holding these people back by instituting their power. These groups mainly consist of African American men because of their lack of representation in these networks of systems, consisting of the so called “ol boys”
I chose number nineteen. I grew up the son of an athletic director, so most of my childhood was spent around males who hold power in high school sports. Then men consisted of all racial backgrounds, so speaking to them came naturally. I feel as though I can speak to a group of powerful men with dealing with the issue of being Caucasian.
In McIntyre’s article she gives instances in which white males hold power in sports. Her arguments are displaced by the SI article which claims that the power and roles of white athletes is diminishing in sports across all landscapes. Both articles are valid and present their points with my references. The SI article claims that all positions of power in sports were once held by the white man, and are now diminishing over the years. In McIntyre’s article, she claims that white still hold almost all the power in sports and gives examples of how they still hold them.
The truth is that people indeed see that black males stand in a type of upward social mobility in atheltics, but if they were to take a look at the numbers that Sage explained, only 1 in 5000 african american atheletes have a chance of becoming a proffesional athelete. Sage also describes how young high school atheletes still beleive they have a great chance to go pro in their selective sport, and though they are rising, it is still not a respectable outlook. This also has a connection with the cartel of athletes and though being given a scholorship with a hidden agenda for them to continue their education, they are being exploited as previously discussed in other chapters. As well as it gives them more of an idea that there is more of a upward mobility due to the fact more scholarships are being handed out to atheletes for their performances. They represent and make their university money and then move on without getting a dime for themselves (Sage 98) which is a very true but unfortunate issue that universities are dealing with as well as being the cause of.
ReplyDeleteThe "ol boys" network definately relates to the understanding of hegemony because there are barriers in top positions of sporting atheltics as well as the current positions and what race has a greater chance of getting the job over the other. The people on top then have the control to choose who is given the opportunity for the bottom and lower positions as well, giving an unfair advantage.
I feel like I can partain to number 36, because I really never have to think that my week went bad, or something went wrong because of my race, instead others are dealing with that issue. Unfortunately I can always imagine what it feels like, but I never have had to endure the actual experience that others might have to deal with.
McIntire argues that the white race is more priveledged then others, SI on the otherhand puts down a different arguement claiming that the white race is no longer at the standing advantage point that they used to obtain. Instead the African American race is taking a leap ahead, with more athletically gifted people who are only at a disadvantage because of their stereotype that they face.
Sage’s critique of the upward mobility through athletics for black men focuses on and is reinforced by the ideology of amateurism. Participation in intercollegiate athletics opens the door to higher education through scholarships and grants that would normally be unavailable to lower income African-American males. On the other hand, universities recruit low income areas in search of athletic prowess rather than educational potential. These athletes are allowed to under perform in their academic endeavors in exchange for success in the athletic arena
ReplyDeleteThe “Ol’ Boys” system that currently exists in intercollegiate athletics is centered on the lack of African-Americans that serve as administrators. This hegemonic system has prevented African-American role models to move into a place of power in order to accurately represent the voice of the black collegiate athlete. Despite advances in the hiring process, dominant figures in the current system have used hegemonic practices to further delay the advancement of second and third degree producers in college athletics.
In Peggy McIntosh’s list of “white advantages”, a few jumped out as being applicable to my everyday life. In the media as well as my everyday observations I noted number 21 on her constructed list (I am never asked to speak for people of my own race.) Flipping through ESPN and other major media outlets, a trend of group scrutiny becomes evident. When African-American athletes act in a way that is deemed unsuitable by society, the entire race as opposed to the individual responsible, are taken into account. Many times this practice leads to unfair assumptions and reinforces outdated prejudices that still exist in collegiate athletics in regards to African-American participants.
Sage's critique of upward mobility through athletics for African American men is that schools exploit African American athletes. These athletes are recruited for their athletic ability but do not have the academic ability needed to succeed in a college or university. Many of these African American athletes drop out of college because of grades. Professional sport is not a reliable way for upward mobility.
ReplyDeleteSage's critique of the "mixed blessing" relating to amateurism as an ideology of sport is seen by the way that African American students have been receiving scholarships in predominantly white schools. It can be seen as an ideology because the athlete gets unpaid opportunities but usually does not make it to paid athletics.
The lack of African American administrators in intercollegiate sport relates to hegemony because having few African American administrators means that they hold less power. Holding less power for them causes the power to be in the hands of the dominant race and no other.
Peggy McIntyre lists off fifty white privileges. Until reading these I did not realize how common they were. One privilege that I have benefited from is that I have never had anyone follow or harass me while shopping alone.
Peggy's argument is rejected by SI in the way that they prove the fact of American pop culture victimizes white young males. We also have a tendency of keeping whiteness invisible and this is because whiteness is an unchallenged social norm.
Sage's critique on the myth of upward mobility through athletics for black men is that there are factors working against the black male athlete who attends college. One of these is the statistic that black men who go to college have a one in 5000 chance to become a professional athlete (97). Sage also then supports his statement by saying that there is a greater number of black males who are now in the medical or law fields (97). The strong ideology of amateurism in college sport plays into the idea of a "mixed blessing." While many black males attend college nearly 75% of black male athletes do not graduate (98). It is also important to be known that a large number of black athletes who do graduate from college came into college with grades far too low to be considered able to be successful as a college student. Therefore, due to their athletic skill, the universities they attend make sure their grades stay up by offering easy classes and extra tutoring. With these factors combined black male athletes who focus on upward mobility through sport and not education are almost put into a position where it seems that this combination is good and if upward mobility through sport isn't achieved then those who do graduate have done so with a degree that offers limited future employment. The "ol' boys" plays out through hegemony. The power is predominately held by white males and this being the case it makes it hard for black athletes to have good representation when they do not have African Americans in these positions of power. This is because the white males in power now believe African Americans lack the intelligence to be in the leadership position (94). So while advancements have been made to improve this one-sidedness it appears that it will be a long process of changing ideals for action to become visible.
ReplyDeleteFor Peggy McIntyre I chose number 24. Through nearly every experience I have had when I am in need to speak to a supervisor or the boss it has always been a white male or female. This could be due to the fact that I come from a very small, predominantly white neighborhood, but I do also believe that the people where I'm from to some belief do think that other races won't perform the way they would expect a white person to perform. While this is unfair and inaccurate it is also very real.
Sage believes that black men can achieve upward mobility through athletics, but he says the chances of this are slim. Compared to the rest of the population, black men have less of a chance of achieving upward mobility in sport. “You have a better chance of getting hit by a meteorite in the next 10 years than getting work as an athlete (97-98),” says Harry Edwards, of blacks becoming professional athletes. Sage explains that the opportunities and possibilities for a black man to become successful are much greater in areas other than sport. It states, black males are 12 times more likely to become a lawyer as opposed to a professional athlete.
ReplyDeleteSage finds intercollegiate sport as a “mixed blessing” for African Americans for two main reasons. First he finds it as a good thing because it gives African Americans a chance to receive higher education through athletics scholarships. On the contrary, Sage finds it as a bad thing because many of the institutions that recruit that athletes care more about athletic success instead of the student-athlete’s personal success.
The “Ol’ Boys” network of a lack of African American administrators in intercollegiate sport is directly related to hegemony. The “Ol’ Boys” network says that those who control the power of higher level sport hold the power to choose who obtains those positions. This is directly related to Sage’s views of hegemony as people accept the status quo through the four ways consent is maintained- persuasion, negotiation, concession, and compromise.
I can most relate to Peggy McIntire’s #1 of her examples of white privilege, which states “I can if I wish arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.” I feel I can most relate to this, because my whole life I have been in an almost all white community. From elementary school to high school, about 95% of my high school was white. Even here at Iowa, I experience the same things. Iowa City is much more diverse than my hometown, but it still majority caucasian.
Very few black men have achieved this success, and the odds of becoming a pro athlete is about 1 in 5000 I have a better chance at winning the lottery than becoming a pro. But many African American athletes still believe they have a great chance at going pro.(97)
ReplyDeleteSage says that intercollegiate sport is a mixed blessing he explains that most blacks are recruited because of their athletic ability even though they are not academically prepared for college. Athletes are advised to take classes that will keep them eligible to play sports because of this many fail to obtain a college degree. These facts show how the sporting system uses amateurism as a regulatory ideology
To understand the ol boys club one must first understand the word Hegemony which states leadership or predominant influence exercised by one group or nation over others. In collegiate sport the lack of African American Authority or Minority Authority for that matter allows the O'l boys club to dictate who is allowed access to prestigious positions within the organization.
In McIntyre's article she basically states that the white privileges allow whites to focus on things that matter to them most, and not burden their minds with suck thought as to how people will treat them. When it comes to the white athlete she states that they are slowly losing their identity to the non white athlete.
Sage looks at the upward mobility of black athletes as myth as fewer African-Americans use sport as a medium of upward mobility then it is portrayed in the media. Sport is filled with "rags to riches" stories, often times of black athletes coming from poor families or other difficult situation to become the sports star that they appear to be today. This makes it appear that there are more black athletes using sport to move up in social class then there really are. Sage states the odds of a black athlete going professional are one in five thousand(97). The very next sentence he states there are twelve times more black lawyers and fifteen times more black doctors, showing that there are so many fewer black athletes then there appear to be. Still, this myth has left many of these athletes still believing that professional sports are almost a certainty. Sage shows the mixed blessing of intercollegiate athletics as another myth that African American athletes tend to fall into. Intercollegiate athletics can sometimes provide a college experience to athletes who experienced trouble in school and would not otherwise have the grades and means to attend college. Additionally if their families have financial difficulties, scholorships provide as a way to pay for their education. However, the fact still remains that these athletes don't have the "academic background to succeed in higher education, and have been advised into courses that keep them eligible but are dead-end choices for acquiring a college diploma" (98). With a highly unlikely chance of going professional, Sage's argument is that once an athlete is out of eligibility, they are really in no better position to move upward because they will likely leave without a degree, and to a point, no better then they came to begin with. The lack of African American administrators in sport make it so that power is typically in the hands of a white, upper class man. With so many minorities in the NCAA, this leaves power in that same demographic. These athletes consent to that because they feel if they don't, it greatly hurts the chances of their professional aspirations.
ReplyDeletePeggy McIntyre's white privileges hit somewhat of a double standard for me, because I'm White and Hispanic. However, I mostly benefit in the same way as a white person because I do have more fair skin and I didn't grow up in a typical Hispanic household and culture. The "privilege" that stood out most to me was "I can remain oblivious of the language and customs of persons of color who constitute majority without feeling in my culture any penalty for such oblivion." Although I'm Hispanic, I don't know many things about Hispanic culture, I don't have a lot of connection to Hispanic life. I've taken four and a half years of Spanish and I can still barely speak it. But because I appear White, no one expects me to know any of this. McIntyre's argument is rejected by SI writers because to many, the white athlete is no longer the big name athlete. While black athletes represent a seemingly smaller representation of athletes, they tend to be more prominent in the media. Especially in Basketball and Football.
The myth of upward social mobility for blacks through sport is simply not true. It's false to say or think that the black youth of our time can only socially succeed through sports. As Sage points out, only 1 in 5,000 black athletes will become professional athletes. This number may seem high, but it is dismal when compared to the number of black doctor's and lawyers that have gained social mobility through other avenues. There are 15 and 12 times more black doctor's and lawyers, respectively, than there are black athletes (Sage 97).
ReplyDeleteAfrican Americans who do attend college through sporting avenues is a "mixed blessing" according to Sage. One reason it's a mixed blessing is because most of the African Americans get the opportunity to attend a college on athletic ability and not for the sole reason of academics. Furthermore, many African Americans are pushed into taking classes that will allow them to remain eligible for athletics; these classes however do not look out for the athletes long term success after school when they need to enter the job market. Amateurism is exploited by these schools because once the athlete graduates, which fails between 55%-75% of the time, the school can ship them out and never deal with them again. This is unfair because the athlete helped the school make money based off their exploited athletic abilities (Sage 98).
The "ol boys" network in intercollegiate sport relates to the idea of hegemony. Since there is a high number of white "ol boy" administrators in intercollegiate sport they have essentially all the power of what goes on in intercollegiate sport. Those without power, which encompasses African Americans in this case, then have to consent to the status quo set by the "ol boys" through persuasion, compromise, consent and negotiation. Also with a high number of "ol boys" in power it makes it harder for African Americans to attain higher-level positions through which they could achieve increased social mobility and look out for African American athletes.
When it comes to Peggy McIntyre's White Privilege I have benefited from number 25:"If a traffic cop pulls me over...I can be sure I haven't been singled out because of my race." The only times I have been pulled over are for times when I have actually broken the law, and I consciously broke the law. Currently in Arizona, with the new immigration debates, many Latin Americans are being pulled over simply for their skin color.
McIntyre's article, "Unpacking Then Knapsack," conflicts with the Sports Illustrated article. McIntyre goes on to claim all the white privileges that come based off of skin color. The SI article becomes conflicting because it states that the face of once white sports is a thing of the past and current sports are being dominated by non-white athletes.