Abstract: In contemporary American society, the pervasiveness of sports has become the vehicle for the discussion of important ethical and cultural issues. The typical American is included in this discussion due to this cultural saturation. This saturation plays an important role in public discourse. Sports provide an egalitarian platform for the daily discussion of important ethical, social and cultural issues.
Throughout history, sports have been an integral part of human experience. In his Laws, Plato stated, “…man is made God’s plaything, and that is the best part of him. Therefore every man and women should live life accordingly, and play the noblest games…”(Plato)
Humankind has, over the centuries, participated in, observed and commented on sports.
In contemporary American society, sports have become a readily accessible means for the average citizen as well as the academic to participate in the public discourse. As Professor James Shall has noted “Philosophic discussions sometimes lend themselves to non philosophic beginnings” (1). The pervasiveness of sports in society provides the vehicle for the discussion of important ethical and moral issues. The typical American is included in this dialogue because the culture is saturated with sports. Americans of all socio-economic and educational backgrounds discuss these concepts in a wide range of venues, such as, scholarly journals and popular magazines, in sports bars and around the breakfast table. They are debated in the workplace, as well as in casual social gatherings. Radio talk shows regularly feature sport-related subjects and newspapers exhibit this conversation throughout every se…
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…lues are clarified. Therese Iknoian, writing in Family Life Magazine, suggests that parents “Look for a program that requires its coaches to have special training. Otherwise, they may rely on the aggressive, punitive, win-at-all-costs coaching model they see in professional sports.” (82). She also counsels parents to “observe practice sessions. Watch how the coach handles athletes. He should not always be yelling his commands or using physical activity as a punishment (time-out on the bench is a more appropriate penalty) (82). The author, suggest that aggression in a coach is not good for society and that our children should not be treated this way. This is matter for public debate.
Sports clearly are an integral part of our society. They have become an important component in the way the average American participates freely in the cultural and societal debate.
Professional Sports – Injured Athletes and Early Retirement
Injured Athletes and Early Retirement
The rise to become a professional athlete requires passion, dedication and years of preparation. To play a sport at such a high competitive level and intensity the athlete must be in excellent physical and mental health. Athlete’s of “Magic” Johnson’s and Bo Jackson’s caliber had the dedication and determination to be the best. The negative feelings the athlete endures after injury or illness is overwhelming and can lead to early retirement, but if this all they invested in; most have not thought a lot about a career after sports. The athlete and the aftermath of injury or illness that leads them to retirement is a difficult issue. For those readers who are injured or suffer from a debilitating illness that prevents further participation in your sport you are not alone. Scientists and physicians are working hard to resolve the problem of early retirement due to injuries.
The emotional pain comes later for the athlete who has been injured during play. This pain is realized when the athlete is soaking and icing, their dislocated joints, bones and torn muscles. After a while, distress sets in as they consider the prospect of lost participation in their sport, says sports psychologist Albert Petitpas, Ed.D, of Springfield College, an expert on rehabilitating injured athletes. “They become anxious or confused, wondering whether they can ever play again and what they would do if they could not. Serious clinical problems, such as depression, alcoholism, and suicidal tendencies, may ensue”, says Petitpas (p.1, APA Monitor) . His research suggests that 5 to 13 percent of injured athletes who develop clinical distress, are those who most identified strongly with the sport and who o…
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References
Lide, W. E. Forced Retirement Among Former Professional Football Players with Short-Termed Careers. The Ohio State University. Thesis, 1-181. 1981.
Scher, A. T.Intermittent High Intensity Exercise. (pp.543-567). Boundary Row, London: E