“Boys Will Be (Violent) Boys.
All sports are still primarily male dominantly ran, making it difficult in every way to make any positive changes. Majority of sports are meant to be entertaining through other sources aside from the actual game. For example, hockey and the fights that are supposedly “normal” for any game as well as football where not only unnecessary fights occur just like hockey, but violent and deadly hits and tackles that have the potential to literally end a player’s life in seconds. Yet, at what cost does an audience need to see such violence for the sake of their entertainment?
Football is such a controversial sport, always has been, but especially in modern society. With the battle of concussions and other serious injuries long term, the sport may start to see its end in the coming years for these very reasons. As Messner mentions in Chapter 4 of his book Center of Attention: The Gender of Sports Media, “give up your body for the team. Athletes who are ‘playing with pain,’ ‘giving up their body for the team,’ or engaging in obviously highly dangerous plays or maneuvers are consistently portrayed as heroes; con-versely, those who remove themselves from games because of injuries raise questions about their character, their manhood” (Messner, 2002, pg. 104). Thus, not being able to take the hit, or playing through what could be a potentially life threatening injury, is considered “whimpy” or “weak” and for those who are very critical, “feminine” or “gay.” The fact that the last two terms that were mentioned are seen as offensive is insulting to both females and homosexuality. This just reinstates that the sports world is a man’s world, and always will be. Yet, so these men think. Women are on the up and coming and really making an impact in this industry not only for themselves, but the future of sport as well. Yet, there is still quite a bit of work to do.
Back to the topic at hand, Messner also states, “Boys will be (violent) boys. Fights, near fights, threats of fights or other violent actions overemphasized in sports coverage and often verbally framed in sarcastic language that suggest that this kind of action, though reprehensible, is to be expected” (Messner, 2002, pg. 104). In other words, those who nearly kill themselves for the sake of their team and who’s pain becomes entertainment for the spectators and viewers at home, are praised for the violent ways. Therefore, encouraging this physically violent and deadly culture within the game, such as hockey and football. Physical contact are the sports people enjoy most, because it is someone else’s pain that we as the masses view as entertaining and enjoyable, to an extent. As cliché as it may sound, these men are putting their lives on the line every time a game, including practices take place. To sacrifice their public figure and their body for the sake of their organization. It’s horrible to hear, but unfortunately very true.
Reference
Leitch, Will. (11 Sept. 2011). The Last Closet: When will a gay professional athlete finally come out? New York Magazine.
