Sports pages #13

Hoop Dreams showed the unfortunate reality of racial inequality in America, as it portrayed two African American boys who endured many struggles as they attempted to realize their athletic potential and escape their poverty-stricken lives. This is hardly the first film or television show to suggest the hardships that African-American youth face, and it goes without saying that much progress can be made with regards to the opportunities that are afforded to those of minority races and ethnicities. Additionally, the story of the two boys in the film is likely far more common than anyone would like to admit, and shows how much of a stabilizing factor athletics can be in the lives of black youth.

The show Friday Night Lights depicted a fictional town in Texas called Dillon, where high school football was an integral part of the local culture. In the show, the head coach of the Dillon High team eventually moves to East Dillon high, which is a more run-down area that has a higher black population. Coaching the kids on the team proves to be a struggle because they have many financial problems, and are desperate to play football in hopes of attaining an athletic scholarship. Like Hoop Dreams, the show portrays an unsettling reality for African American youth, and shows that Hollywood and television show producers are presenting racial issues through media sources in higher quantities than in previous generations.

I don't believe that sports damage the image of the Black American, because it gives them an outlet to excel and make a name for themselves. However, we tend to glorify athletes based off of their athletic accomplishments, and perhaps should be more sensitive and aware of their life circumstances. I think we need to strive for equality of opportunity for people of all races and genders, and until this happens, the issue will remain both in reality, and in Hollywood portrayals. Sports are ultimately a microcosm of society in many ways, and while America has come a long way in terms of racial equality, it is clear that we still have a long way to go.