The American Dream and Sport: A Researched Position Paper Co
One of the most important beliefs that Americans share is that personal striving results in upward economic mobility. The foundation of this belief is the essence of what is known as the "American dream". For those who follow this dream, the conclusion must be made that one can overcome any obstacle with the necessary talent and determination. One of the most popular means in increasing one's social status is through sports. Sport is an ideal vehicle for understanding the pursuit of the American dream because achievement and success are so openly and explicitly emphasized in all sports. Also, sports figures frequently play lead role in the "rags to riches" stories Americans hear from the media. The American dream is a much tougher task to achieve for some than others, primarily because of social and racial differences which affect many factors, including hiring practices and the recruitment of athletes among most American sport organizations. However, there has been drastic change in the image and ideologies of American sports regarding racial issues in the past sixty years. These changes are responsible for the multi-cultural society in American sports today, and are based on the principle that instead of race, an individ
This is significant to American history because it ended a period of over fifty years in which minorities were excluded from American sports (Nixon 14). Based on these changes, Howard Nixon's definition of the American dream is understandable. Although the majority of those who seek the American dream want to be recognized at the professional level, there are other alternatives which do not deem the same fame and importance, but can be seen as more practical to those who have a sense in reality. According to Nixon, sport provides opportunity for free and open competition in the advancement of social status (1). African-Americans were placed in the outfield so the white men could occupy the positions that deem fame and importance (Nixon 16). The study results conclude that during the thirteen years, blacks had better batting averages, by nearly fifteen percent, than their white counterparts (Sailes 200). In conclusion, because such a small percentage of college athletes will be drafted to play professional sports, and because those who do make it to the professional level find that their career is short-lasing, will once again find themselves with or without the academic degree that will help them succeed in the real world. These facts serve to be significant, especially after the adoption of Proposition 48. Finally, youthful participation in sports could eventually lead to a career in professional sports (Sailes 241-242). Another reason for the detriment suffered by those who seek success through sports is the lack of education to fall back on if the professional level is not reached. Overall, sport is the most commonly used means of attempting to increase social status among African-Americans. (4) Sociological explanations suggest that sport is one of the few institutions open to African-Americans for achievement (Sailes 243). Sports participation can not only lead to becoming a professional athlete, but can work toward upward mobility in other ways. Even more stunning is the fact that among recruits for NCAA Division one basketball, ninety-one percent of the athletes who violate the proposition are African American (Sailes 24-25). In conclusion, some African-Americans may feature certain cultural traits that allocate superior athletic performance.
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