Crazy Culture of Kid Sports

Discussion 3:

I will be viewing the article, “Crazy Culture of Kid’s Sports” by Andrew Ferguson written in 1999 in the point of view of a conflict theorist. As a conflict theorist, we look at the macro-economic perspective. Meaning we look at with a top-down approach, which is looking at the broader picture. Unfortunately, using this theory we are unable to see the benefits of sports, such as building character (Lecture 3.2). As we learned last week, it builds people’s confidence, courage and many other characteristics (Lecture 2). Economy is the center of all relations, such as family, sports, social media and religion. In addition, as the economy has developed, of course sports has developed and continues to grow. Therefore, as I discuss the development of the economy I will tie it into sports because of course sports is our main concern.

As the article talks about kids being as young as 10 and getting picked to travel for their team, meaning they had to spend more money for travel expenses. Looking at this with an economic view, it increases the wealth of business’. However, I believe that as the team gets better players, the team profits by raising their reputation. Although, it seems that the better you get the greater your expenses or the greater pay according to the article (Ferguson, 1999). This can include receiving a scholarship, which can be worth thousands of dollars. This is basically like receiving a paycheck, but this benefits you to go to school and be an athlete, which can raise your reputation as you look for a job out in the real world. Meaning, people are always amazed at the work ethic you have learned to be a student-athlete. This helps the economy because you are contributing to society once you graduate. I could go on and on about the little things that has changed in sport but in short, everything relating to sport can relate to changing economic status. Although, high economic status means you have a high chance in a sport, poor people use sport to get away from their low economic statuses. It is as easy as receiving a scholarship that can help you get to school and be able to get that education you need to help the economy after graduation.

Ferguson, A. (1999, July 12). Inside The Crazy Culture Of Kids Sports. Retrieved April 05, 2018, from http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,991464,00.html

To add on to my previous post. I think changing the way we think about sports is the way to go. Instead of thinking of it as getting more money or becoming a celebrity, think about the work ethic they learn from being apart of a sports team. Therefore, using the conflict theorists point of view, if you join a sports team you become self-motivated, build confidence, etc. you are helping the economy by growing into a great citizen of the economy. Even though conflict theorist usually forgets about the benefits of sports, if we help derive their mentality for the positive effects sports give young kids it will in turn benefit society. Furthermore, just remembering even though everyone cannot be a professional athlete, they can still participate in a non-competitive sport and get the same work ethic from just being committed to the team.

Responses:

That sounds like a great idea for children to back off on the number of hours they train and travel. There are superstitions that say over training young children will stunt their growth. However, I am a strong believer of sports helping to build character. I do not see an issue in children training and going to competitions, but I think it should be the child's choice. I think if the child has the desire to do the sport and get to a professional level, then I think their parents should support them in any and every way possible. Sports is not just for children to get scholarships but to find them-self as a person because sports does more than keep people active, it is a place people can go to be themselves. In addition, it can help keep kids out of trouble because they spend most of their time training and competing that they do not have time to do drugs, drink alcohol or join a gang. Therefore, I believe as long as the child is willing and wanting to that they should be allowed to go as far as they want their career in the sport to go.

That is a great point of view because I feel like children who have the desire to pursue a profession in their sport to get a scholarship shows their character. It shows the great work ethic, time management, flexibility and other characteristics. This helps develop the economy because as children grow up they will be out in the world without guidance from their parents. Using the skills learned as an athlete, you will have no problem living on your own because you have learned to be indepenedant, work hard, and self-motivate yourself. Even some skills such as teamwork, if you play for a team or communication when you have to communicate with your team or coaches. Everything you do in sport can help you in the future even if it costs money for your parents, it can be the best way they have ever spend their money. It is important to remember the positives about a sport and not just the bad. Although the bad need to be addressed.