Derek Kreager, Assistant Professor at Penn State University, challenges the long-held belief that group sports develop strong, confident, and disciplined young men in a study that targeted the link between deviant behavior and youth sports. He concludes that
“Sports such as football, basketball, and baseball provide players with a certain status in society…But football and wrestling are associated with violent behavior because both sports involve some physical domination of the opponent, which is rewarded by the fans, coaches and other players. Players are encouraged to be violent outside the sport because they are rewarded for being violent inside it” (Dan Peterson, 2008).
What kind of values about teamwork, discipline, and self-respect are youth sports teaching our boys and girls? Read my article on the WM Parenting Connection to understand why I, an educator and a mom, believe kids should be enrolled in Martial Arts classes in lieu of youth sports teams. The skills and life lessons they are taught in classes like Tae Kwon Do are invaluable to them as children, and later on, as adults.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Marina DelVecchio
When I was young, I did gymnastics and volleyball. Like martial arts, I loved the self-discipline of gymastics. I also loved the competitive nature of volleyball.
I agree that those sports have an agressive element but I think the players have been influenced more by the culture than the sport itself. I have read recently an article that says that these sports can actually serve as an outlet for agression. I felt comforted by that thought.
That said, the culture that raises the status of these individuals to ridulous heights and rarey allows for them to face consequences needs to be addressed. There are huge “Battle LA” signs up all over this city, particularly in lower-income areas. Sometimes I am amazed that the country is not more violent then it is.
This post got me thinking, as usual. Thanks also for sharing your thoughts on my Wal-mart post! I’ve gotten into a bit of a writer’s glut. Glad to see you are humming along :)
Cheers!