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Hearing the Other in Answerability:
Sports Melees
By Kristian Batiste, Darcy Alsop, and Tamring GardnerThe sports melee, televised for all to see, with beer thrown and punches taken, has caused us all to question the extent to which our dominant discourse honors respect and restraint. Such violent behavior rarely occurs in settings characterized by respect and restraint. I would suggest that that is one indication is that the more prevalent rules of respect and restraint are less stringently followed and enforced by our fellows at these games. We need to discover ways to transform that dominant discourse.
Tamrin Gardner, Message 1567:
"In light of all the N.B.A drama going on I can't help but wonder if our expectations of athletes and stars in general are way to high. It seems as though we don't want these individuals to be human. Honestly speaking if someone threw beer all over me my first reaction would probably be to swing on them.Don't get me wrong I know it was unfair for the children at the game to be subjected to this, but why are the fans not getting blamed for these actions as well. After all the players didn't start this they just reacted to it. I think we're expecting to much from these individuals they are regular people just like us they just make alot more money, we need to stop looking for someone else to be role models for our children and start do the job ourselves."Darcy Alsop, Message 1642:
"Good point Tamrin. However, society has labeled athletes as role models just like it has labeled actors, singers and pretty much anyone with an ounce of fame (deserved or not) as role models. In my opinion, professional athletes are paid well and should adhere to a level of professionalism that is dictated by their salaries. Could you imagine a CEO of a company grabbing someone by the throat and throwing them to the ground if he didn't like a presentation?-I suppose that happens in some places too . Seriously, they are playing a game. Grown men behaving like cavemen. Too much testosterone or steroids~ It's a sad day in sports~both for the athletes and the fans that instigated the whole thing. I just feel sorry for the poor guy in the stands that DIDN'T throw the beer and got attacked by Artest. So with regard to gangs, isn't it ironic? Look at the behavior of pro athletes. Is it that much different than that of rival gangs? Minus the weapons, I don't see much after this kind of incident. And this is the example we are setting. Sad..... "Kristian Batiste, Message 1718:
"What people fail to realize is, above all they are still human. Who wouldn't react like that? They reacted without thinking first, but who honestly can blame them." Message No. 1718.
jeanne, Message 1723:
Kristian, I think you've raised an important issue. Rights like answerability in a given forum should go with reponsibilities like respect. We've defined our naked space that way. But sports arenas lack that balance. I wonder where the dominant discourse is when beer throwing seems to be acceptable at least amongst a number of fansBut then, too, I remember the feelings expressed by the elementary school prinicipal in Kindergarten Cop. She wanted to slug the bad guy who hit his kid, too. Trouble is, once someone gives way to those feelings, others join in, as at the games, instead of reflecting a dominant discourse that says hurting people is a no-no. Even if one person loses his/her head; others should step in to stop it.
Here's a good example to figure out whether you believe in punishment or restorative practice. The sports association moved to punish the players. Some of you are saying that wasn't fair. What about just getting dominant discourse to react in terms of restorative practice? That is, getting others to help de-escalate the affect and restore reasonable behavior.
Michelle Simpson, Message 1745:
Kristian, You're absolutely right. People are human and they have to react the way they see fit.Also Kristian, welcome to transform.