The Sports Taboo

1. According to the author, sportswriters feed into the stereotypes of racism in athletics by saying whites actually have to work harder than blacks athletically because the natural physical ability of african americans exceeds that of white people. I agree with this opinion to a certain extent because I believe that each race has their certain strenghts and abilities. Gladwell uses the NFL example to back this theory up. In the NFL, most of the quarterbacks are white, and most of the running backs are black, proving that blacks are faster and better runners, while whites are better throwers. In my opinoion, this is fact, NOT opinion. Gladwell dispels the notion that black athletes are better than whites, by using Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken as an example of two different athletes of two different races, who the best in their sport. So, it's not about race, rather, it's about eliteness.

2. According to Gladwell, the most important thing to be successful in sports is your drive and how much you work for it. Gladwell came to this conclusion from his experiences when he ran miles with his friends. They proved to be more successful than him because of the fact that they were more motivated. Instead of him joining them while they would run backwards up a cliff, he ended his workout and ran home. Yes, I obviously agree with this one of his theories. The harder your drive, and your work-ethic, the farther you'll get in your sport, and the better you'll be. You get what you put into.

3. Two areas of life I think racism is greatly defined in is, love, and movies. Whenever a black guy goes out with a white girl, there's always gossip and much dissaproval surrounding the relationship. The same thing also happens when a black girl goes out with a white guy. I think this PROVES that racism is evidently still present in today's society. Why can't people date/marry whoever it is that they want?? Also, in the movie business it seems like at times, they force black people into the scripts, so the movie won't be viewed as racist. But it takes out of the movie, when one of the caharacters with a different ethnic background doesn't fit. Example: The movie Wild Wild West. Whoever heard of a black cowboy?? Come on people.

4. What can be possible solutions for racism? One, living in a foreign country. In doing this, people will have an oppertunity to explore different cultures, which will lead to understanding and tolerance. Another way to eliminate racism is by being less concieted and pridefull about yourself. This will lead to recognition of other people's strengths and positives, no matter what the race.