Introduction: Imagining Sociological Narratives

Denison and Reinhart's Introduction: Imagining Sociological Narratives discusses Denzin's opinion on narratives. Denzin believed that "scholars haven't gone far enough" further adding he was dissatisfied with the "progress" made in researching and studying human social relations (p.1)." Furthermore, he added that "social science had come up short and was letting people and not fulfilling its promise." Although, writing a truly effective sociological narrative Denison and Reinhart discuss possibilities to achieve an effective narrative.

This reading caused me to think of such moments in my life that would possess both sociological as well as physical activities typical of a narrative. After thinking for some time one certain event in my life stuck out. My high school football career was quite successful as a junior at Avon Lake High School we won the Ohio Division II State Championship going an incredible 15-0. I started in the last 5 games that season due to an injury to a player who I looked up to and mimic due to his mannerisms and on field success.

The following season we returned 4 starters from the previous season and were not expected to do much. However, we completed the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. Then began a playoff run toward the state championship. For 29 consecutive weeks the Avon Lake Shoremen were victorious then finally in the state championship on a freezing night in December the powerful Shoremen were defeated by a tremendous Columbus Brookhaven team which featured 11 Division one college signees. Although, being defeated this game represented the highlight in my high school career and to presents a perfect example to write a sociological narrative.

"Are Pro Sports Growing More Altruistic?"

   
  This past June a television show wasted an hour of my life that I will never get back. "The Decision" which documented Lebron James free agency was a glorified commercial that ultimately ended up with him leaving the city of Cleveland and heading to the Miami Heat. At the time I like many other Cleveland sports fans was extremely anger and viewed James as a trader. However, now almost 8 months later my perspective on this move has changed.
       James' left Cleveland believing that the Heat's all-star roster comprised of the "Big-Three": (Bosh, Wade, and James) would better provide him with the opportunity to win a championship. In order to go to Miami, James took a great a pay cut and although this does not appear as selflessness James did what was best as he was taught by society. Our society loves winners and remembers champions. Therefore, James did what he thought would put him in elite company and more importantly he did what was necessary to win a championship.
      The article "Are Sports Growing More Altruistic" cites an example of Brooks Laich stopping to help a mother change her flat tire. This is a prime example of an athlete acting selflessly and is a positive for professional sports athletes. However, this example is often smothered in the stories of Brett Favre sending inappropriate text messages, Cameron Newton's father accepting $250,000 or so dollars for his son's services. Further, that trade off doesn’t look so bad right now as $250,000 for a national championship doesn’t seem so bad especially given the payout for a national title appearance.
      Additionally, my generation the Millennial are noted as being less turned on by the violent side of sports. This is ridiculous simply look at the growing popularity of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) to disprove this theory. Overall, I believe professional athletes are becoming more aware of the role they play off the court and are attempting to enhance their image though in general are acting status quo which is unacceptable cite Gilbert Arenas bringing guns to his work place. I disagree that my generation of professional athletes and athletics are becoming more altruistic.

Until next time

"The Promise of Sociology"

 C. Wright Mills "The Promise of Sociology" provided a interesting and new found perspective on the way individuals encounter society and the result of being a byproduct of the context in which you and your generation is found. Overall, the reading was somewhat difficult to understand though after in class discussions I feel that I have gained a firm understanding.

Mills (1959) writes "Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both" (p.1). This concept was one I had never examined as individuals are usually to preoccupied with their personal situations to ever place that within the context of society at large almost seems impossible. In my lifetime, I have only witness one occasion where individuals united as one and put history in its proper contact. This event occurred on September 11, 2001 when the United States was attacked by terrorist and for a brief period of time a country of individuals became an untied country focused on one matter. The scary thing about this is it took such a life altering experience to unite a country. Mills (1959) reflects this when he writes "They do not possess the quality of mind essential to grasp the interplay of man and society, of biography and history, of self and world" (p.1).

Applying Mills to Sport is interesting in that it’s written in such a manner that it can be applied to almost anything. Mills (1959) notes that "The sociological imagination enables its possessors to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals" (p.1). One such example, occurred with Jackie Robinson and his club’s owner Branch Rickey who possessed the imagination that enable his professional career to be increased as a result of understanding an African American could play professional baseball.

Overall, I enjoyed the reading and its ability to be applied to several facets of life and I really am glad this was the first assigned class reading.

Until next time

Introduction to Sport & Society

Hello,

       My name is Ian Pace this represents my first attempt at blogging so I ask for forgiveness in advance. I am in the second to last semester here at Bowling Green State University. I am currently seeking my master's in Sports Administration while also working as a graduate assistant for the football team. The past two years have provided me with many great experiences. However, with those experiences have also come great trials and tribulations.
       My first year at Bowling Green I worked as academics graduate assistant for the football team. My responsibilities included class checks which have become a staple of our program, grade checks, weekly academic meetings, running study hall and any other academic matter. In short, my first year was busy and I went as hard as I could for as long as I could. This was not only my first year but also the entire football staff's first year. Overall, the staff did a wonderful job the team finished with a 7-5 regular season record and earned a postseason bowl bid to the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho. A contribution I helped assisted in was the eligibility of all 105 team members for the bowl trip. I was and am still extremely proud of this accomplishment especially given all stories heard in the news regarding academically ineligible players.
       As a result of hard work and fortunate opportunities I was given the opportunity to become the offensive graduate assistant for our staff in my second season. I am extremely lucky with this role especially given how many young coaches there are and how hard they all work. This past season was a difficult one as the team struggled to a 2-10 finish. Further, I myself struggled with the concepts of our playbook and am still working to fully grasp the offense. I do know one thing I will work until I have a complete and true understanding of our offense. I love my job and people I work with, so I consider myself to be a truly lucky individual.
       Academically, school at Bowling Green has been good and getting to learn a new topic different from my undergraduate focus of political science has been an excellent experience. Balancing class and work took some transitioning though I have finally grasped the time management skills necessary to achieve a proper balance.
       I am excited to take this course as I usually associate sport with mere physical activity not considering the social implications of sport and fitness. In terms of the most profound book I have read in sport I consider Jim Tressel's Winners Manual extremely influential though I now have a different perspective on it as a result of recent actions undergone by his program in particular playing suspended players in the Sugar Bowl. Furthermore, I enjoyed reading John Wooden's The Greatest Coach Ever as it provided insight from several individuals I look up to and admire.
       Well I hope I didn’t make too many people fall asleep reading this blog. I promise they will get better until next time.