Intellectual Prowess vs. Physical Prowess

I would not say I "hate" sports. I enjoy skiing, tennis and hiking when I have the opportunity. I rather participate in than watch or talk about sports. Call me sports "illiterate" in a group that talks about sports as if it was such an "elite" subject. Boo hoo if so and so team loses! I could care less!

As a teacher, athletes are given too much undeserved recognition for doing meaningless activities. The real heroes and heroines are those persons that have the talent to move this country forward and not move around aimlessly on the field or stadium. I am so disturbed by school assemblies that "celebrate" the various teams of athletes by parading them across the gymnasium. It makes students who have outstanding scholastic performance so insignificant.

I find it very irritating to be listening to people around me discussing sports (i.e. outcomes of a game, the plays they saw during a game, and so on)as if they were some "elite" group making those who are "not sports minded" so uncomfortable and idiotic in their world. I perceive their discussions as worthless babble that have no relation to advancing this world intellectually and humanely. I keep forgetting....This is only entertainment, nothing serious.

Actual post:
"I would rather have funding for sports cut than for more enriching school activities such as the performing arts, music, and the decathlon team. It seems like athletes (I am finding a diminishing number of them are stellar students) are given more glory than my students who show demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. So what if they cannot catch/throw a ball or run aimlessly across a field? I am finding so much needless adulation for getting the "banner" than those who received wonderful scholarships to the universities of their choice. Thanks for understanding my view point after teaching for awhile."



A coach's response:
While I share your opinion that performing arts and academic competitions are valuable, I would strongly argue two points.

First, the idea that those activities are somehow more enriching than athletics is ludicrous. All activities enrich student lives, none more important than the other. I see plenty of athletes get into fine universities, and not on athletic scholarships. They are given "more glory" (and with that, a whole lot more criticism) because of the values of the society. And with all due respect, the idea of competition will probably win over simple performance most of the time (ie: what makes money for the schools).

My second argument is that athletics reaches far more kids than performing arts and academic competition. Take a look at school populations and you will find that athletics gives much more "bang for the buck" in enriching kids lives. I think you might be surprised at how many students are involved in athletics.

You seem to be frustrated with the "dumb jock" stereotype. I've found that most athletes are actually good students, and statistics show that athletics make better students. As for giving academic achievement its due, I can't argue with you, but society doesn't find it that important.

I give him credit for presenting his argument thoughtfully and respectfully. I understand his viewpoint very clearly. Yes, I agree that society, in generally does not value academics. I am seeing the scary consequences of it already......