Monday, March 12, 2018

Shut up And Dribble

Discussion Questions: Shut up And Dribble

Article link:


Do athletes say have meaning in our society?


Are athletes appropriate spokespeople for current issues?


Do athletes have a responsibility to speak out on current topics?


23 comments:

  1. Of course their statements have meaning in our society .  They are very important people who play important roles in society as outstandingly talented performers and as role models for young fans. They play a prominent role in American culture because athletes are always on television and doing promotions for sponsorships that they have.  They are very visible. This makes them very important, and so what they have to say has equal merit to what others say. If people so not like what athletes say or even how they say it, then they can choose to ignore it, but to tell them to “shut up” is going way too far. Athletes are definitely appropriate spokespeople for current issues because they are living and breathing humans and in America we believe in the freedom of speech. I am actually deeply impressed by Lebron James.  He handled it so well even giving her the win because now he knows who Ingraham is and before he didn’t.  He didn’t engage her about her comments on his grammar as a man of color.  He rose above the attack and made it clear that he was the rational person in the conversation and that what he had to say definitely mattered. As role models athletes like Lebron James shouldn’t ever just be quiet and play their game.  They should do as much as they can for the current issues that they feel strongly about.  Espeically those who are rich men of color, I think they have a responsibility to talk about the issues impacting people of color. I think that Laura Ingraham is a relatively horrible person.  What she said about James shutting up and playing basketball is just so misguided. First, this is America and we love the rich so why can’t this rich person talk? He makes more money than Ingrham for sure.  And what is her problem with his speaking out?  This is a free country for sure, and not just the elite of television should have control over the airwaves.  She was being so rude and so self-righteous.  Does it take a college degree to know when the American culture is not working well for men of color? The answer is obviously negative, but his being a man of color is all he needs.  She comes across as entirely dismissive if not so biased as to be racist.

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  2. I believe that athletes definitely do have a say and their say does have meaning in our society today. This is because, many people look up to these athletes as role models and incredible sport performers. In addition, many of us see these athletes every day either on TV or social media. Deeming that many people are listening to these athletes. They're platform gives them the power to make a difference and they are therefore appropriate spokespeople for current issues in the US. In the article, Lebron James had heard of Ingraham's rude comments toward him but did not engage and presented himself in a logical way. Instead, he used her comments to create even more awareness about the social injustices we see and take part in everyday. He was able to handle the situation with ease. Although I do not think that athletes necessarily have a responsibility to speak out on current issues and topics; I do believe that exercising your say and opinion in our free country is acceptable and should not be looked down upon.

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  3. Athletes have huge meaning in our society. Their platforms are huge which have tons of followers, both young and old. They also have the right to free speech and talk about what they want. Because they have such a large platform, it is important to spread information correctly. Yes, athletes are appropriate spokespeople for current issues. Athletes have such a large platform that they can touch so many people. LeBron James, for instance, has such a following that his point of view on current issues touches so many and he actually has some political power. I think athletes aren't “responsible” for speaking out on issues, but I think if they have a strong opinion, they should speak out. Athletes aren’t “responsible” for speaking on issues because if they aren’t informed, I would rather them not spread false information. A player like LeBron James, who has such a large platform, who is such an opinionated person, should and will speak out for what is right. He is influencing people of all ages and is speaking for those who don't have a voice like he does. A person like Ingraham shouldn't dismiss LeBron's comments because he will have more outreach and he has arguably more political power than she does.

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  5. I believe that athletes in our society have a much greater purpose than just playing a sport. They are role models and heroes to many, adults and children. People look up to them and value what they have to say. So answering the question whether or not they have a voice in our society, I believe they absolutely do. I do not believe that athletes have a responsibility to speak out on current issues, but their voice should be heard and valued should they choose to speak out. I find it horrible that anyone in our society thinks differently. Anyone from any walk of life deserves to be heard with open ears regardless of proffesion or reputation. This being said athletes are appropriate spokesmen for current issues. In my opinion, there is no one person or type of person that is an appropriate spokesperson. Part of what makes our country such a great place is that we get to hear different opinions from different people. This creates much more diverse conversations and points of view. I think this issue as a whole brings attention to the fact that not everyone's voice is being heard with open arms. This is an oppurtunity to make a change for the betterment of the way our society is ran, and in the long run this will create more diversity and acceptance to various topics.

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  6. I believe athletes have huge roles in our society. Athletes are role models and looked up to by hundreds of thousands, so it is incredibly important that they use their unique platform to spread positive messages. I personally get annoyed from time to time when athletes get very political, but their platforms can be used for other ways. Of course, it is not a responsibility for athletes to voice their opinions, and it also is not appropriate for it to be their only concern, but if an athlete wants to spread a message of positivity, especially with their given spotlight, it is perfectly acceptable.

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  7. Athletes voices do have meaning in our society and country because of their platform and ability to reach millions of people. Their words not only have meaning because they our athletes, but also because it is one of their basic rights as a human. Piggybacking off of my statement before, just because they are athletes does not make them the best person to speak on an issue at all times. Most of them aren't experts and most likely know as much as us on certain topics. However, if an athlete is passionate about a current or certain issue then they are a great way to spread awareness or support a cause. Athletes do not have a responsibility to their fans to speak out on issues because it is up to them to speak out or not, not an obligation. There main job is as a professional sports player, and while we have come to expect mainstream athletes to tweet and post on instagram, but it's not always common among all players.

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  8. Yes I believe that what athletes have to say is meaningful to our society. Most athletes are role models and people look up to them. They are able to spread more messages and awareness because of the platform they have created for themselves. Yes I think that athletes have every right to speak up about issues. It is our first amendment that we have freedom of speech, and I think that the way athletes can report on issues is impactful on kids. Kids like to follow their role models and if they are standing up for what's right then more people will also. I do not think that it is their responsibility but their right. Athletes find pleasure in speaking up and advocating for the US. They do not care about opinions, so they say what they believe is the right thing.

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  9. I think athletes actually have a major say in our society because of how huge sports are and how big a lot of these athletes are on social media. I do think athletes are appropriate spokespeople for current issues because like I said before a lot of the time they speak about current issues is on social media and that is where a lot of people get their news from. Just because they play basketball or other sports for a living doesn't mean there opinion shouldn't be taking seriously. I don't think they have a responbilty to speak out but I do think it's very important for them to do so.

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  10. I believe that what athletes say definitely have meaning to our society. They are people who live in today's society and are exposed to many of problems in the nation. I feel like athletes and celebrities are at the perfect position to speak out and actually have people listen to what they say. Many athletes who have made it big had to go through trials and tribulations in order to reach where they are. Lebron James had to make it out the gutter and Jimmy Butler was homeless before he signed a contract in the NBA. For Lebron, he sees the racism and racial discrimination in the nation and as such a prominent figure in society, his voice will be heard. I believe that athletes definitely have some sort of responsibility to speak out. Like I said, they hold such a high platform and thus they are the most able to influence some sort of change.

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  11. Athletes should have a say in our society, as they are great role models for younger generations. Instilling an idea of politics in viewers when they pay attention to their favorite athletes is absolutely beneficial.Athletes are appropriate spokespeople for current issues, as they reach a large audience and have only the best interests of their team and culture in mind. Athletes are good leaders, even if all they are paid to do is “bounce a ball”. They are the best spokespeople as they are well respected for their sport, and so reaching out to the community is made that much easier.They absolutely have a responsibility to speak out on current topics because they have the most exposure to press. If they have the ability to expose wrongdoings or promote change, they should always choose to speak out.

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  12. Athlete's opinions definitely have meaning in society. Just because an athlete's profession does not have anything to do with politics or they may not have received a higher level degree does not mean they do not have the basic rights of free speech. Athletes have some of the biggest platforms in the United States, and just by stating their opinion they are bringing attention to some of the biggest issues in our country. People do not have to agree with these opinions, as each person has a right to believe what they want, but an athlete's comments can bring conversation and discussion towards a problem that we want to solve. By facilitating this discussion, athletes help to progress towards making our country a better place for all. While I do not think that athletes have to speak out or be political, I do think that if they want to, they should definitely be able and their opinions should not be ridiculed or cost them anything.

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  13. I think any athlete that has an audience is responsible for speaking their truth. With that, of course their thoughts actually hold value and meaning. If people look up to others and hold their opinion high, then the value is right there. The impact is right there in plain sight as well. Anything related to the people, should be spoken about by all those affected. That definitely includes professional athletes as well.

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  14. I definitely believe that athletes should be able to use their platform for whatever they desire. After all, they are the people with a following and should be allowed to express how they feel about a specific issue. Any person with power or public figure should be able to express their beliefs. Athletes can express any belief they want, whether those beliefs are valued is up to the public. However, because athletes have a platform and can be idolized by the public, they must have caution when expressing their beliefs. Whenever someone has the power to influence, they must be careful not to preach bad things to people that listen to them. Overall, athletes have a say and they have the opportunity to make a difference in the world, whether or not they choose to highlight specific issues is up to them.

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  15. Athletes have a huge meaning in our society. They are one of the biggest influencers in the world who have the power to spread their own opinion faster than most. They are seen as role models for the youth of our nation and all across the world. I think athletes are definitely a good spokesperson for current issues because people look up to them and they do have the right of freedom of speech. Athletes do not have a responsibility to speak out but they do have power to spread opinion which could giver some athletes the responsibility.

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  16. Athletes defiantly have meaning in our society, every kids looks up to professional athletes and are inspired by them. If a athlete talks about a topic then people are going to listen and maybe agree with them. Athletes are seen as role models to people all over the country. I think athletes are appropriate spokespeople for current issues because they are able to have their own options about topics. I don't think athletes have a responsibility to speak out but if they want to they could. I think more famous athletes are more of a role model then a athlete who doesn't play. The athletes inspire kids everyday and they do need to talk about important issues.

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  17. Everyone has a say in our society, not just the athletes, although they have a large influence on the world. Athletes are seen as role models for the youth across the world. Athletes can be good spokespersons for any issues but in terms of current issues, yes they have their freedoms as much as other people although I Don't think athletes have a responsibility to speak on these current issues because it's a choice if they speak on this issues or not.


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  18. Do athletes say have meaning in our society?
    Athletes do have a meaning in our society because they have a voice. They are known and very popular public figures, so if something is wrong and the acknowledge it, they have a chance to tell the world about it and create awareness.
    Are athletes appropriate spokespeople for current issues?
    I think that some are and some aren't because what ever they say is their own opinion. Some people can agree with what they say and some might not, but after all, athletes are humans like everyone else so they are definitely allowed to share their opinion on things to the world.
    Do athletes have a responsibility to speak out on current topics?
    They don't have a responsibility because their job doesn't require that, but if they do something is wrong, they have the right to tell people. I think a lot of people don't understand that athletes are just telling people their view on things, which makes many judge and not like that they do this.

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  20. What athletes have to say certainly has meaning in our society. These are public figures who are admired by many, and are prominent in media and news. Most people have a general idea of who Lebron James is, and recognize that he is a well-respected member of society given his talents. Beyond all this, athletes are given a platform to speak upon, and many have developed a large following/fanbase who pay attention to what opinions these athletes have. Just because they are skillful in a sport, does not mean that what they have to say is less valuable than anyone else (perhaps even more valuable).
    Going along with this idea, I fully believe that athletes are appropriate spokespeople for current issues. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and with the built-in platform that many of these athletes have, they are the perfect spokespeople for issues. They can easily garner attention towards a certain aspect of society they wish to show activism for, and many die-hard fans live by these athlete’s words.
    I do think it is up to the athlete to decide whether or not they wish to speak out upon current topics. Public figures’ words run the risk of being twisted, and many athletes refrain from using their platforms to speak out -- turning to chirping at teammates and tweeting about sports. This should not be seen as a bad thing though, given that these athletes are real humans who have the right to keep their opinions to themselves.

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  21. I defiantly think that what athletes say has meaning in our society. Just because you are a athlete doesn't mean that they are exempt from sharing their views and opinions. An athlete's viewpoint has no more power over anyone else's except for the fact that they have fans that will listen to what they say. I think that athletes are appropriate spokespeople for current issues, because of their popularity it will only do the debate good by opening it up to more people. I don't think athletes have a responsibility to speak out on issues, but if they would like to they can.

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  22. I believe that athletes have far greater meaning in our society beyond their physical abilities. Given that they come from different racial, gender, and ethnic backgrounds, athletes are a representation of the general public and should speak out on important issues. Athletes provide a voice for those who otherwise may not be heard. While some argue that athletes are not well educated or have a great enough internal political efficacy to make certain claims, this is completely invalid. Regardless of intelligence or educational or political backgrounds, every American citizen has the right to voice their opinion as long as it is done peacefully. Therefore, athletes do have the right to speak out on issues.

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  23. Although athletes have a huge say in our society, everyone else has a say in our society, although they have a huge impact on the world. Athletes should be able to express their opinions and views on all topics including unsports related topics. Fans will typically will listen to the athletes because theyre someone many people idol, and share a platform. By talking about and brining attention to current issues they're bringing a larger group of people to debate. Just because they play basketball does not mean that their opinion should not be taken seriously.

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