Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Murder Ball

The movie Murder ball that we watched in class was very interesting because it took you into the lives of these Paralympics competitors. It somewhat touched a little bit on each topic we have discussed in class. As far as race and how the 12 different countries were out to get the Americans. It also touched on how the athletes perceive themselves and how they think they are perceived in society. One athlete said he didn’t want to go outside to get the newspaper because he was worried about what people would think of him. The sexual ability of the athletes was really interesting to hear about because I was really curious about that and I’m assuming most people are. Another thing I found interesting was the Canadian Coach’s son who was an able body person and still chooses not to play sports. It showed how children that are into sports tend to be less social or confident, that the boy would get picked on all the time because he was an outcast. This part of the film touched on children in sports.

Alexander Cartagena

3 comments:

Kerrie Kauer said...

Definitely an interesting movie as it touched an array of social issues in the short amount of time that we did watch it. It was crazy how the Canadian coach came about to coaching that team. I guess no matter what experiences he, or any of those other athletes had in life, they were still ultra-competitive as they had moved on with their lives. The son was an interesting subject. I think that since his dad was such a stud in the sport and hard-nosed, he wouldn't be able to fulfill his dad's wishes no matter how good he became. Look at the way the dad gloats about his trophies. On another note, I still wouldn't feel comfortable taking a swing at somebody in a wheelchair, no matter the scenario, but that's me.

-German Bravo

Kerrie Kauer said...

I really enjoyed watching the film, Murderball. If you watched the athletes from waist up, you would never have guessed that they had a disability. It comes to show that anybody can be just as aggressive and have that desire performing what they love. In terms with the Canadian coach’s son, I really would worry about him because if the son choose not to do sports and rather focus more at academics and music, I wonder how the father would approach him. Would the father encourage the son’s best qualities or would he push him to play sports even if he is not good. I focus on the child’s interest because he is going to be developing his own self-esteem not under his father’s wing. This boy is already isolating himself in grade school, what happens to him in high school? This is an example of the future youth, regardless if it is related to sports or academics. Children need supportive parents and encourage them in a positive way.
Rhona Barroquillo
KIN 332i. S3200
T/TH 1230p-145p

Kerrie Kauer said...

I think it was a really good documentary. I have a lot of respect for any disabled athlete, willing to play harder than most pro athlete today. They play with a lot of passion even if they are not being paid. They represent everything that is good about sports. It's real raw emotion, without the drama of an over paid pro athlete. The only concern I have is the coaches son, because he seems like he is being pushed by his dad to do things that he does not like. Overall the whole movie was great.

Kevin Horton
KIN 332i. S3200