Saturday, December 12, 2009

Kobe Demonstrating Deviant Overconformity

After searching for some highlights in the NBA, I came across the Lakers’ recap video posted on 12/11 on the Yahoo! Sports website. It is the recap on the Timberwolves vs. Lakers game where Kobe injured his right finger and still finishes the first quarter and leaves the second quarter to check it out. He comes back in the second half to play. And the video shows Kobe making a left handed lay-up proving that he still can play. Kobe ends up with 20 points and 5 rebounds that game. This ties into deviant overconformity because this includes “supranormal actions” and playing with a fracture is one example of this. Kobe probably is deviant in this way because of the sport ethic’s norms of dedication to “the game”, strive for distinction, accept no obstacles in the pursuit of success, and accept risks and play through pain. In society’s eyes, when an athlete such as Kobe follows the sport ethic and models society’s values, they become likable.

M. Peyton
KIN332I Class#: 3017
Section: 03

1 comment:

Kerrie Kauer said...

Yea, unfortunately no one even questioned why Kobe stayed in the game. It's as if it is normal to play with pain. And if you don't play through an injury, you are a punk. I am sure a lot of injuries can be prevented if we ended this thinking as a society. But hey, what can you say to argue? Kobe still came into the game and played like he hadn't just broken a bone in his finger. It is a catch-22.

Isis Roberts
kin 332I.
S3200