Race in sports is a topic that I feel is overlooked in America. When you look at the history of sports in America you will more than likely see Caucasian or African American athletes excelling in sports. I believe that it is the cultural norm in our society to expect genetically gifted Caucasian or African American athletes to participate in sport because that’s the way it has always been. Being a Filipino-American and living in a society where you aren’t expected to stand out or do extremely well in sports is a harsh reality to deal with. I believe that athletes of different ethnic backgrounds are overlooked in professional sports. American culture is so used to witnessing these predominantly Caucasian and African-American athletes compete in sports. It has become the cultural norm in America to accept that Caucasian and African-American athletes are the cream of the crop when it comes to level of athleticism. It is almost as if they are expected to be natural born athletes that were made specifically to participate in sports. However, Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino boxer who is the only boxer in the world to have achieved eight world titles in eight different weight classes is an anomaly in our society. Here we have an athlete that traveled thousands of miles from the islands of the Philippines and through hard work and dedication has cemented his place in boxing history. Throughout his career he was never expected to be one of the pound for pound greatest boxers to ever live. The large population of Latino and African-American boxers that ruled the sport overshadowed him. But because of his recent success and fame many people are insinuating that he is taking performance enhancing drugs. When I hear accusations that discredit his achievements it makes me think about the cultural norm in America. If Manny Pacquiao were Caucasian or African-American would people be questioning his success? I honestly think that he would be celebrated as a national hero with no questions asked. The people that insinuate that he is on performance enhancing drugs aren’t used to seeing a small Filipino reach a level of greatness in American boxing. I bring this subject to surface because of the long anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Additional drug testing outside of the Nevada State Commission has been requested because Mayweather feels that Pacquiao is taking steroids. I believe that this perspective from Mayweather reveals an issue of race in sport and I believe that America’s perspective needs to change.
Ray Camba (KIN 332I Sec 10767)
http://fightfan.com/2011/09/enhanced-performance-the-natural-progression-of-manny-pacquiao-from-light-flyweight-to-welterweight/
1 comment:
I found this entry interesting because I can relate the issue of race and sport. I am also a Filipino and I have come to realize that people of my ethnic background are not physically built for the intensity of most sports. The typical Filipino is short which alone prevents the ability to excel in most sports as most sports hold height as an important trait. I agree that Americans are so used to seeing Caucasian and African-Americans dominating the majority of sports, that they believe these people are the only ones who are capable of excelling. I also believe that it is quite unfair that Pacquiao is being criticized by the masses. The evidence that is out there is more than sufficient to prove Manny has worked hard to achieve his status now.
I also agree that if Manny Pacquiao was African-American or Caucasian, people wouldn't doubt his success. The article attached to the entry shows that Mayweather and Pacquiao have gained weight at the same pace. So, if they question the use of performance enhancing drugs with Manny then they should also question Floyd.
Philip Samia
005035587
KIN 332I T/TH 12:30-1:45
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