Distance Learning Assignment (PSU SCANDAL)

The social media has taken the PSU scandal and has directed its attention on how morally wrong the situation is. From what I have been reading and watching it is evident that the media is interpreting the issue of child abuse as a major concern that needs to be addressed. I am relieved that they are not taking the sides of Jerry Sandusky and Joe Paterno by trying to defend their actions or lack thereof. I believe the media wants to provide the complete story of the situation so that the spectators and audience will be better informed about this terrible incident. The issues of power, media, and deviance intersect throughout this situation. PSU’s position of power has shown unashamedly that their concern with football is more important than the safety of our children. Paterno knew of the terrible things Sandusky was doing but decided not to take action because it would have jeopardized the reputation of the football program. The media is trying to expose the people in position of power because they want to show that as a society we need to figure out the issues that are more important. PSU and those that knew about the children being abused portray deviance in this dilemma. If they weren’t linked to a well-known football University then they probably would have spoken out about the issue. The matter of doing what is right and wrong plays a big role in explaining deviance in sport. What we consider acceptable and not acceptable in our society should be the same in sport but those involved in the scandal do not seem to think that abusing children is wrong. I believe that the framework that can best explain this situation would be the critical theory. The issue of child abuse is a prime example of identifying problems, injustices, and exploitation in sports so that we can prevent them from occurring in the future. The issue with Joe Paterno, Jerry Sandusky, and all that were involved gives us new knowledge and has engaged many people in debate about the social issues in sport. This entire situation can be explained through the critical approach because it allows us to understand and address issues in sport and develop way to eliminate them. My personal reaction to the scandal is that I am disgusted with our society. To think that a University and sport is more important than human beings is very wrong. It makes me wonder how much emphasis and importance we put into sports and how it can blind our society to the more important issues. What does it say about our society and culture? Where we put the needs of a football program and University in front of the needs and safety of several abused children. I personally think that it is embarrassing and shameful for those associated with this way of thinking.

Ray Camba
KIN 332I Sec 03 (10767)