Last week in class we watched part of the film "Bigger, Stronger, Faster". It was about how performance enhancing anabolic steroids are conceived in in sport culture as well as in American society. The film captured my interest because I have always assumed that anabolic steroids were an adversary to any user. Sure, you could be a spectacular athlete, but the negative affects of steroids far outweighed the benefits in my eyes. I have always been told that drugs in general are essentially bad for anyone to use. Anabolic steroids have always fallen into that category. According to the film, most of the negative side effects from anabolic steroids are only recognized in a small percentage of the user population. So why is it that in modern American society that performance enhancement is frowned upon? Just like the film portrayed, anabolic steroids are the antagonist secret weapon while the hero (usually portrayed patriotically) relies on work ethic and determination. The WWE and Rocky movies are a prime examples of hypocrisy when it comes to the message being delivered and the truth behind those gigantic biceps. After watching the film, I felt that both sides of the issue were addressed equally. As for my opinion on the use of anabolic steroids in sports, I think I still need to do some more research to be persuaded into choosing a side.
-Taylor Ahuero (Kin 332I T/Th 2:00pm)
2 comments:
I was not able to attend class when we watched "Bigger, Stronger, Faster" but I did get to see it when it came out a few years ago. The film completely changed my views on steroids and the people who use them. Like you, I thought they were very bad for your body, and I did not get why athletes risked their health by taking them. I am now more understanding of the people who do decide to take them though, especially if it's for health benefits and in moderate doses. The problem is that athletes who take steroids are seen as cheaters because they abuse them, and I do believe that they get an unfair advantage. Sports today are so competitive that an athlete will do almost anything to gain an advantage over the competition. I just don't think this is fair though because they should all be in an even playing field. The reality is that athletes, and actors are always going to take them and there is no stopping that. Everybody likes a short cut.
Joel Romo (KIN 332I Tu/Th 12:30)
I agree!At first before seeing that film I thought steroids could be compared to other dangerous narcotics. I feel we get this negative image from beign involved in sports in high school and of course the media. I remember watching many films as a high school athlete about how steroids were horrible and what signs and symptoms to watch for (acne and aggression mostly!). After watching the film I had a different view point. I still dont agree on the usage of steroids, but have a more open view on it. Especially when the doctor in the film showed the list of other top related death causes (steroids not even in the top 20). This topic also makes me wonder about blood doping and that controversy...
Kristen Van Well
Kin 332I T/TH 9:30am
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