People coming from minorities have always argued that they cannot contribute to the development of culture. The reason for it is that majorities control the process entirely, not giving the former the opportunities to participate. However, numerous individuals believe that everyone can get involved, as long as they invest enough time and effort. Unfortunately, they appear to miss the point and ignore an incredible amount of evidence, which proves that minorities are often repressed indirectly. It is evident in sports, which are a product of dominant cultural beliefs. They shape the way most people perceive athletics and athletes and destroy the opportunities of those belonging to minorities. Numerous cases prove it and motivate people to speak up and take action in order to make sports less prejudiced and more prosperous.
First, many people used to think that blacks are physically more assertive, while whites are more intellectually capable. Even though such opinions are rarely expressed nowadays, they are still prevalent among millions of individuals unaware of it. They do not admit that they hold this view, though their thoughts, words, and actions prove it. It plays a critical role in sports where both physical and mental strengths and weaknesses are significant.
In the article discussing two heavyweight champions, it is noted that “the superiority of the brain of the white man to that of the black, we are told, is undisputed by all authorities” (The psychology of the prize fight, n.d., p. 57). This claim is entirely unreasonable and biased, discouraging athletes and spreading stereotypes. It negatively affects the development of sports by promoting dominant cultural beliefs.
Second, it may seem shocking that females could not enter sports for a very long period. They were unable to fulfill their potential, as society considered them to be a mere attribute of males. Women were thought to be unable to compete on their own, and those who endeavored to step out of the frame encountered a multitude of challenges. The story of Kathrine Switzer, who was among the first females to run the Boston Marathon, proved to the world that women are capable of participating in sports events showing promising results. In her memoir, she recalled the moment when her coach said that 26 miles is a long distance for fragile women (Switzer, n.d.). However, she proved the opposite and set females’ sport forward in spite of dominant cultural beliefs.
Third, indigenous people have always been repressed by majorities, and their sports and approaches to training have been eliminated. Forsyth (2020) notes, “the history of sports and physical activity in Canada is not a history of empowerment or inclusion but of containment, control, and elimination” (p. 44). Minorities were deprived of their unique practices due to the government’s effort to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture. Unfortunately, indigenous people could not contribute to the development of sports, as their opportunities were considerably reduced by dominant cultural beliefs. Hence, sports were mostly a product of leading cultures rather than a mixture of diverse practices and worldviews.
Finally, racism stays prevalent in sports nowadays, discouraging minorities from working diligently to play a role in the development of culture. Numerous athletes do not believe in their strengths because of severe criticism produced by coaches, teammates, and fans. Waneek Horn-Miller, a former member of the Canadian women’s water polo team, succeeded in turning anger generated by racism into motivation.
She stated that Canadians should face tough talks concerning the issue more often in order to ensure that their children can fulfill their potential despite their backgrounds (Heroux, 2020). It is essential to reduce the enormous influence of dominant cultural beliefs and let sports become more diverse and flourishing. Nevertheless, few athletes have enough power, dedication, and opportunities to speak up and confront racism. The control of leading cultures is so potent and far-reaching, and it is impossible to withstand it in most cases. Hence, numerous talented athletes are left behind, having no chance to show their remarkable capacity and make an impact.
In conclusion, it is evident that the fact that sports are a product of dominant cultural beliefs is a severe problem. Many people, both black and whites, believe that the latter is more intellectual due to some biological factors. Women could not enter sports, as society considered them to be weak and unable to compete. The government eliminated the approaches of indigenous people from practicing different sports. Eventually, a multitude of athletes faces indirect, as well as direct, racism on a regular basis. All the evidence mentioned above clearly demonstrates that majorities shape the development of sports, leaving few opportunities for minorities.
They have complete control over the process, and it negatively affects sports themselves. Diversity and inclusion are essential for them to flourish and evolve successfully. Dominant cultural beliefs have always restricted the process by discouraging women and minorities. Even though more and more individuals invest much time and effort to change the system and bring about positive outcomes, they have achieved little so far because of the potent influence of leading cultures.
References
Forsyth, J. (2020). Reclaiming Tom Longboat: Indigenous self-determination in Canadian sport. University of Regina Press.
Heroux, D. (2020). ‘Polite’ racism infects Canada says Olympian who was on front lines of Oka protests 30 years ago. CBC. Web.
Switzer, K. (n.d.). The real story. Kathrine Switzer – Marathon Woman. Web.
The psychology of the prize fight. (n.d.). Science and Discovery, 57-58. Web.