lit #3
"Used Goods": Former African American College Student-Athletes' Perception of
Exploitation by Division I Universities by Krystal K. Beamon
Summary:
Beamon focuses on the stigma and stereotypes of athletics in African American communities. She discusses the negative effects of its overemphasis, causing children to grow up with unrealistic career dreams and less of a drive for education. With this, it can be seen that a large gap between graduation rates of African American vs White student-athletes, due to academic unpreparedness for the rigor of university. Even if they do graduate, Black students rarely even get the benefits of their college degree, in that they typically graduate with majors in "less competitive 'jock courses' of dubious educational value and occupational relevance... Colleges exploit the talent of Black athletes and deny these same athletes access to a quality education as well as limiting employment opportunities of Black athletes after their career ends." Additionally, universities do very little to mend this problem, as they have created a very clear emphasis on the importance of training over academia, leaving very little time for studying and going to classes, especially time-consuming classes that are typically necessary for a career-driven major. In other words, colleges make it very difficult for athletes to find a healthy balance between student and athlete. Additionally, it is importance to factor in added fatigue from the physical strain of constant training and decreased morale to even attend class.
Author: Krystal K. Beamon
Key Terms:
Social Reproduction Theory
- Proponents of this theory argue that "the function of schools is to recreate the conditions needed to reproduce the social division of labor." With this, schools impart different social classes and social groups with the skills required to maintain the "status quo" of the labor force split up by race, gender, and class. This can be seen in the case of African American student-athletes today in that they are only praised for their physical abilities rather than being provided a fair platform for academic achievement as well. Another example of this is the overrepresentation of Blck athletes but little to no representation of African Americans holding high positions such as coaches, athletic directors, and managers.
Quotes:
1. "The overemphasis on sports participation has drained Black talent away from other areas of economic and cultural success and argues that the push toward athletics as seen within Black families is hindering the social and cognitive growth of African American youth. Furthermore, the mass media constantly deluges society with images glorifying African American men who are successful by employing avenues connected with sports and reinforces the stereotype of African American males as exclusively athletically talented" (352 Beamon)
2. "As a result of overrepresentation of African Americans in revenue-generating sports, it is estimated that these student-athletes have earned more than a quarter of a trillion dollars over a 40-year period; and even if 100% of African American athletes earned degrees, the economic value of those degrees would only be 5% of the total value of their athletic contribution
- Being that these sports generate so much money for the universities, the need for superior athletes often leads to educational neglect. Colleges tend to care more about the exploiting the athletes for their athletic capabilities than fostering their academic potential.
3. "Student-athletes work under numerous constraints. These constraints include the inability to change majors or drop courses because of eligibility requirements or choose majors that may offer courses during times set aside for sports participation (i.e. majors such as architecture or chemistry with afternoon labs). While students who are not athletes have the freedom to explore courses and majors, spend time on internships, drop and add courses with changing needs and focus on finding a career that suits their abilities, many student-athletes do not share these liberties."
Summary:
Beamon focuses on the stigma and stereotypes of athletics in African American communities. She discusses the negative effects of its overemphasis, causing children to grow up with unrealistic career dreams and less of a drive for education. With this, it can be seen that a large gap between graduation rates of African American vs White student-athletes, due to academic unpreparedness for the rigor of university. Even if they do graduate, Black students rarely even get the benefits of their college degree, in that they typically graduate with majors in "less competitive 'jock courses' of dubious educational value and occupational relevance... Colleges exploit the talent of Black athletes and deny these same athletes access to a quality education as well as limiting employment opportunities of Black athletes after their career ends." Additionally, universities do very little to mend this problem, as they have created a very clear emphasis on the importance of training over academia, leaving very little time for studying and going to classes, especially time-consuming classes that are typically necessary for a career-driven major. In other words, colleges make it very difficult for athletes to find a healthy balance between student and athlete. Additionally, it is importance to factor in added fatigue from the physical strain of constant training and decreased morale to even attend class.
Author: Krystal K. Beamon
Key Terms:
Social Reproduction Theory
- Proponents of this theory argue that "the function of schools is to recreate the conditions needed to reproduce the social division of labor." With this, schools impart different social classes and social groups with the skills required to maintain the "status quo" of the labor force split up by race, gender, and class. This can be seen in the case of African American student-athletes today in that they are only praised for their physical abilities rather than being provided a fair platform for academic achievement as well. Another example of this is the overrepresentation of Blck athletes but little to no representation of African Americans holding high positions such as coaches, athletic directors, and managers.
Quotes:
1. "The overemphasis on sports participation has drained Black talent away from other areas of economic and cultural success and argues that the push toward athletics as seen within Black families is hindering the social and cognitive growth of African American youth. Furthermore, the mass media constantly deluges society with images glorifying African American men who are successful by employing avenues connected with sports and reinforces the stereotype of African American males as exclusively athletically talented" (352 Beamon)
2. "As a result of overrepresentation of African Americans in revenue-generating sports, it is estimated that these student-athletes have earned more than a quarter of a trillion dollars over a 40-year period; and even if 100% of African American athletes earned degrees, the economic value of those degrees would only be 5% of the total value of their athletic contribution
- Being that these sports generate so much money for the universities, the need for superior athletes often leads to educational neglect. Colleges tend to care more about the exploiting the athletes for their athletic capabilities than fostering their academic potential.
3. "Student-athletes work under numerous constraints. These constraints include the inability to change majors or drop courses because of eligibility requirements or choose majors that may offer courses during times set aside for sports participation (i.e. majors such as architecture or chemistry with afternoon labs). While students who are not athletes have the freedom to explore courses and majors, spend time on internships, drop and add courses with changing needs and focus on finding a career that suits their abilities, many student-athletes do not share these liberties."
This looks like a great article, and really enlarged our view of how college sports hinders minority student success.
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