The critical analysis of the power of sports could without difficulty have been titled “The Lack of the Power of Sports.” This becomes especially relevant when one takes a close look at athletes like Muhammad Ali, John Carlos, and Tommie Smith who demonstrated historical self-respect in the 60s, and compares them to athletes of our present day.
One must praise and positively acknowledge Ali for his refusal to go fight in the Vietnam War with his memorable phrase, “No Vietcong ever called me a n*****,” which resulted in Ali being taken away from the sport of boxing in possibly the best years of his fighting career. Even though Ali understood the consequences that would come from this statement, his comprehension of the political power that his sport afforded him was much more important.
The same can be said for sprinters Carlos’ and Smith’s stand during the 1968 Olympics. Their Black Power salute after winning the bronze and gold medals in the 200-meter dash made it impossible to obtain endorsements or even jobs, for that matter. Fortunately, these men took the power of sports into their own hands to bring attention to the unequal treatment and oppression of their time.
Today, the power of sports has become even more apparent. This could be related to technological advancements in the media like the Internet, cellular phones, digital cable and the endorsement of numerous products. (Unfortunately, the need for action brings to light the lack of power in sports due to these unprecedented accomplishments.) The athlete today would much rather cash out on a big sneaker contract than take advantage of the power that he or she has gained through his or her sport.
This point brings to mind one of my very own role models as an adolescent, Michael Jordan. I was reminded that Jordan was great but did nothing more than to set the standard for athletes to do absolutely zero with there power.