What is an athlete: sports stereotypes
Jack R.
news editor
Every
day, assumptions are made about people based on what they wear, who they hang
out with, and what they do and say. This is even more apparent for people
in the spotlight. Sports (and band) stars are reduced to stereotypes asserted
by their peers. These labels often lead to unfair assumptions made about the
personality of the players. These stereotypes often dictate how people act
and talk towards members of these teams. The following are stereotypes of
certain athletes. Let’s see how these match up against the actual personality
of the athletes:
Football: Classified as the typical jocks. Big, tall, buff, dumb, arrogant, are all common terms. Typically bearded, with short hair. Popular, and know how to party. When not partying, they usually spend time with other football players. Obviously think football is the toughest sport. Considered “players” in relationships. Like to think of themselves as rebels.
Is it true? “I’d like to say it’s about 50-50,” commented sophomore Daniel L. “The physical descriptions are all true, but I know a lot of smart football players. Although many football players fit this stereotype, I can see a lot of exceptions.”
Hockey: Big, buff, well built guys, with either wings or army cut. Typically wearing big Timberland boots, lots of sweats. Seen as very arrogant and “attention needy.” Usually popular, these players immerse themselves in hockey. Not only does playing hockey consume their life, but constantly hanging out with the irteammates further immerses them in cons tant hockey lifestyle. Overuse of the phrases, “bender”, “brah” , and “chyeah man”. The Edina accents don’t help their cause.
Is it true? “This stereotype is pretty much true,” commented junior Timmy O. “They do wear [the boots]. I’m not sure about the phrase, ‘bender’, but they definitely seem to say, ‘light-weight’ a lot.”
Swimmers: Swimmers are typically built tall, with long arms. Have brittle, chlorine-bleached hair from the numerous hours they’ve spent in the pool. They seem to envy the attention given to other sports. Their personalities are laid back. To them, sports don’t matter that much.
Is it true? Sophomore Sarah K. seems to disagree. “We aren’t really envious of other sports, we just know we are the best. Other than that, the crusty hair and tall bodies are usually true.”
Runners: Short, intense, devoted to running, love of pasta and all other carbohydrate-filled foods, short hair cuts, long legs, always are wearing the new track appeal, tennis/ running shoes always on, running always on the brain.
Is it true? “This stereotype is so true, it is sometimes scary,” commented sophomore Jack M., friend of many runners. “All I hear about is running, running, running, whenever I’m near them. They are addicted to running and their carb-filled pot-lucks.”
Bandie: Classified as somewhat nerdy kids, who are constantly immersed in band friends. Live and breathe in a sort of “band cult.” Can be anti-social, and are considered to not be that inclined physically. Always talks about music and band, hums a marching tune while sitting in class.
Is it true? “I don’t know about this stereotype,” commented junior Mary J. “They aren’t always nerdy, some can be really athletic. And I don’t know about the whole humming thing. The only thing I really agree with is the ‘band cult’. The bandies truly seem to have their own faction.”