How Athletes Can Help Homosexuals

A Toronto Blue Jays shortstop, Yunel Escobar, recently had a gay slur written in Spanish on his eye black tape. It got me thinking about the role and expectations in a growing topic such as homosexuality in America. Then I saw an article on nytimes.com about the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates and his recent disclosure as a gay.

One section in particular made me think about the role professional athletes play regarding young kids and their opinions on topics such as gays: "One reason there has been so much attention lately to statements about homosexuality, supportive and derogatory, from prominent male athletes is that they inhabit a stubborn bastion of reductively defined masculinity, and many impressionable kids take their cues from it." It paints the picture that being gay makes that person not manly or have "defined masculinity". I can be open in saying that I am NOT gay, but have no reason to be in opposition of men or women taking part in same-sex marriage. If that is their choice so be it, it is not my business.

However, this article and topic did get me thinking that role models to younger kids, and professional athletes and owners certainly are important to boys in America, should be open in expressing their beliefs and interests, because otherwise it can give the wrong impressions regarding certain issues. Do you think that owners and athletes such as the Pirates' owner Kevin McClatchy is taking steps in the right direction?

Yunel Escobar sporting his controversial eye black

Guns in America

I remember my grandpa telling me how he keeps an unloaded pistol in his bedroom in case he ever were to need it. Do keep in mind that he is 75 years old, and I have to question whether he knows how to operate it to begin with. Anyway, I came across a gun lovers video on nytimes.com, and it made me think about our country and our gun policy that is etched into the bill of rights.

In the video, residents of Colorado who live near the past shootings at Columbine and the Batman movie theatre incident express their concern for the safety of themselves and their families. Many of these people have gone and got their concealed gun license to keep a pistol on them at all times. It is my personal belief that increased gun owners will only escalate the issue of gun control in America. I do not believe that weapons as powerful as guns should be obtained as easily as taking a few courses to get certified.

The video also states the fact that a possessed killer like the one at the theatre would find another way outside of a gun to mass murder people. This is definitely true, but if gun laws were a bit stricter it would be taking steps in the right direction.

I am all for freedom in our great country, but gun policies should be changed, and changed for the betterment of our people and safety.

What do you think of the second amendment and current gun policies? Do you think things should be changed and why.

The American Ideal (or not quite)

When I was scrolling through ABC News tonight, I came across an article about pole dancing classes for kids in Canada. It caught my eye because through my life (granted its not been very long) I had never heard of kids or anyone actively training to become a strip pole dancer. Now, there might be studies that say pole dancing for women is a good exercise that can be fun, but to me it goes against the American ideal. 

At least in my community and household, it is never promoted for a young woman to pursue a career in pole dancing. Quite frankly, it is frowned upon. While this article refers to a Canadian program that "will offer pole dancing classes for children as young as five", the picture associated with the story shows girls dancing on poles at the Las Vegas Stripper University. This leads me to believe that America is not far behind Canada.   

(Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez/AFP/Getty Images)

I am not trying to argue that pole dancing is not a career, because for some people it is--such as the women attending LVSU. What I am trying to say is that the example Canada is setting with these classes for little girls is not a positive one. If this class leaked its way into America, I wonder what reaction most mothers of little girls would have. I believe the traditional American ideal would be to reject the idea for promoting the wrong ideas for their children. One might think I sound like an old stiff trying to stick to old American values, but I do think there is something to be said about classes for little girls on the pole (and even the university built around the profession).  I don't believe these classes are progressive for the country in any way, shape, or form. All I know is that if one day I have a little girl of my own, I would be sure to not sign her up for a program like this. What is your take on pole dancing classes for young girls or young adults at a university?

The Best League on the Planet

It can be easy as an American to be closed-minded, to think that we are the best at everything we do. However, when it comes to the sports world, we need to look to Europe and the Barclays Premier League.

After seeing this match at the end of last season, it confirmed my belief that this is the premier league on the planet. Manchester City, looking to win its first league title in decades, was losing at home to Queens Park Rangers, a club trying to keep its head above water and avoid relegation. The video should explain itself:

This soccer (or 'football') league is widely considered the pinnacle of the sport, and I believe it is the best league in the world. Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet, and it is easy to see why when all you need is a ball--the rest can be improvised by the players. It is a sport that allows the poorest nations on the globe feel connected with the richest: they are united by a ball and two goals.

This morning, I was watching some English Premier League action, a match between Manchester United, a league powerhouse, and newly promoted Southampton. For those of you who don't know, most european soccer leagues have multiple divisions of play. It can be compared to the baseball system we have here in the States, with the MLB, AAA, AA, and A leagues. However overseas the best teams from a lower league get promoted up one division at the end of the season, and the worst sides from a superior league get relegated. Getting back on track, these two league polar opposites faced off this morning, and shockingly the small market Southampton Saints took a 2-1 lead into the second half. ManU was left pushing for an equalizer, and in the 87th minute new signing Robin Van Persie found it when a shot deflected off the post and gave him an easy sitter to score. Then in stoppage time, the dutchman found the game winner by scoring with his head off a corner kick.

The late drama is a recurring theme in the league, and the excitement it presents is immense and entertaining for all. The big (and small) spenders, exciting goals, and international popularity of the league leave me entertained time after time, and why I see the EPL as the best league in the world.

What do you believe is the best sports league in the world and why?