Response to Felicia’s post Oh Crosby…

Response to Felicia’s post Oh Crosby…: http://305upinflames.blogspot.com/

Crosby is definitely a good example for the consequences of violence in sports.

In 2010-11, the Pittsburg Penguins captain sustained a concussion as a result of hits to the head in back-to-back games. The injury left him sidelined for ten and a half months. However after returning in the 2011-2012 season, his concussion-like symptoms returned causing him to hang up his skates once again (still unable to return to the game at this time).

As you stated the hit was a “blindsided hit” and could possible end Crosby’s career (although he is scheduled to return to the game this month). Crosby’s concussion-like symptoms returned December 2011, possibly following an elbow hit in his eighth game of the season. Even if it doesn’t end his career he will always suffer side effects of his injuries as a result of the double concussions in a year. As you stated he has been experiencing concussion like symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. Returning to the sport and playing in such a physically demanding environment is very dangerous to his health both now and in the future. With that being said, playing high-risk sports or physically demanding sports always has its fallbacks- injuries are inevitable (especially in hockey where body contact is allowed and fighting constantly occurs).

I agree that it is never smart to resort to violence, especially when its sole purpose is for entertainment! Violence in sports can be brought on for several reasons. The obvious reason is competition. Violence is accepted in many aspects of sports as it is seen as part of the competitive nature of the sport. In reference to Tracy Trothen’s article Holy Acceptable Violence? Canadian professional hockey is masked with unnecessary amounts of violence. Issues occur when the acceptance of violence is accepted as a normative behavior. As a result it is difficult to distinguish between morally acceptable versus morally wrong behaviors- which can be seen in the “blindsided hit” Crosby experienced from another player. What makes violence in hockey acceptable? It is not okay to use the players competitive nature as an explanation for dangerous acts of violence. Violent behaviors in sports have a negative effect on the victimized athletes- in terms of long-term and short-term consequences.

Christianity and violence in sports

Violence in sports can be brought on for several reasons. The obvious reason is competition. In certain cases human nature can override a person’s consciousness, which could escalate into many problems (one being violent behavior). The theme of this weeks class was an interplay between sports, religion and violence. In Holy Acceptable Violence? Tracy Trothen discussed the unnecessary nature of violence in Canadian professional hockey. This violence is relative to the violence portrayed in Jesus’ crucifixion. The issue that occurs is the acceptance of violence as a normative behavior. As a result it is difficult and unclear what constitutes as morally acceptable versus morally wrong behaviors. The question of banning fighting in hockey has been a heated debate over the years as the violence escalates and the competition heats up. As a casual hockey fan I cannot provide an adequate answer for that debate. In any sport- football, boxing, basketball, hockey, soccer or baseball- athletes can lose their tempers in the heat of the game and turn to violence. Why then did Trothen decide to focus on hockey instead of sports based on fighting and violence such as mixed martial arts(MMA)?

UFC and MMA comprise a profitable mainstream business of entertainment of violence.. but what exactly are individuals paying to see? MMA and UFC offer a simple formula- two people are put into an enclosed space (usually an octagon cage) and fight until one of them is deemed unfit (too injured to continue) by the referee or the athlete ‘taps out’ which mean they can no longer fight or take being beaten. Protective gear worn by the fighters usually consists of a mouth guard and padded gloves (their heads are exposed and an easy target). It is hard to imagine there is a sport whose sole purpose is to beat another person till their breaking point, creating a bloodbath in the rink. What is the link to Christianity for such a violent sport. Where would UFC and MMA fit in the realm of unacceptable violence within the bible?

The Ultimate Fighting Champion Jon “Bones” Jones credits Jesus for his wins in the cage (a victory he couldn’t see possible without the help of Christ). On his twitter he posted: “God if it’s your will then it’s already done and I thank you for giving me the victory.” And followed the tweet with biblical passages (2 Timothy 1:7). Gaining strength from the gospel is nothing new for Jones- a fighter who on different occasions drawn inspiration from his faith (beginning with his first UFC fight in 2008).

In reference to Trothen’s argument- this association (religion and MMA) reinforces the idea that violence has become normative. Violence is accepted in many aspects of sports as it is seen as part of the competitive nature of the sport. In this sense violence is accepted in MMA as it defines the sport, it is the key nature of the sport and without it this sport simply would not exist.  

In response to Jessica’s post “=Coldplay=”

I love that you brought up Coldplay! As you stated the members of Coldplay are associated with their Christian background and many of their songs and albums contain Christian elements and symbolism. In many interviews Chris Martin has stated he definitely believes in God. I agree that their inclusion of Christian elements is purely musical and not to evangelize. I agree with your statement “Coldplay is certainly a transformationist band, interested in music as music, but include the praise and struggle with God in many of their lyrics.” Coldplay includes many of their struggles with God and religious doctrine. For example when asked about the mention of St. Peter in the song “Viva la Vida” (“I know St. Peter won’t call my name”) Martin replied: 

“It's about… You're not on the list. I was a naughty boy. It's always fascinated me that idea of finishing your life and then being analyzed on it. And it's that runs through most religions. That's why people blow up buildings. Because they think they're going to get lots of virgins. I always feel like saying, Just join a band (cackles head off). That is the most frightening thing you could possibly say to somebody. Eternal damnation. I know about this stuff because I studied it. I was into it all. I know it. It's still mildly terrifying to me. And this is serious." ( Taken from: http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=11520)

Coldplay has always embraced Christian ideas and themes in their songs but as you said in their new ablum “Mylo Xyolto” direct Christian symbolism is present in many of their songs. The example of “Us Against the World” is perfect as it illustrates biblical references. Another example of spiritual references can be seen in the lyrics of the song U.F.O. –

Lord I don't know which way I am going


Which way the river's going to flow

It just seems that upstream I keep rowing


Still got such a long way to go


Still got such a long way to go

The lyrics appear like a biblical lament in which the individual makes a dramatic plea/ cry to God. As you said Coldplay has been a profound advocator for Oxfam. Chris Martin is one of Oxfam’s most vocal supporters of the “Make Trade Fair” campaign and proudly wears the equal sign symbol on his hand in interviews, to public events, in music videos etc. As you said the band constantly advocates for the cause while on tour (ex-MTF on the side of their piano). When Chris travelled to Haiti with Oxfam he realized big corporations were taking most of the profits from coffee farmers leaving them with little money to sustain their family.

Chris Martin has been involved with the charity since 2002, travelling to Ghana, Mexico and Haiti. He has been involved in helping to lobby political leaders during the World Trade Organization Summit and openly discusses the issues he advocates for in interviews. Coldplay’s “What If” video for the campaign highlights as you said the importance of fair trade to eliminate poverty and hunger. Whether or not Martin is sincere is definitely a question on many individuals minds. In my opinion I think his efforts are sincere and through his profound influence on his large fan base he is advocating and educating individuals on the severity of problems in third world countries and raising awareness about fair trade and the results of trade misuse, which many people may not have been aware of. A survey conducted by Oxfam showed that 84% of individuals between the ages of 18-24 knew about the Fair trade campaign due to Chris Martin’s involvement (Oxfam.org/coldplay). Whether or not this equated raising money for the cause it definitely shows his efforts have educated individuals about the problem and ways in which they can assist.

"What If?" video for Oxfam campaign: 

Are you a Belieber?

Shortly before his international rise to fame, Canadian born pop star and songwriter Justin Bieber began to form his fan base of “beliebers” through his YouTube channel. It was through the posting of video covers of songs by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Ne-Yo that Bieber became an Internet sensation. This fell into the hands of an eager manage who flew Bieber out to meet his idol Usher, who eventually signed the young singer to a contract. Bieber’s first single, One Time, went certified platinum in Canada shortly after its release. His album matched that success selling more than 137,000 copies within a week of its release in stores!! Bieber has now become a global phenomenon with his cult of beliebers spanning across the globe (dedicating numerous sites to him, buying Bieber memorabilia such as his videos, clothing, Bieber dolls, famous purple American Apparel sweater, perfume line etc).

In addition to being recognized for his musical talents, Bieber has been honored for his efforts and contributions to philanthropic and charitable causes. These activities include visiting fans in the hospital, helping with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by performing at benefit concerts, donated portions of the proceeds from some of his albums to charities, Believe Charity drive, Pencils of Promise organization.

His efforts earned him a spot on the list of the most charitable celebrities of 2011. On top of all his charitable works Bieber constantly urges his fans to donate whatever they can, mentioning charity and depicting individuals in need of assistance in some of his songs (ex- Pray).

Another example of Bieber charity work is his part in “We are the world 25” and “Young artists for Haiti.” Both songs helped raise money for the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, all proceeds from the song went to raise money to help with relief. For Young artists for Haiti proceeds went to designated charities such as World Vision, Free the Children and War Child.

Taking all this into consideration Bieber seems like a great role model, leader and Christian believer- advocating for change, assisting the less fortunate, praying for a better day. Many are skeptical of the teens true intentions: is this just to make him look good in the eyes of his fans, gain a wider fan base of beliebers and international recognition for his efforts or does Bieber truly believe in what he advocates? But this skepticism can be said for all celebrities that advocate for their charities. Personally I do not think Bieber’s intentions are to gain more fans. Bieber is very influential and has a large fan base. Through his songs, and depictions of the realities in less fortunate cities (poverty, illness, natural disasters) Bieber can influence fans to make a difference, following in his footsteps. In reality we really do not know for sure if Bieber sincere in his actions. It is important to view his actions in relation to their widespread effect. Whether or not his intentions are sincere the causes he advocates for are amazing projects such as building schools for 75 million children who do not have access to education (donating $1 of every concert ticket sale to build 100 schools in 3^rd world countries).

More videos of some of Bieber’s contributions- 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6kCkkLo6Rw&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7L1BIDELc&feature=player_embedded#!