Sports & Politics

SPORTS & AMERICAN CULTURE

UNIT 4: SPORTS & POLITICS

Sports can create a platform for athletes to be political. However, not all athletes take advantage of this. This unit will examine why. By examining sports figures such as Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, and Peyton Manning (and several others) students will be able to better understand how and why the decision by an athlete to be political or apolitical can be influenced by aspects such as economics, race, and social networking. Additionally, students will analyze the political views of some of the prominent athletes in American history, such as Muhammad Ali, and explore both the short-term and long-term impact that those views had on the individual, the sport, and the nation. Finally, students will use evidence from history to debate whether student and professional athletes are “above the law.”

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Are sports apolitical? (To what extent are sports political?)
Are athletes role-models?
Are sports & athletes above the law?
To what extent do government leaders use sports as a political tool?
Should athletes use the field of play to make political statements?
Is it more important for athletes to be a brand or an individual?

Essential Questions

VIDEOS

'Be Like Mike' Gatorade Ad

Other than his athleticism, why was Jordan so universally accepted?
Did Jordan ever talk politics?
Is it more important for athletes to be brands or individuals?

The Collision of Sports and Politics

Do sports and politics overlap?
How do sports shape people's political beliefs and understandings?

Sports vs. Politics 2014

Should athletes speak out on social and political issues?
Why do fans want athletes to keep sports and politics separate?

Opening to the 2016 ESPY Awards

Do athletes have a responsibility to be political?

WNBA Players Take A Political Stand

Based on the response of the public and police officers, did the WNBA players do the right thing in taking their political stance?
Are athletes community leaders? If so, should they take political stances that could be divisive?

Political Athletes Did Not Begin with Kaepernick

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Political athletes are not always hailed at the time they make their statements. However, history and time allow people to reflect on these athletes in a more positive light. Will Kaepernick be any different?

Muhammad Ali: A Political Heavyweight

Ali protested being drafted into the Vietnam War, which cost him his title and years of earnings. It also made him a very divisive figure.

Should Muhammad Ali be celebrated for taking a political stance?

Patriots?

Several New England Patriots chose not to visit the White House in 2017 due to Donald Trump's political views. Devin McCourty and Chris Long are featured in the following video.