Definition of “sport” misused
In response to David Theard’s article “Some Sports Not Sports,” I question rather you Mr. Theard have the definition of “sport” misinterpreted.
According to the Oxford Dictionary “sport” is defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.” It is not as you clearly stated “to be a considered a sport, the athlete had to be born with the talent, natural not forced.”
I do not recall Michael Jordan coming out of the womb bouncing a basketball. He practiced to get well at his game. I’m sure he didn’t just pick up the ball and become a pro.
For the fifteen years I have been a dancer, I have competed and attended conventions. I can guarantee you to be a dancer you must work to improve your skills just like a football player does to improve his. Dancing is a “physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.” Too prove your point, after practicing my “sport” it becomes natural not forced.
As far as cheerleading goes, there is a whole lot more too it than meets the eyes. Just like dancers, cheerleading teams practice for hours perfecting arm movements as well as tumbling.
For practicing something for hours everyday a week I think you can classify it as a sport.
I have witnessed first hand, not everyone can dance or cheer. It is something that is perfected for years, and it also continuously changes throughout the years unlike most other sports. So Mr. Theard maybe you should pick up a dictionary and look up the true meaning of the word “sport” or better yet attend a practice for cheerleading and then you can tell me its not a sport.
Ashley Diane Rusk
Freshman
Mass Communication
Discrimination at the City Club
The scene: A prestigious club located in downtown Baton Rouge. The building was once the old post office, it stands as a memoir of past generations. It even has a historical marker to signify its importance in history.
A crowd has gathered on the steps of the post office to watch a parade celebrating local heroes, and a middle aged sheriff is making his rounds to make sure that no colored folks are hanging around the steps of this prestigious club. He walks up behind each one, gently places his hand on their shoulder and begins to whisper something in their ears.
One by one, they get up quietly. Some stand on the sidewalk in front of the building, others walk away embarrassed or outraged. The good ole sheriff chums up next a professional looking, middle aged white man. He’s all smiles… this is a day of celebration, and he is obviously proud that he’s doing his job well. Everyone seems to be getting along fine…
But this scene was not set in 1965. Nor was this scene fictional. In fact, it happened on the steps of the City Club at the Parade of Champions this past Saturday, a parade that should have been touting the success of 40 years of civil rights movements.
And yet, when we really examine our social situation… has there really been progress? Two schools: one that educates a predominantly white student population, the other is a historically black university. I found that the most disturbing part of this scene was that the Sheriff himself was black, perpetuating the cycle of discrimination against his own race.
Whether this Sheriff was acting on his own accord or following directions (either explicit or subtle) from his supervisor at the City Club is unknown.
Now let me clarify exactly what happened. My three young, white female friends and I (a 21 year old white male), noticed that the steps of the building were relatively empty considering the crowd around the area and the rate at which it was becoming denser. We sat down and noticed that Sheriff was making only black people leave one by one.
First a young boy, then a couple about 40 years old, then a respectable looking black woman wearing a LSU sweatshirt, sitting on the steps chatting with a white woman. When she was told to leave, she quickly left area looking distraught. Finally he sent away a black woman with several children.
At this point I was clearly disturbed at what was going on around me and set out to find out what was going on.
First I approached the boy, named Graylin. He is 13. I asked him why the Sheriff made him get up. He said, “I don’t know why he made me get up, he just said I had to leave.”
The forty something couple was also told to leave with no explanation given. Curtis Stewart said, “He just told me I was going to have to get up and move on.” His wife, Patricia expressed her thoughts on the matter, “I think this is an outrage… its just downright wrong.”
At this point I felt it was necessary to speak with the Sheriff himself:
“Why are you asking only the black people to get up and leave?”
“Only members of the City Club and their guests can sit on these steps. I work here everyday and I know who is a member and who isn’t.”
“My friends and I have been sitting here for close to 20 minutes, and we’re not members of the club and you haven’t said anything to us.”
“Look, there are only two black members in the Club… and well, ya’ll are obviously guests of a member.” This last bit was said with a sly smile and what I’m sure was a wink.
After several minutes of inquiries, he finally began to get angry, “Look, you better move on because you’re interfering with things.”
I apologized, thanked him for answering my questions and my friends and I got off the steps and stood on the sidewalk in front of the club. Only at this point did we notice that we were surrounded by a sea of black faces in every direction, but the steps of the City Club stood out like a sore thumb with its island of white. Ironically enough, the building was sporting flags for both LSU and SU.
Jason Bell
Senior
Biochemistry
Women’s gymnastics on top
I would like to congratulate everyone who contributed to the women’s gymnastics meet this past Friday night.
The crowd was the second largest is LSU gymnastics’ history. The first three hundred fans received gold “Geaux Zone” t-shirts, which helped to provide more team spirit. I would also like to thank Bengal Brass for an awesome performance.
I believe that the other team, Alabama, should also be applauded for their performance and enthusiasm. Finally, I give praise to the LSU women’s gymnastic team. Their performance exceeded that of the common. April Burkholder achieved a perfect score on her floor performance.
After this awesome display, the crowd roared with excitement as the judges posted their final score. However, the University of Alabama was able to barely get the win. Even though the Lady Tigers were unable pull in the win, their achievement should be highly commended.
Mona Eubanks
Freshman
Mass Communication