“Sports Build Character?”: Concepts and Arguments

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Annotation of the Article

MP = Main premise

MC = Main Conclusion

[PAR 1]

It is often claimed that MP sports build character. To this end, we encourage children to participate in sporting activities because they learn important life lessons in the process. However, evidence from contemporary sports shows MC this is not entirely true. It is a fact that sports may teach us about life in some ways. However, these undertakings do not necessarily provide the lessons we want our children to learn.

[PAR 2]

MP The characters of many professional athletes (who act as role models to a number of children, adolescents, and adults) are far from exemplary. In fact, it is noted that in real life (away from the fields), MC many of them exhibit some of the worst elements of our society. For example, they engage in such vices as sexual assault, fraud, illegal gambling, sexism, materialism, , drunk driving, and illegal use of drugs. Is this what we want our children to learn from them? Is this being a role model?

[PAR 3]

Some would say that we need to separate the players’ personal lives from their professional or on-field activities. However, this is not practical. In fact, this can only be regarded as an artificial distinction. The idea of being a role model does not come with boundaries. MP A role model possesses those characteristics that we find admirable. The fact that someone behaves ‘admirably’ on the playing field is enough indication of technical proficiency. MC What makes such a person be a role model is what he or she does with the whole of their life. For example, Babe Ruth is regarded as a great baseball player. He can be considered to be a good role model only if we ignore his weaknesses off the pitch. He engaged in womanizing, drinking, and other negative off-field activities. If we regard him as a role model to be emulated in spite of these serious shortcomings, then we are treating those behaviors as desirable undertakings.

[PAR 4]

It is also noted that players often replicate what they do in their personal lives in the field. MP Contemporary sports emphasize winning at all costs. They are known to use steroids and other illegal means, such as corked bats, spitballs, and illicit hockey sticks, to get an edge over their competitors. They bend and break the rules of the game. They lie, intimidate others, and engage in violent behaviors in pursuit of glory. MC Personal standards and integrity often take a back seat. In this case, they are only interested in achieving the corporate goal, which is winning.

[PAR 5]

In light of the issues highlighted above, MP it is apparent that sports are a little different from other activities in the wider society. MC The goal here is to win. As long as the rules (laws) do not prohibit something, anything is considered fair game.

[PAR 6]

The situation highlighted above filters down to amateur sports. MP It is ‘newsworthy’ when a high school long-distance runner stops to help a fallen runner, losing the chance to proceed to the regionals in the process. It is newsworthy because no one else stopped to lend a helping hand. It is also ‘noteworthy’ when a Norwegian skier, possibly at his own expense, gives a ski pole to a Canadian who broke his during an Olympic race. Such a gesture is regarded as sportsmanship. It is also newsworthy because MC it is a very rare display of humanity.

[PAR 7]

MP Sports may instill values among members of the society and provide us with role models. However, MC these are not necessarily the values we want our children or the rest of society to learn. In addition, these are not the role models we want them to emulate.

Summary of the Passage. Do Sports Build Character?

The relationship between sports and character

Sports build character: The assumption, in this case, is that sportsmanship has a direct impact on people’s personalities. It is the reason why many parents urge their children to join one form of sport or another. The assumption extends to the notion that sporting activities influence life skills among individuals.

Professional athletes as role models in society

Professional athletes do not have the characteristics of role models: There are a number of incidences where these high caliber sports personalities engage in misdemeanor and other uncouth behaviors. Such acts range from sex scandals to different forms of fraud. The article provides a rationale for opposing the notion that such sports personalities can be regarded as role models. In essence, a role model should possess an amiable character or personality. Their character can be associated with a general form of ‘goodness.’ Sadly, the disposition of many sports personalities is not befitting that of an ideal role model

Characteristics of role models in contemporary society

A role model must-have traits that are respectable and suitable for emulation: The article creates a framework upon which the profile of a role model should be developed. For instance, rather than win at all costs, sportsmen should exhibit exemplary characteristics.

Principles of modern sports

Modern sports encourage ‘winning at all costs’: Such emphasis on winning at all times makes sports an unsuitable reference with regards to mentorship in society. Such a mentality in relation to success is a phenomenon that encourages the breaking of rules. People will do anything to achieve success. Consequently, such a principle implies that modern sporting activities have little regard for the rule of law and all forms of ethics.

Sports and society

Sportsmanship is slightly different from other occurrences and undertakings in mainstream society: The manner in which people undertake sporting activities is different from the way that people are expected to carry themselves in normal society. For instance, whereas society supports ‘second chances’, the prevailing sporting culture encourages winning ‘at the first go.’ To this end, the concept of sports in life skills becomes a farfetched phenomenon.

Selflessness among athletes

When an athlete assists a fellow teammate or competitor at the expense of winning, their behavior is regarded as commendable: Such antics make sportsmen appear as heroes in the eyes of the other people in the society. The same goes against the concept of winning at all costs. As a result, analyzing sports from the perspective of true sportsmanship supports the idea of the positive impacts of these activities. The analysis provides grounds to suggest that sporting and similar undertakings have a positive effect on the character of individuals in society.

Relationship between sports and values

It is argued that sports instill values: Sporting activities are characterized by a number of principles which can be used in different areas of normal life. For instance, the element of determination, hard work, and persistence can be applied to other areas of an individual’s life. The principles create the rationale for the applicability of these elements. However, such a suggestion comes with a disclaimer. It is noted that in spite of the fact that the sporting concept promotes good character, it should not be fully endorsed as a mentorship program.

Preparation

Main Conclusion

It is a fact that sports can build the character of the individual. However, the impacts of these activities on the individual are not always positive.

Main Concepts

The concept of role models

Character

Main conceptual question:

Can sports be used to build character and develop role models in society?

Diagram and Assessment of the Argument

P1: Sports does not always build good character

[HP: Evidence depicting character failures among sports personalities is an indication that that sport does not always build a good character among people.]

The character of an individual has a lot to do with their behavior from a holistic perspective. According to Waters, a good character is one that yields positive results in society (23). Consequently, such a character endears one to the other members of society. However, there are very few positive elements as far as the character and traits of a number of sports personalities are concerned. There are a number of cases where successful sports personalities are associated with ‘immoral’ acts and other forms of behaviors that can be regarded as wayward. For instance, sex-related scandals may erupt to the point of terminating one’s sporting career. A case in point is the recent scandal that rocked the career of Tiger Woods. It is also important to note that allegations of fraud with regards to certain sports personalities create the impression of a lack of integrity among these individuals. To this end, engaging in a sporting endeavor is not a direct implication or indication of a good character.

In spite of the negativities associated with various athletes, it is a fact that engaging in sports may lead to the development of positive characteristics among individuals. Such characters include discipline and hard work. However, the success of an individual in a given sport is not necessarily an indication of their actions outside their area of professional life. For instance, a footballer can be a sexist off the pitch but a dedicated individual as far as training and learning new skills in their sport is concerned. Such a person ends up being successful in one area of their life. A good character is indicated by the ‘all roundedness’ of an individual (Waters 34). To this end, the premise that sports are a way of instilling good behavior among individuals is unjustified. Available evidence does not support this supposition. As already mentioned in this paper, a good character is one that guarantees the ‘all roundedness’ of an individual.

P2: Sportspersons are associated with some of the worst traits in society

[HP: The high number of sports personalities with ‘bad’ characters implies that good character transcends success in one area of life].

Scandals are normal occurrences in the world of sports. It is perhaps one of the reasons why a number of sportsmen have hired the services of public relations experts. In fact, the findings made in a number of studies suggest that deviant behavior is common among sportspersons (Waters 34). Tiger Woods, as indicated above in this paper, is an example of an individual with a brilliant career but who lacks moral respect for relationships. The golf player was involved in a scandal where he was alleged to have had sexual relations with a number of women. The activities were considered scandalous because he has a wife and a family. Elsewhere, Lance Amstrong, one of the most successful cyclists in the world, confessed to having involved himself in drug enhancement antics to enhance performance in the field. Such a move is illegal and can be observed as an act of dishonor. In both cases, the scandals put a dent in the careers of the two professionals.

Such acts like racism are common in football. Although the players are not often found culpable, fans of an opposing team can make hateful remarks about a given player or team. Since the hateful acts are in the field of sports, the same speaks volumes about how sports promote tolerance (Waters 37). To this end, it is evident that there are many unfortunate scenarios in society that can be traced back to the behavior of sportsmen. Consequently, the role of sports in instilling good behavior in people is brought into question. The high number of cases of truancy associated with sports personalities is a clear indicator that sports alone cannot promote good behavior.

P3: Being a role model is more about what an individual does with their entire life

[HP: Role models are regarded as a positive influence due to their holistic personalities]

Every society requires role models. Children, youths, and adults alike require role models. According to Waters, role models help in shaping the character of others. The same involves a positive influence on others’ characters (34). However, role models cannot achieve such an objective without being all rounded. An all-rounded individual is one whose character is admired on a number of parameters associated with their lives. For instance, a successful person in a given field can be regarded as a role model. However, to be truly regarded as a role model, such a character ought to be ‘exemplary’ in more than one way. To this extent, such a successful individual should be one who attains their success ethically.

Unfortunately, society is full of individuals who are seen as role models basing on successes in just one of the areas of their lives. With reference to Tiger Woods, the golfer would be regarded by many aspiring golfers as a role model. However, considering his infidelity, one would argue that the golfer cannot be trusted. Trust is an important attribute that any individual must strive to attain (Waters 7). However, when the same is absent, questions arise as to whether that individual can be trusted to represent an interest of a given brand. Consequently, Tiger Woods would not be an ideal role model because of his failures. However, a disclaimer is issued to the extent that human beings are not perfect. The same crates the rationale for people to have more than one role model in order to obtain a holistic character collage.

P4: Contemporary sports disregard all forms of ethics

[HP: The argument that one must win at all costs suggests that sports can overlook ethics just to attain a goal].

At the heart of the character of an individual lie, the elements of ethics and integrity. Waters argues that ethics and integrity prompt an individual to insist on attaining honor in all their undertakings (87). However, in contemporary sporting times, sportspersons are engaged in acts of cheating just to win a title. An example of such a scenario is evident in the case of Lance Armstrong. As already mentioned, the athlete was involved in doping to enhance his performance just to win a title. Other unethical acts include match-fixing in football. The same saw a team like Juventus found guilty of match-fixing given the monetary inducement. In recent times, the desire for success has seen a rise in the disregard for ethics.

In the past, success in sports was associated with honor. Sports were considered a noble way of life. The same can be attributed to the high levels of discipline that is demanded of a sports person (Waters 80). However, with an increasing need for fame and glory, sports personalities and associations are engaged in wanton incidences of unethical behavior. The same brings into perspective the notion of whether sports can be used to instill good behavior in people. The disregard for ethics removes the title of honor that is associated with sports.

P5: Sports encourages winning at all costs

[Winning at all costs creates a loophole for people to break the law].

In every endeavor, the joy of emerging successful cannot be overlooked. However, Waters suggests that the path to success must respect a certain laid out procedure (98). In the field of sports, the pressure is high to ensure that certain titles are acquired. To this end, it becomes important for sports personalities to do everything in their power to deliver upon the expectations that are demanded of them. To this end, certain compromises ought to be made as regards the process of attaining success in sports. The same brings about the notion of winning at all costs.

Sporting is a commercial endeavor. Every year billions of dollars are invested in the field of sports owing to the huge returns that stand to be made. The need for financial success has made it possible for individuals to circumvent the law just to attain certain levels of success (Waters 56). The same can be seen in the events that are leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Already, claims of bribery have been made. The said bribes were seen as ways through which the Gulf country used to secure the rights to host the tournament. To this end, the mantra of winning t all costs might encourage tenacity, but there are cases when the same is seen as encouraging disregard to the rule of law.

P6: Exemplary acts of honor are a rare occurrence in the world of sports

[The few cases of selflessness in sports suggest that honor is a rare commodity in sports].

In the world of sports, all attention is focused on the triumphs made in contests. However, there are certain cases where sportspersons engage in selfless acts at the expense of their own triumphs (Waters 3). For instance, the article cites an example where a high-school long-distance runner stops to help a fallen runner. The same becomes a topic of discussion in public circles. The honor is seen in the manner through which one athlete forfeits their chance to win a competition just for the sake of the other. The article also mentions the story of a Norwegian skier who gave their own ski pole to a Canadian during an Olympic race. In both cases, the stories received significant media coverage due to the rarity of such actions in sports.

True sportsmanship is seen as a fete in its own right. The same can be argued from the perspective of selfless acts that make one a champion regardless of whether they win a contest or not (Waters 73). In the past, sportsmen were regarded as heroes or heroines of a given community. However, competitiveness has made people disregard the need to be all-rounded. The two acts of selflessness mentioned received news coverage since true sportsmanship is lacking in contemporary times. The same can be attributed to the character of the said sportsmen and women. Poor character traits are the reason why true sportsmanship is a rare occurrence in most modern societies.

P7: Children should not emulate the characteristics of many sports personalities

[HP: The scarcity of true sportsmanship inhibits sports as a reference point for children as regards their conduct].

At this juncture, it is evident that sports are not the only way through which children can learn important life skills. The poor conduct of sportspersons creates the rationale for children to look for role models elsewhere. The argument is supported by the various instances of unruliness by many sports personalities. On the other hand, Waters suggests that children should not emulate the behavior of sportspersons since the latter are not all rounded (98). Characteristics ought to be emulated not for any other reason other than the positive to the society.

Children require stability in their lives. Unfortunately, many sportspersons are bereft of the required stability. The same is brought about by the numerous cases of misdemeanor that characterizes the lives of sportsmen. To this end, Waters recommends the adoption of alternative role models to children from the traditional use of sports personalities (126). The riotous behavior of many sportsmen and women is not suitable for children since it inhibits the realization of a suitable future.

The disregard of sports and sportsmen as a suitable source for inspiration for children should not be seen as a total condemnation. As already mentioned, there are a number of cases where sporting is seen to create positive behavior among children (Waters 76). The notion supported in this paper is such that over-reliance on sports as a source of good character-building should be discouraged. Children should be allowed to have a wide pool of role models from which they can emulate an equally varied set of good character traits.

An Evaluation of the Argument

The argument is that participation in sports is not the best approach to instilling positive personalities in children. The author is evidently, the use of sports as a suitable mechanism for advocating for good behavior in children. According to Herrell and Jordan, articles must clearly depict the argument from the onset down t the proposed conclusion (57). In the article presented, the author is clear that sports do not contribute to the development of good character among children. The sentiments are supported by claims of studies in support of the said perspective.

Unfortunately, the argument violates the relevancy criteria. The same is true since the premise that sports do not always build good character is not supported. According to Herrell and Jordan, a premise is credible and relevant if there is sufficient data illustrated in support (35). With reference to P1, the author suggests that there are studies in support of the premise. However, the said studies are not indicated. Consequently, the relevance of the argument becomes questionable.

On the other hand, the argument that role models ought to be all-rounded violates the sufficiency criteria. According to Herrell and Jordan (45), violation of the sufficiency criteria arises in cases where there is a hasty generalization. The premise that “sportspersons are associated with some of the worst traits in a society” is a hasty generalization. In addition, there is no population indicating the scope of the sample from which such an opinion is formed. Fortunately, the acceptability criterion is not violated in any way, as presented by the arguments.

Neutralizing a Fallacy

The first process in the neutralization of a fallacy involves the identification of the main conclusion. According to Herrell and Jordan, the main conclusion allows for the establishment of the main point (76). To this end, the main conclusion in the text is that character is acquired by other better avenues other than sports. The reason for the main point is that the most truant cases in society are sports personalities. Consequently, the fallacy in question is the appeal to the authority of many.

Once a fallacy is identified, attempts to neutralize, it must begin with an identification of its criteria. To this end, Herrell and Jordan recommend an expounding upon the fallacy (76). Based on the said sentiments, the article proposes that many studies support a similar opinion. However, the article fails to indicate the actual study. Moreover, agreement to a concept by many people is not enough to make a claim true. The fallacy is committed when the author suggests that a large number of people share the opinion that sports do not build character. As such, many feel that this position should be accepted as the truth.

A challenge to a fallacy is the last phase in its neutralization. According to Herrell and Jordan, a good argumentation ought to satisfy the principle of relevancy (76). Unfortunately, the article violates the relevancy principle. The principle stipulates that sufficient reasons ought to be provided in support of a conclusion drawn (Herrell and Jordan 76). Evidently, the article fails to indicate the said studies. To this end, the arguer simply appeals to the populace to gain acceptance.

An Assessment of the Author’s Use of the Two Concepts

The article makes use of a character and role model as the main concepts. Table 1 is an analysis of their definitions and application in the text.

Table 1: Analysis of the concepts.

Character	Role Model
A person’s behavior	An influence of character upon another
Can be built by participating in sports	Must be all rounded
Can be replicated	Sportspersons are not best suited
Is either good or bad
Influences the perceptions of people about a person
Defines a person
Has a source
Can be nurtured
Requires a medium of transfer
Can be altered

The text has clearly made us of two main texts. From table 1, it is clear that the two concepts have been extensively defined and applied in the article. Character is seen as a person’s behavior. The same can either be good or bad, depending on its applicability. From table 1, it is evident that character has a source and can be nurtured. From the passage, the character is depicted as requiring a medium of transfer. The same necessitates the use of a role model. Notwithstanding the ways through which character is transferred from one person to another, the notion of its transfer through sports is unrealistic.

On the other hand, a role model is depicted as one who can influence good behavior in another. Unfortunately, as illustrated in table 1, the article is explicit that the same cannot be said of sportspersons. The same is due to the various incidences of a misdemeanor that can be associated with sportsmen. To this end, role models are required to be all-rounded to ensure that they impart a positive character on people on a holistic level.

Clear Definition of the Concepts

Definition of a concept is of utmost importance if the concept is to receive any form of credibility from various quarters. As regards the two main concepts, the author fails to give a clear definition. For instance, the character is mentioned in the first sentence. In that first paragraph, a claim is made that sports build character. On their part, Waters defines character as the nature or personality of an individual (12). Unfortunately, the article fails to give a clear definition of the same. Rather, the details contained in the text give a vague idea about what exactly is meant by character. The concept of a role model is also not clearly defined since it is introduced in the articles as a way of castigating professional athletes as suitable candidates.

Use of Concepts

The article intended to create the image of role models as being people whose character is exemplary. To this end, the two concepts are used extensively and in a wide manner throughout the entire text. According to Herrell and Jordan, the use of a concept ought to be done so widely (45). The same will help in advancing the main idea behind a concept. The general usability of the two concepts is below expectations since they are used to allude to a certain point in most cases.

Strengthening Arguments

The concepts used have glaring weaknesses. For instance, as already mentioned, the concepts are both not clearly defined. With reference to character, the author suggests that “sporting builds character” the same acts as the main weakness as regards definition. Rectification of the same would be a scenario where the character is defined, then an explanation on the same follows. The article would then read something like, “sports activities have an influence on the personality of an individual which is brought about by the character created.” On the other hand, a role model can be defined, with subtlety, as follows, “role models are looked upon by others and do not require boundaries.”

The argument that participation in sports does not promote a good character in a person is weak. Herrell and Jordan suggest that weak arguments are best supported with sufficient resources (69). To this end, the argument can come out stronger if a series of studies would be quoted. Also, recent examples of similar but documented claims would help to strengthen the argument. The argument that role models ought to be all-rounded is weak. A stronger argument would be one where an example of reliance on an all-rounded role model yields better results in comparison to that of a role model who excels in one field only.

The entire article is based on the perceived mishaps of athletes. However, the same can be seen as a blanket statement. The current world is a place where there in uninhibited interactions. Gone are the days when parents would designate mentors and role models to their children. According to Herrell and Jordan, an argument that is overtaken by events should be developed upon by the new advancements in the field (84). To this end, the article should have outlined other potential role models who can be used. There same can be drawn from the internet. There are other career groups where character flaws exist.

In conclusion, the article presents many loopholes that make the argument inconclusive. Further discussions on character and role models become necessary. Herrell and Jordan support the opinion that arguments ought to be built upon (50). The shortcomings of the article necessitate further discussions on the subject areas of character and role models.

Works Cited

Herrell, Adrienne, and Michael Jordan. 50 Active Learning Strategies for Improving Reading Comprehension, Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall, 2002. Print.

Waters, John. Role Models, New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2010. Print.

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