Earlier this year a Miami Dolphins abruptly quit after being bullied by another player. The bullying included use of the "N" word and other degrading language. This event has shown what NFL players can really be like on the field and in the locker room. The NFL has had a difficult time dealing with the backlash from this event. (The Guardian) The NFL is seemingly attempting to try and racism within the League. Some argue that the proposed the penalty for use of the "N" word is all for public relations and the league doesn't really care to focus on making the league racism free. An example that has been used to support this is that the league still allows a team to have the name "Redskins" which can be offensive to many. The word is normally used by African American players who view the word as part of their culture and don't find it offensive when others of the same race choose to use the word. The biggest problem is players of other races using the word and causing offense to other players. (Rant Sports) The rule would only apply to use of the word on the field and would result in a 15 yard penalty. The rule would be enforced by officials and verified by use of microphones which pick up everything said on the field. The rule has to be approved by team owners before it can be implemented. (Baltimore Ravens)
This is a great example of co-cultural communication and the power of labels. The use of this label has 2 meaning depending on the person who uses the word. If someone who is black or African American uses the word it is considered okay and part of the culture. If anyone outside of that culture uses the word it turns into a very derogatory word. The word is a label for African Americans and stems from negative use by majorly white people earlier in history. The use of the word by whites is considered to be insulting and rude. The power of labels is changing the rules for an entire football league. The way that players of different races communicate is a large issue. The word really emphasizes that the African American race is a non-dominant culture in the United States. This word really shows the power of labels, and what can happen when the labels become mainstream.
Downing, Garrett. "News." Baltimore Ravens. N.p., 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
Dennis, David. "The NFL Cares More about Its Image than Addressing Racism on the Field."Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 25 Feb. 2014. Web. 25 Feb. 2014
"NFL on the Right Track With Proposed Penalty for Use of the N-Word." NFL. N.p., 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 25 Feb. 2014
Hi Mikayla!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to understand how cultures deem specific words hurtful or acceptable. I think it all depends on their backgrounds and what their culture believes in. The Redskins name has caught many peoples attention and caused controversy between some. I do not know if the name will ever change because it has become part of who they are as a team, or culture. It would be interesting to see a video or quotes from the controversy surrounding the Miami Dolphins team.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI found this article really interesting, especially since it's about such popular thing such as football. In hearing this on the news and reading it online, I found it really nice to see that someone else sees this. I agree that teammates, coaches and other coaching staff should not be allowed to discredit or harm their players with derogatory remarks regarding their race or any other thing. I do however, not fully agree with the discontinuation of the names that have been around for years. I understand that some of these terms can be seen as demeaning and degrogatory comments, but these names were established long ago and haven't posed much of problems sense.
I like the points you were raising. Make sure you bring in audio and visual forms of communication to enhance your points.
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