 |
 |
|
|
The Hot Corner
Every month Sports Media Challenge discusses at least one incident or issue in the world of sports news. Most will be case studies or commentaries prompted by exposure in the news. We especially welcome ideas and comments from sports professionals including athletes, coaches, executives at all levels of sport including professional, collegiate and other amateur ranks. We will periodically include your comments and observations.
Latest Update -- August 31, 2000:
Previous Topics
By
Karin M. McKemeyAugust 30, 2000
Just How PC Can You Be?
When Sex and Sports Clash Over
Alternative Lifestyles
Sex and Sports have gone on together as long as some of the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders legs but according to recent headlines - attending the average sporting event may not be quite as wholesome as mom and apple pie.You either read it in the paper or heard the jokes on late night TV. Two lesbians were removed from a Dodgers game after engaging in a "celebratory" kiss that some nearby fans found offensive. Bob Daly, Dodgers chairman and CEO was able to turn a potential publicity nightmare into a cultural lesson by donating 5-thousand tickets to gay and lesbian organizations as well as plunging his organization into a round of sensitivity training.
But the question is…now what? This is not the first time sports fans have had to deal with athletes "batting for the other team". Fans have embraced Greg Louganis and Martina Navratilova as among the worlds best in their respective sports. But according to the Olympic committee in Sydney…fans will have to push their parameters of "open-mindedness" just a little further when a float packed with dozens of Transvestites and Transsexuals celebrating the movie "Pricilla Queen of the Desert" parades through Olympic Stadium as part of the closing ceremonies.
Now franchise owners, athletic directors, coaches and even athletes themselves need to ask the question.. "Can we embrace all fans without alienating certain groups while fending off potential lawsuits and negative press?"
It won't be easy, there are already rules in place for the removal of the obviously inebriated fan who indulges in face paint and a steady stream of expletives for the ref - but what about the heterosexual couple that mistakes a row of seats for a hotel room?
It seems that Political Correctness has smudged the lines on what can be considered 'public decency' without stepping all over fans rights. Can athletic institutions generate a detailed yet diverse enough set of guidelines on what will or will not be tolerated for a certain venue? It is a precarious position, but if organizations arm themselves with awareness as well as clear-cut policies and behavioral guidelines adopted by all members of the administration… Teams may just be able to steer clear of a major culture clash.
What do you think about this article? E-mail your feedback/comments by clicking here
|
COACHES - SPORTS ADMINISTRATORS - ATHLETES ©Copyright
1997-1999, Sports Media Challenge |
