Gays in Sports
Sports Illustrated has an interesting article and fascinating survey result regarding sports and homosexuality. Of note:
- 22% feel "uncomfortable" when around homosexuals.
- 27% say that greater acceptance of gays and lesbians would be a bad thing for the country
- 40% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of gay men and 36% have an unfavorable opinion of lesbian women.
Consider that of 979 people interviewed, 86% agreed that it is O.K. for male athletes to participate in sports, even if they are openly gay, yet nearly a quarter of the respondents agreed that having an openly gay player hurts the entire team. "It was like, I'm O.K. with this, but if you press me, I have some doubts," says Doug Schoen, whose firm, Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, conducted the poll.The article and survey lead up to the documentary on boxer Emile Griffith.
It reminds of an exchange a few week ago with Gou Peng on homosexuality. To his knowledge, no one he knows is gay, though apparently his uncle is a fan of a gay caberet singer. He's young, so all he knows is what's said in school and on tv, which is mostly negative, but I guess it also goes for nearly 40% of America who don't personally know anyone gay.
Labels: BBBS, games, measurement, Surveys
posted by Sam Teigen @ 2:59 PM
3 Comments:
fag.
I suppose this could be threatening. But coming from an anonymous, whiffle-cajones crank, too scared to attach their name, it speaks volumes. You’re a bigot, but you’re more concerned with how the world will judge you than the judgment you levy on me. Keep to the tee ball insults, you obviously can’t hit a flying target.
I've heard the argument from straight athletes that fears of being "checked out" in the locker room would lead to discomfort for other team members. I can understand why this would be a hard thing for some men to deal with, especially those with low self-esteem.
My friend Greg Brister, no homophobe he, once said, "Vanity knows no gender". I agree wholeheartedly. At my age, I'm flattered by any attention I receive, male or female--all the same, Laurie doesn't have to worry.
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