Sophie O'Donnell Blog #3

 Sophie O’Donnell

18 September 2020

UKC 114

1. I knew basically nothing before the lecture so I found it very interesting to hear about German soccer’s history. I learned about East Germany’s success and how over time more and more soccer clubs are appearing in the former West Germany. This was an interesting insight into how there is still a divide in Germany based on wealth and age (as seen in the graphs he showed us). I knew German soccer was successful but I did not know how many World Cups they had won or how it stood as a symbol that separated the two sides of Germany for so long.

2. I think the information and athletic politicization can relate to the current athletic climate in the US because how East and West Germany were once compared, men and women are constantly compared in the US. If a woman is successful in her sport she is seen as performing “like a man” instead of performing the best she can. Athletes in the US also use their platform to discuss current political and social issues, such as protesting as a result of BLM and encouraging their fans to vote in the upcoming election. I definitely think this is an example of athletes and teams that can be understood as a means of political and societal change. When an entire NBA team refuses to play, they are able to make a statement to their fans and the rest of the NBA community that they are serious about the issue and it helps spread awareness. I think women have always challenged the status quo. Simone Manuel, was the first African-American woman to win gold in swimming and it was only four years ago. I think there are a lot of hurdles for women and minorities in sports. Since the Greek games, there has been the idea of an elite white male and people have been compared to them in sports ever since. An example that relates to the East German scenario could be various sports teams in one state and their rivalry (49ers and Chargers).