Welcome to the Terrordome- The Pain, Politics and Promise of Sports
Let me first off state that Dave Zirin's political opinions are socialist and not that is a bad thing at all, because in America today the need for people of different views, is what keeps America a free nation. Different views and expression is what keeps our freedom of speech rights. One political view point of power, will lead us into a nation of one sided thinkers and we will destroy our own creative thinking process. So, when I read this book I did not always agree with his views but I respected them and took them into consideration and did changes my views on some of his points.
Introduction- March of the Domes- Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst national disasters the U.S. has ever seen, the city of New Orleans was leveled by probably the most power hurricane ever to hit land. The city fought through it and survived, that is until a renegade barge destroyed a levy that was holding the flood waters back. The levy breaking and the storms torment of the city below sea level structure spelled disaster for the city of New Orleans. The mayor of New Orleans asked people to vacate the city before the storm hit; however the people of New Orleans have been through many mighty storms and this one they felt would be no different.
Many 25,000 residents who did not get out of the city on time turned to the Superdome for a safe heaven to escape the category five hurricane and in Superdome there were rumors of murder, rape and riots but that was all propaganda. There were some people who died during the storm of health complications, and many died after the storm was over, waiting outside for the FEMA buses that never came, but that is a whole other story.
The Superdome saved thousands of people’s lives, the structure protected them in worst of the storm and there was plenty of room for the 25,000 people in the 72,000 capacity arena. The author quotes Jessie Jackson about the conditions of the Superdome and compares it to “the hold of a slave ship”. I guess Jesse Jackson has never seen Roots or the Amistad because that is a ridiculous comment to make. These people were in no way surviving in a penthouse hotel or even a motel for that matter, but I would bet they would have given certain body parts to stay in the Superdome, compared to the people having to live on the their roof for 3-4 days. Many of the New Orleans residents and surrounding suburbs had to retreat to their roofs and bake in the 105 degree heat, for 3-4 days before rescue came. Not, only did they have to sit on their roofs and bake with little to no water but they had to watch water rush through filled with sewage and in some cases bodies. Where’s the hold of the slave ship again Jesse?
So, the people staying in the Superdome may not have had the greatest of experiences and it maybe a little ironic they paid for the stadium and can not afforded to attend a game, now that the Saints are actually winning games. The government did give millions to fix the stadium and nothing to fix these people homes and help repair their lives, but through out all problems that these people faced in the Superdome they came out alive and survived the storm, the events that happened after the storm are major faults of our government.
However, Americans came to the rescue, through donations, volunteers and monetary support. It may not have been enough to put everyone back in their home but it was enough to get some action and put pressure our government to change the way we look and think about a national crisis. I agree with some of the things that Dave Zirin and the people he quoted through out the March of Domes chapter. There were many injustices by their local, state and national governments. Whether it be athletes, actors, businessmen or the average Joe they all gave and supported the people of New Orleans.
Chapter 1 –Relearning Roberto Clemente- Roberto Clemente was one of the greatest ball players ever to play the game and he did a lot for the game of baseball and the Latin American ball players of today. He helped Baseball and America see that racism was still very prevalent in the south and how bad the "Jim Crowe" laws were apart of minorities lives in the South.
Roberto worked hard to bridge the gap of equality in baseball and the gap the players that had to endure when they had to travel in the Deep South. Roberto had to deal with eating and sleeping on the team bus, while his white teammates got to dine in restaurants and sleep in nice hotels. Roberto was around to see racism at its height in the fifties to the equality movement in the seventies. He grew up poor but lived, life to its fullest.
He pushed for equal rights in baseball, he would stand up against the press when they mocked his accent, was instrumental helping to implement a players union, he stood up against the Vietnam War and poverty side by side with Martin Luther King. He protested opening day and moved the date, so that people had proper time to attend Kings’ Funeral and put things into perspective. He flew in people from Puerto Rico to help spread cultural awareness. He then led his team against impossible odds to beat the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles, almost single handedly.
Clemente was a man of a generation; he did what was right and did it without shame. Clemente did not complain about little things, he used his fame to bring broad problems out. He cared about people half a world away, his island of Puerto Rico, the United States and everything that it was supposed to stand for. I do not think Roberto Clemente should have his number retired for being a player, human rights activist, or a disaster relief volunteer; no I think that he should have his number retired because he is a true American, helping minorities live the American way in America.
Chapter 2- Beisbol: How the Major Leagues Eat their Young – This chapter along with other chapters, I did not really agree with. The author points out hardships of Latinos in baseball and their struggle with the English language during interviews. Or how the World Baseball Classic was baseballs way of extending its roots into other countries and be a globalized sport and show the strength of our baseball superiority.
Dave Zirin’s got me fired up on the topic of major league team’s involvement in the Latin American countries setting up baseball camps for youths and providing them with actual equipment, clean sheets, a balanced meal and an actual toilet. These baseball camps are very competitive but these poor children have the opportunity of a lifetime and get more out of these camps then American children do, going up through the little leagues. Then the author tells how these children grow up and get paid in the minors but then do not make the cut and get discarded and have to go home and live a poor life.
We’ll I am sorry that these players are just being tossed aside after their major league and/or minor league careers are over, after they go through the system. They get a chance to learn English, eat a quality meal, sleep in an actual bed, get professional coaching by the teams and have a chance to make something of them selves. They have an opportunity and they should make the best of the situation. Yes, their countries are poor and yes these children have to work hard and maybe neglecting school. However, children in China work in sweat shops all day long for pennies a week, men, women and children in Darfur are being slathered everyday for being a darker shade of black then their killers and children in the United States are being forced to take up their entire life with “No Child Left Behind” tests. So, yes they may not have much when they are done playing baseball on a professional level, but at least they got to play baseball for a living; something that many Americans and people all around the world would do for free. If these countries want the Major League Baseball to monetarily compensate them for producing ball players, then would it technically be paying people to reproduce and make the economic problem worse?
The author also criticized Carlos Delgado for getting a big pay check and then stopping himself from speaking out against things. Maybe he wanted a big pay check so he can help out his home country. Maybe not, if all these Latino stars speak out against America’s war and their impoverished counties, while they are making millions of dollars, yet you do not hear about them rebuilding their communities and donating money to charities. If there is so much talent in these countries why are these players not giving back like Roberto Clemente did?
Chapter 3 Soccer: The Perilous Practice of Political Projection- Soccer is the epitome of globalization of a sport. It is the most boring sport one could watch, but it is the side events that make soccer such an astonishing spectacle. For some countries soccer represents the country itself and the soccer stars are bigger then most political leaders. So, when a soccer star or a player does something great and then makes a political statement it uses the heat of the moment and fans undying love for their team as a stepping stone for change. Soccer is one thing that makes people come out of their homes in war torn countries, this maybe why there are so many riots in so many countries. The people are able to show emotion and it then runs wild.
I think that it is funny how Dave Zirin talks about how a drug addicted who constantly was getting caught on drug tests and made lots of money being a soccer star, protesting our president when he was meeting about North American Free Trade agreement. NAFTA is something, that I do not like but does bring millions of jobs to South America and he was protesting it. It is interesting that Dave Zirin really spot lights the Socialist people through out this entire book and makes them look like they are doing no wrong.
Chapter 4- The 2006 World Cup: The Politics of Play Personified- Soccer is a globalized sport and some countries just do not like each other and they will do anything to embarrass and degrade them. Racism is a global issue; it has been since the dawn of time. Whether we like it or not, as long as there is hate there will be racism. This is the sad truth we must all face, we really cannot stop but we can control it and these issues and solutions that are brought up through out this chapter can help.
Soccer has long been a way for certain nations, countries, states, cities, towns and people to decide who is better. In American sports such as football, I see a less radical way of trying to humiliate the other team, so that there team has an advantage, or an edge. I think that this is the same but soccer fans are so engrained into their sport culture that they act this way towards people, not always as hate but as dominance. In my opinion, racism lies in the heart of the individual and just because someone may act a certain way at certain times, does not mean he is a hateful person.
Chapter 5- The NBA and the Two Souls of Hip-Hop- The NBA is a business and just like any business it uses what ever it can to attract who ever it can to buy their product. For the NBA this was the Hip-Hop culture it saved the NBA in the 1970s and has been a factor ever since and will somewhat always be a factor as long as Americas listen and enjoy the rhythmic music and beats. Now, the NBA is not necessarily moving away from Hip-hop, it is try to transform its self and its players into a more business type atmosphere. While players can have their own style on the court the sidelines should be clean and well kept. Many businesses have dress codes and the NBA is trying to be no different.
At a game a player not playing should act and be professional, off the court however a player should be themselves and do what they want. If they want to be a gangster rapper then fine, if they want to join a polka band great, as long as the players are not involved in crimes. I do not think the dress code or the early entry from high school has anything to do with race or culture, a positive image is important. If I was getting paid millions of dollars and I was hurt and could not play I would gladly wear nice clothes and be respectful on the sidelines.
As, far as skipping college and going straight to the NBA, I think it is a bad idea. Some people are not meant for college yes. However, you do not know until you try and for them it is a free education something I am paying thousands of dollars for a year. Education is something they can fall back on if their career does not work out or they get hurt. Eighteen year olds maybe adults and may be able to fight for our country and vote, but most have a very small view of the world and have no clue about how to manage themselves and their money, especially millions of dollars. Also, they are going to be playing against some of the worlds best players, what’s going to happen when their confidence is shaken and the have to learn the complex plays of the NBA. I think the rule is fair and just and is in place to protect young people and their talents.
Chapter 6- The Olympics: Gold, Guns and Graft- I really like what the Olympics represent, however I am against the politics behind them. Heroes are made in the Olympics and so is greed and power. Also, if the littlest, tiniest, rumor comes out that one took a performance enhance drug or one makes a political stance that is to great or even does not take a political stance they can be stripped of their medals. Why do people really care so much about performance enhancing drugs, they are no the greatest thing for you, but you try and perform everyday at their level and then lift and train and see how you feel.
The cities must be in top order and they must build stadiums and other places to hold events. I understand that the cities want the streets to be clean, no beggars, and drunks present. The sad killings of people such as in Mexico must be given more thought when choosing a city or country and not to the highest bidder. The games do proved construction jobs and increase the economy for those few months during the games. The debt the cities have been going into is a tough sell, but the increase and games sharing revenue does help compensate.
Chapter 7- Barry Bonds Gonna Git Your Mama: When Steroids Attack!- I think this whole steroid thing is a big finger pointing witch-hunt. At the time our economy was about to fail, a hedge fund manager swindled billions of dollars from people and we are chasing steroids in baseball and using all of congress to do it. This is exactly what I want my tax dollars going towards. Then we make Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens the bad guys after all they have done for baseball. We have turned on them, even though all of the other players were doing steroids and many of the players of the past have as well. I am sick of the whole thing and wish our government would stop this silliness and focus on bringing jobs back here.
Chapter 8- The Use of Sports: How People in Power Exploit the Games- Pat Tillman was a hero and so was his troop and anyone else who serves our country and allows us the opportunity to live as free as we do. The way our military handled his unfortunate death was a grave mistake, however I can see why they would want him to be seen as nothing but an American hero, dying a hero’s death. They did not want his ranger group to be blame and received backlash for the friendly fire. It was a bad situation and it was not right how these events happened.
I also think that it is unfair to blame Armstrong for not saying anything to the president. Maybe he did say something, maybe he did not. He himself was involved in witch hunt at the time for illegal racing substances and was thrown into a situation he probably had no idea about and it is not all that uncommon for people to protest outside the White House and other places where the president is staying.
Chapter 9- The Way it Was, the Way It Is- I really think that some of the stories that Edwards and Bouton told were interesting and informative especially the part about some of the Yankee players kissing on the team bus. I also agreed with Jim Brown and many other people about putting Tookie Williams to death. I f you start a problem and then try and rectify it why you are serving your time and do great things then why kill the person who is doing great things to fix the problem? Whether or not Tookie Williams killed people he had people who admired him and learned from his mistakes. Something we all must learn to do, “learn from our mistakes”.
Chapter 10- In Their own words- Walk into any jail, prison and death row and ask any of the prisoners if they are innocent and nine times out of ten you will get the same answer, “ I am innocent”. I feel that a mans rights ends, under certain circumstances and when you flat out kill a person beyond a reasonable doubt your rights end there. The punishment should fit the crime and I believe that death should only occur when the evidence is 100 percent correct, most people on death row end up dying in prison of old age anyway.
I think that players who are gay should come out if they feel comfortable about it. I also think that their teammates and opponents should be supportive of them. The road for athletes coming out of the closet will be a long and hard road for them, but it has been some what paved by the gay rights activist before them. If athletes start coming out then being “gay” would absolutely become more accepted. I just wished Sheryl Swoopes came out during her playing day and John Amaechi too.
I think Prior who has every right to say racism exist and even says that they were looked down upon as thinkers. However, to say that they were slaves to their team and the league is absurd. How can one say they make millions a year and they are a slave, they get to play a game that I would give my first born up for if I could play for in it for a living or even just enough to get by. This guy is nothing a spoiled brat who did not get his way and probably got cut by same team who brought Brock Lesner to try and fix their defensive line problems.
Chapter 10- Marching In: Tearing Down the Terrordome- I thought as I watched the first game back for the Saints that it was the right thing to do. I thought by rebuilding the Superdome it said, “New Orleans will not die”. I did not realize how much money was put into the stadium to fix it. I do not think it would have been right thought for the saints to move out of New Orleans and many of the players pitched in and helped out the people of New Orleans. The fact that the levees were fixed was a little disheartening. I just think that it meant a lot to the people of New Orleans to have their team back, but that is just me.
As, far as the U2 and Green Day performances may not be exactly what one thinks of when they think of New Orleans, however both bands donated not only their time, money and support to the people of New Orleans but they also set up programs to help bring the music back to New Orleans with instrument donations and places to play. President Bush the first and President Clinton also donation millions to people in the region with their foundations and people got help to rebuild their homes from them.
The city fought through it and survived, that is until a renegade barge destroyed a levy that was holding the flood waters back the best it could. The levy breaking and the storms torment of the city structure spelled disaster for the city of New Orleans. The mayor of New Orleans asked people to vacate the city because of the impending storm; however the people of New Orleans have been through many mighty storms and this one they felt would be no different. Many people went to the Superdome for many reasons, mainly safety and safety is what they got. It was not and ideal place but it was safe and proved to be safe after one of the worst storms ever to hit the gulf region. While the Superdome cost the people of New Orleans and taxpayers lots of money, lets us not forget it saved 25,000 lives on that dreadful day.
This book made me think about the way I look at sports and how they are run. How our political belief systems relate to how sports are run and how they affect people on a global scale. The sports world is ever changing and sports provide a window of opportunity and entertainment. They are very important and play a huge role in everything from politics to food distribution, and we need sports to remind us after all it is just a game.
