Several recent articles in the popular press have discussed the appropriateness of using curse words, including the dreaded f-bomb, in professional settings. Think former VP Dick Cheney's "fuck yourself" to a Democratic senator, or VP Joe Biden's "big fuckin deal" following the health care bill. Yes, it goes straight to the top, folks! The sporting realm has, of course, had its own encounters with spicy language. Rex Ryan is the head coach of the New York Jets football team. In the first episode of this season's HBO "reality" show Hard Knocks, Ryan used an array of 4-letter words during a team meeting. He actually seems quite adept at stringing curse words together in creative, if non-academic, ways. In the days after the show aired, former NFL coach Tony Dungy, a self-described Christian and the "mentor" of Michael Vick, issued some harsh words (minus the spice) regarding Ryan's language. Witness the policing of the NFL's image taken to an absurd level. An improved but still flawed drug policy, an improved yet still tenuous concussions policy, a game predicated on violent collisions...but an obese, obnoxious, gutter-mouthed coach is something to rise up against? As the kids say, or rather text...WTF! Critical consumers of sport should point out hypocrisy when we see it. I love a good intellectual argument and some homestyle (sub)cultural critique as much as anyone...but to hold one's breath for a fundamental shift in the neanderthal-esque culture of pro football is foolish...not to mention dumb as fucking shit.
(may be removed so watch asap!)
Rex Ryan is a character. When watching Hard Knocks and listening to that short clip of a typical Rex Ryan speech, is seems like he inserts F bombs whenever possible. He uses curse words like they are a regular everyday use vocabulary word that would be permitted in churches or elementary school districts.
ReplyDeletePeople are enraged and concerned with the NFL's images, yet no one is able to stand up to him or point out any hypocrisies when they see them, because like Dr. Butryn said, "it goes straight to the top." People in powerful position feel like, and usually do, get to do what they want and can say what they want to say. But the real question is, are their points really made to the audiences listening?
Overall, I think Rex Ryan and many other people in this world, use constant curse words as an anger or authority issue. I know many powerful people that can get their points made clearly without using the F bomb or god damn it in any parts of their communication. Curse words have become such a common word that often times people forget that we should represent ourselves with class and pride, which is partially seen through appropriate behavior. (which Rex Ryan is NOT a prime example of!)
Briana Shimizu
Kin164
Cursing in the game is part of the sport. While cursing at people is a different story. When a coach is trying to encourage a team, cursing is a harsh way to encourage. Because of curse words are used in a bad tone, the team would not feel any encouragement because of the negative plus positive makes it neutral. Depending on the individual, it is their own perspective on how they will take the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteA "reality" show without cuss words? Where is the reality in that? That is a locker room full of grown football players stuffed full of testosterone, with money coming out of their ears, and women throwing themselves at them. A coach with an ego the size of Manhattan. Surely one can't expect a brady bunch type speech. Has Tony Dungee ever been to a football game as a civilian? Does he think 80% of the beer guzzling, foul mouthed, violence seeking fans actually give a crap that Rex Ryan is spitting venom to his team? How is that language bad for the NFL? Considering the constant force feeding of masculinity pie, Ryan's language is a prime ingrediant for the NFL. The NFL audience most likely loves the pep talk Rex Ryan delivers. Get over it Mr. Dungee...
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading each one of your blogs! They help me think more critically about the day to day images and information that at a glance seem meaningless, but in actuality are of great importance. This particular blog caught my attention because swearing in sports is absolutely common place. It's like if I throw in a few swear words it will increase team performance, unity, excitement, urgency etc? I am not sure the logic behind that, a swear word doesn't add much intellectual value to the conversation...Why the use of this language has people "up-in-arms" doesn't make a whole lot of sense, in regards to all the other problems professional sports are associated with; not only injuries and violence, but felonies, rape allegations, arrests, cheating, drug/alcohol abuse, performance enhancing drugs and the list goes on and on and on! It seems as though trying to make a point of swearing and acknowledging it is the NF L's way of "showing" consumers that they have morals, standards and discipline; which if you are looking with a critical "eye" you would realize that is FAR from reality.
ReplyDeletechristina calcagno
Let's face it, people swear. The surprising thing about watching Rex Ryan address his team was not that he was swearing, but rather the facial expressions on his team's faces. Most of the athletes look as though they are listening and are not phased by his swearing, but the question remains are they absorbing the message he is trying to send or is it going in one ear and out the other because the only thing they are absorbing is his anger and frustration?
ReplyDeleteSwearing is arguably a part of pro sport, but is it effective? Does swearing make athletes more prone to hearing a message? Does it help them perform better on the field? Doubtful.
What is baffling is that players are fined for tweeting and updating their facebook statuses on the field, but they can be seen swearing on the field with no consequence. How many times have athletes been shown swearing on TV in the last week? Many times for sure. On TV the swearing was not likely heard, but the athletes mouth was moving and it was clear they were swearing.
It is unlikely that swearing in pro sport will cease. However, if the NFL and other leagues want to clean up their image they should be fining their staff for their language and/or enforcing a policy that would encourage staff not to swear, at least not in public.