Art Vandelay wrote:Yeah, high school kids, or at least spectators of high school basketball games, learned about fights from the NBA.
Well, of course, they didn't 'learn' it from the NBA, but I think it certainly doesn't discourage an outburst or tantrum. When you see the people you look up to, whether it be a kid's parents, athletes, teachers, etc., disregard rules and rationale, what are they supposed to take from that?
I agree that it doesn't "discourage" kids from an outburst, but then, I don't think that's the job of a basketball player. To say that this is because of the actions of NBA players is an extremely simplistic way to put the blame somewhere without actually trying to figure out what the real cause is.
The blame cannot be put any one area, I suppose, and, you're right, these guys are paid to play basketball, not be role models.
However, I think the effect of these players' actions, on and off the court, have on kids is understated. Whether they should or not, kids look up to celebrities, whether they be athletes, movie stars, or radio talk show hosts like yourself. I interpret this to be the poor examples, or lack thereof, in their own household.
I just wrote a long reply, but lost it, so I'll briefly re-cap what I said:
Basically, I think we are more in agreement here than either of us might realize. This is the key: "I interpret this to be the poor examples, or lack thereof, in their own household."
Essentially, the problem isn't the influence that NBA players (or other celebrity-types) have on the kids, the problem is that they have influence at all.
Art Vandelay wrote:Essentially, the problem isn't the influence that NBA players (or other celebrity-types) have on the kids, the problem is that they have influence at all.
Right on. I remember looking up to athletes at times when I was a kid (my dad and I had our differences) and I recall always seeming to be disappointed in some way, shape or form. Obviously, we can't restrict their influences completely, with basically everything celebrity-related being tossed in our laps, but parents can help their kids decern (sp?) what is right and wrong so that this influence isn't devastating.
I have a great idea in regards to violence in the NBA. Let's change the mascot name for that Washington Bullets team. That name is obviously promoting violence. I bet if we change it to something fun all the violence will stop.
Omaha Red Sox wrote:I have a great idea in regards to violence in the NBA. Let's change the mascot name for that Washington Bullets team. That name is obviously promoting violence. I bet if we change it to something fun all the violence will stop.
Anyone else notice this happened in Dallas? Everyone should just be happy that gunshots were not fired.
Yes doctor, I am sick. Sick of those who are spineless. Sick of those who feel self-entitled. Sick of those who are hypocrites. Yes doctor, an army is forming. Yes doctor, there will be a war. Yes doctor, there will be blood.....
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by Omaha Red Sox » Mon Dec 18, 2006 1:30 pm 
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