Technology And Sport
The use of drugs in sport, and the use of technology in sport are both aiming to increase speed, competitive edge and spectator interest. Neither one of them are taking into consideration the traditional role that sport once had within society: sport as an amusement, diversion, fun or a simple past time.
The goal of today’s sport becomes quite clear in the article by Gelberg. The book where her work is found reveals the goal: “Design For Sports: The Cult of Performance.” Athletes today seem to take the stance that winning is everything. Some athletes are willing to do whatever it tasks to accomplish this including the use of drugs, risking the loss of family and friends, experimenting with new equipment and putting their overall health and body at jeopardy.
People take drugs for personal reasons. It gives them a competitive edge; they become more aggressive and feel that it is theses two characteristics that will lead them to a feeling of personal satisfaction. There are also reasons for taking drugs from a more sport related perspective. Many argue that if business and technology can continue to progress then why can’t they do the same with their body? Additional pressures may also fall on those in professional leagues. Professional athletes are role models for children and adults all over the world. These elite athletes are seen as “super human” due to all of their athletic talent; little do the spectators realize that it is really the drugs that are fulfilling this ideal.
There are of course arguments against all of the previous thoughts. It is common knowledge that drugs affect one's health. The use of these particular drugs ( testosterone, steroids and HGH) lead to liver dysfunction, increased susceptibility to cancer, cardiovascular disease and infertility. There is even a documented case where a woman’s body was permanently changed due to her used of drugs. She began to develop many male features including chest hair, facial hair and male pattern baldness. Is it really worth it? Should athletes give into this cultural idea that bigger is better?
The use of drugs not only affects athletes within the sport, but they also affect the spectators. When one breaks a world record, it is often questioned. Was this a real win? Was it a result of drug use? This will slowly begin to turn spectators away if it hasn’t already and it will cost both the athletes and those who have invested in the sports market. Once again, capitalism pokes its ugly head into the world of sports. I just don’t understand what the obsession with winning is all about. Yes it’s a great feeling of achievement, but haven’t we always been told that “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game?”
Technological influences have also crept into the lives of athletes. It’s not just the latest drug on [next page]