Discussion response for 3 different topics. Each one has to be a 200 words or more response due 10 Sep.
Muscular Christianity
Without a doubt, the concept of Muscular Christianity changed the face of sport in America during the second half of the 19th Century. What examples of Muscular Christianity do we still see in today’s sport, and is it appropriate for religion and sport to be intertwined? When appropriate, cite examples from your text and current sport information to support your answers.
Gender and Modern Sport
Although sport grew exponentially between 1850 and 1870, women were still isolated from participation in competitive events. What do you feel played the greatest role in keeping women on the sidelines in that time period and, in your opinion, have Americans truly accepted women’s role as competitive athletes in today’s society?
Amateurism vs. Professionalism
In the 1800s, Americans struggled with the distinction between amateur and professional in sport – an issue we still struggle with today. In your opinion, what was the main reason that professionalism got a “bad rap”, and how did that reinforce the social stereotypes of the time? What stereotypes do we still have today about the difference between amateur and professional?