Sports more political than politics?

In class we have been watching "Not Just a Game." It started with the phrase that sports and politics don't mix. Right away, i thought "Sports are more political than politics!" And I was right. That was exactly where he was goign with this video. They say the two shouldn't mix, but sports events just seem to be one big propaganda! Right off the bat, we already sing the national anthem before any game begins. NOt to mention that if we travel back through history, sporting events WERE political events. Even the great leaders of the past would participate sometimes.

Sports always have had a social function and always will, as long as their is an audience. Throughout our history athletics have struggled with popular political topics along with the rest of the nation in it's growth and developement to knew ideas about social norms. Topics of race, gender and sexuality have been difficult topics and transitions in the past and still are srtuggles even today.

For a very long time, black could not play in the big and major leagues. When people like Muhamad Ali and Jackie Robinson tried, there was constant adveristy thrown at them. There were protestors, challengers, threats, and more but they continued on to represent and fight for civil rights for the black communities, a very controversial political debate.
"You play like a girl." A common phrase in sports. Athletics marginalize what "real men" are supposed to be like. By saying this phrase, women are automatically degrated and not taken seriously as athletes and their dignity takes a hit too. Women have become serious athletes and women's rights have made bounds and leaps and come so far. They used to not be able to play at all and were mocked, harassed, and degrated for trying. But they've proven themselves. Yet, still with all of the progress, women in sports still don't get as much face time in either tv time, magazine covers and so on.
Finally, sexuality is still an uncomfortable topic to this day. Homophobia is one of the greatest fears amongst male athletes. In the world of sports, testosterone levels run high, so being around a male that is gay, in a setting of all men makes it uncomfortable for most players. They struggle with it and aren't shy about it. Former players have come out of the closet but only after they retired from the game. Gay rights is a current ongoing political topic these days and a constant struggle for much of America. With the suppresion of it in such a popular aspect of our lives, it makes it difficult for players to make it known who they truly are.

All of these display how sports are more political than we ever thought. We don't realize it until it's pointed out to us and made known. Maybe if this were made known to more people sports could finally stop being so political and for once, simply be entertaining.