Why I'm an Addict

Edward R. Murrow once said, "Just once in a while let us exalt the importance of ideas and information." All thoughts have the ability to invoke a reaction, good or bad. I appreciate the exchange of information and it is the reason that I started this blog. My thoughts, in writing, are seldom right. But it's not the reason that I began writing in the first place. Writing, is my attempt to 'vocalize' my opinion, solicit a response and amplify my belief in the Pacific Islander experience.

When I began writing many years ago, my sole intent was to give Pacific Islanders (young and old), positive stories from people of Pacific Island ancestry. None of these athletes, entertainers, educators, etc are perfect. However, it is their ability to rise above their situation, whether those circumstances are economic, personal or a result of societal woes, is the impetus that compels me to write.

Along the way my opinions have been met by more than an occasional resisitance, often open opposition to my views regarding talent on the stage and on the fields  and courts of the world. Sometimes the comments are hostile but more often than not, the opinions expressed are constructive and thought provoking. Though it is difficult to sometimes read harsh comments I've come to understand that criticism helps me to further refine my craft and to accept the opinions of others as part of the process and not just as objectionable ranting.

After all these years the irresistable obsession still urges me on in the hopes that young Pacific Islanders will capture the spirit embodied in the work ethic and the perseverance of others and learn in turn to uncover pride and objectivity in their own efforts.

If you have ideas or subject matter that you would like me to research and write about, feel free to email me at contextsports@gmail.com.

WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE?

What should 12 and 13-year-old kids be doing on a typical afternoon? Riding bikes in the summer, snowboarding in the winter. Perhaps reading a book and chatting it up with friends. Sadly, for some tweens and teens they are being exploited by the media and college coaches. Its nothing new to the world of sports but its still a puzzling one all the same.

This week, 13-year-old David Sills of Bear, Delaware verbally committed to USC and their ever enigmatic head coach Lane Kiffin.

Is it too early to tell if a kid is going to be the next Matt Leinart or Matt Barkley? according to personal quarterback coach Steve Clarkson, who by the way discovered Leinart and Barkley, not so in the case of Sills who he believes is going to be the next big star when he is officially eligible to sign his letter of intent...in 2015.

Sills' father David senior, is adamant that if we were in his shoes we would do the same.

Quoting from ESPN, Sills Senior says, "The way I look at it is if David was a phenomenal mathematician and I held him back, wouldn't that be wrong? If he was a great piano player or a gifted child actor and I held him back, wouldn't that be wrong?" Sills' father asked. "There are a lot of things that people don't put a negative stigmatism to because they're considered prodigies and all I'm doing is saying David has been recognized as a decent athlete and I'm allowing him to fulfill whatever opportunities that he can. It's as simple as that. There's no pressure, there's gentle encouragement. He's the one that always says dad let's go to the gym and let's throw. It's what he enjoys doing. If he ever got to a point where he doesn't love what he does I told him to stop."

I think there is a difference between solving algorithms as a math prodigy and getting your mind and your body beaten down daily in the hopes that you may be the next great Leinart. And five years from now, will Clarkson's prophecy hold true? He's banking on it with an all out media blitz that includes possible appearances on Oprah and Ellen.

So what do you think? Too much too soon or not enough face time on ESPN? I'm on my way to drop my 7th grader to play a game of pick-up basketball. Maybe Tom Izzo will be there.

Feminist Vilifies Vonn

I'm just going to put it out there, Lindsay Vonn is a very talented skier who also happens to be an attractive woman. She is also on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Should she be on the cover because she's attractive or because she's a great skier representing her country in the Olympics?

According to Dr. Nicole M. LaVoi of Women Talk Sports, Vonn's appearance on the cover of SI is in line with the magazines historical portrayal of women: that women are objects who are often shown in "sexualized poses" in the rare instance that they do appear on the cover.

As stated, I agree that Vonn is attractive. I also agree that she is an exceptional athlete. But until LaVoi pointed out that she appears to be in a sexual position, the only thing I saw was Vonn simulating what downhill skiers do....SKI!

If you read LaVoi's latest response on her blog to the fire she is fanning you'll find that she comes off more and more like a woman who despises attractive women. Thanks for sexualizing a photo that was, until now, an image of a successful, attractive female athlete. I think if you're going to be a feminist, you had better defend feminism and not provide fodder for the people you are trying to demonize.