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Can sports commentating have a negative impact on the way people perceive athletes and the sport itself?

Leia Lulham

Sports commentating is one of the most influential aspects of sports media. It has the power to shape public opinion, influence fan behavior, and even perpetuate harmful stereotypes about athletes and sports culture as a whole. So, to answer the question of whether sports commentating can have a negative impact on the way people perceive athletes and sports, the answer is unequivocally yes.

Firstly, sports commentating has the potential to pedestalize certain athletes while ostracizing others. When commentators continuously praise the same players or teams, it can create an uneven playing field, both literally and figuratively. This uneven distribution of praise can create a skewed perception of what success looks like in a particular sport, potentially discouraging young athletes from pursuing their dreams if they don't fit into the predetermined mold of what it takes to be a "successful" athlete.

Secondly, sports commentating can perpetuate harmful stereotypes about athletes and sports culture. For example, commentators may describe certain players as "aggressive" or "intense" for their physicality on the field. These types of descriptions can reinforce the harmful stereotype that athletes need to be hyper-masculine to excel in their sport, which is not only harmful to athletes but also to those who don't fit into this narrow definition of what it means to be a successful athlete.

Thirdly, sports commentating also plays a role in shaping how fans behave during events. Commentators can influence how fans view the actions of athletes by framing their actions in a particular light. If commentators highlight instances of aggression or unsportsmanlike behavior, fans may take this as permission to act in the same way, perpetuating a cycle of harmful behavior that can be seen in sports fandom.

In conclusion, sports commentating indeed has a negative impact on the way people perceive athletes and sports. While it's easy to see commentating as purely entertaining, it's essential to realize the inordinate amount of influence it has on shaping public perception of sports. By being mindful of the language we use and the attitudes we promote, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive sports culture that champion's athletes of all backgrounds and identities.