Politics Within Sport Flashcards
(13 cards)
Political tools
- propaganda
- boycotts
- protests
- diplomacy
- national identity
Define propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause/agenda and influence public opinion of their point of view
Define diplomacy
Refers to the ability to influence social and political relations amongst countries- where sport bridge divides, foster mutual understanding and peace
Define boycott
Where individuals or groups abstain/withdraw from using, buying or participating with a person, organisation or country as a form of protest or to exert pressure to influence political or societal change
Define protest
A public demonstration or action expressing objection, disapproval or dissent towards an idea, policy, entity or event
Define national identity
Refers to the deliberate use of shared “sense of belonging” to a nation To influence, mobilise and unify a population for political purposes
Example of propaganda
1936 Berlin olympics
• hitler used the olympics to promote aryan racial superiority
• the event was staged to showcase nazi germanys power, discipline and organisation
• stadiums and broadcasts were filled with nazi symbols and propaganda
• Jessie Owen’s (African American) undermined this racist message
Example of boycotts
1980 Moscow olympics
• over 60 counties led by USA boycotted the games to protest the soviet unions invasion of Afghanistan in 1979
• in retaliation the USSR and eastern bloc nations boycotted the 1984 LA Olympics
Example of protests
1968 Mexico City Olympics- black power salute
• American sprinter tommie smith and John Carlos raised black gloved fists during the medal ceremony
• this was against racial discrimination and injustice in USA
• both faced backlash and were expelled from the games
Example of diplomacy
Ping pong diplomacy 1971
• table tennis exchange between USA and china helped open diplomatic relations
• paved the way for president nixons historic visit to china in 1972
• sport was used as a soft power tool to ease political tensions between Cold War rivals
Example of national identity
1995 rugby World Cup - South Africa
• hosted and won by South Africa at the end of apartheid
• Nelson Mandela wore the springbok jersey, a symbol of South African rugby, to promote unity
• the event helped reach racial divides and build post apartheid national identity
Ads of the government and political involvement in sport
• Increased funding for sport:
Helps develop facilities, coaching, and elite sport. E.g., UK Sport funding Team GB.
• Health promotion
Campaigns like Change4Life and This Girl Can promote physical activity and reduce NHS strain.
• Improved social inclusion
Policies target underrepresented groups (e.g. women, disabled, ethnic minorities).
• National pride and unity
Hosting mega-events (e.g. London 2012 Olympics) boosts morale and national identity.
• Legislation and protection
Laws prevent discrimination and promote equality in sport (e.g. Equality Act 2010).
• Youth and community development
Funding school sport and local clubs keeps youth engaged and reduces antisocial behaviour.
Disads of the government and political involvement in sport
•Political interference:
Governments may fund based on political agendas rather than sporting need.
•Inequity in funding:
Popular sports (e.g. football) may get more funding, while grassroots or minority sports struggle.
•Event boycotts / politicisation:
Political tensions can lead to Olympic boycotts (e.g. Moscow 1980), damaging athletes’ careers.
•Over-commercialisation:
Sport used for political gain or national image-building may overshadow true sporting values.
•Pressure on athletes:
Medal targets and expectations (e.g. in Olympics) can put extreme pressure on performers.
