In a recent New York Daily News article, Shaun King brought forward allegations concerning a sexual assault that Peyton Manning had committed at Tennessee. As an avid sports fan, I was particularly interested in hearing Manning's name as he is often labeled the NFL's "golden boy."
This article in ESPN points out a very important point: why are we criticizing Cam Newton so much when Peyton Manning is walking away nearly scotch free? This attack on Cam Newton and the framing of him is very representative of privilege. Peyton Manning, the white man who potentially committed a horrendous and illegal act, is not the constant talking points of the media. His Super Bowl counterpart, Cam, was blasted for a week after his show of poor sportsmanship. This treatment reveals the cruel double standard within the world of sports. We must be cognizant of these double standards, and learn to read beyond the privilege to truly get the full story.
-McKenzie
Peyton Manning is looked at as the "golden boy" because he has created that image about himself by staying out of controversy and consistently being mature. Russell Wilson, a black superbowl winning qb has done the same thing and is seen as a positive influence in the league. I love Cam Newton. He is my favorite player and I love his enthusiasm. However, Cam has had issues in the past. One that got him kicked out of school and the other which almost blew him a National Title and Heisman. Johnny Manziel, a white man, who had issues in college and was suspended at times has consistently been immature which is why is being bashed every since he entered the NFL. Its not a double standard, its just bashing athletes that aren't setting the high standard they have the potential to be at.
ReplyDeletePeyton Manning is looked at as the "golden boy" because he has created that image about himself by staying out of controversy and consistently being mature. Russell Wilson, a black superbowl winning qb has done the same thing and is seen as a positive influence in the league. I love Cam Newton. He is my favorite player and I love his enthusiasm. However, Cam has had issues in the past. One that got him kicked out of school and the other which almost blew him a National Title and Heisman. Johnny Manziel, a white man, who had issues in college and was suspended at times has consistently been immature which is why is being bashed every since he entered the NFL. Its not a double standard, its just bashing athletes that aren't setting the high standard they have the potential to be at.
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