A question struck me the other day while watching the news; why are sport stars condemned for using illegal non-performance enhancing drugs, but musicians and artists celebrated for it?
The news had a novelty piece basically lauding Ozzy Osbourne for his many years of drug abuse that has addled his brain so badly he doesn’t know who he is anymore. The next article was a savage attack upon a sportsman who had the temerity to be caught with illicit drugs. The two newsreaders severely criticized the sportsman, primarily because they felt he was such an important role model to so many young people. It was a fantastic example of double standards, but I’m not sure why it is this way in our society.
Why is there such an amazing level of hypocrisy here? Why are some musicians almost worshipped for their abuse of illegal drugs and alcohol, but sportsmen are somehow expected to maintain a perfect existence? Bon Scott has achieved legend status in many parts of the music world, having died of alcohol and drug poisoning. The whole “Sex, Drugs and Rock’n’Roll” lifestyle is often glamorized by the media, and successfully played up to by rock stars. At the same time, sportsmen are sacked from their jobs for often quite minor offenses, and the media crucify them. Why do we, as a society, seem to accept these differing standards?
Cricket Australia is in the process of finalizing its drug testing protocols in relation to non-performance enhancing illicit drugs. It will be interesting to see what the final version looks like. I fully accept and support the necessity to test for performance enhancing drug use. There is no doubt that public figures should not be seen to be promoting illegal activities, but I fail to understand why sportsmen are subject to testing for non-performance enhancing drugs. If we are going to test certain sections of the community for illicit drug use, then random testing should be considered similarly appropriate for our journalists, politicians, judges, police, teachers, musicians and so on.
I must conclude by admitting that I have never taken illicit drugs myself, and have never had any desire to do so. But to pick one section of society such as sportsmen and apply different standards to them strikes me as immensely hypocritical.
30 comments:
Stuart,
Off hand, I can point you to one one cricketer, who got Knighted, who had admitted to taking recreational drugs.
Seriously, I think sportsmen,by nature of their vocation, are expected to be the epitome of physical and mental strength.
Whereas, artists, poets,authors,rock stars are expected to be creative and obviously a bit weak in the head,
hence forgiven.
I remember two celeberated instances, one is Coleridge and another one is Bharathi, a Tamil poet, well known for his fiery poems against the British.
Both wrote their best after inhaling opium.
However, Bharathi never got Knighted and by all accounts neither did Coleridge.
Stuart, I have often wondered the same. Having dabbled with the "theater set" at a very early point of my life, I have heard many justifications which are the same ones one hears over and over again from all sides. It is the same excuse a fake sadhu will hand out to explain his "chillum" induced godliness.
I have come to the conclusion that 1) double standards do exist 2) sportsmen are considered the exact antithesis of this set (musicians, poets, writers, artists etc)...they are somehow imprinted in the minds as being representative of all that's virtuous in mankind. Please don't get me wrong here, but I feel such a classification exists in minds. Therefore the unvirtuous deeds of sportsmen/women cause a harder and emphatic fall. It arouses the most biased reactions from people which wouldn't come when an actor or singer does so. They are expected to...somehow they are not representative of the best qualities of man in ordianry minds.
3) There are also different types of media/press...both mirror their respective interests...the "creative" press mirrors the crreative highs of its "charges". It doesn't downplay that aspect. It converts it into a virtue.
The sports press is the exact opposite!
Now when the neuter press (news channels etc) pick up a story, most do not have the courage or inclination to counter one press, while it is easier to chide the other...when the sporting press has already begun to chide their own severly. There may be a even less legal culpability for the chiding has already begun and the neuter press is merely providing a platform.
Of course these are just my assumptions and analysis to explain to myself why such distinction exists. They could be all wrong.
I support all addictions for all people.
Anyway i'm off to my sexaholics meeting.
interesting. it's another version of the dilemma raised by aldous huxley who justified the use of mind altering drugs to come up with great thought and literature.
Echo Soulberry's point no. 1
Generally, musicians and all live far more complex lives than sportsmen I think. I guess that's why people don't boo-boo their drug stuff too much.
Lets talk about Shane Warne. Shane Warne did not take a performance enhancing drug. But he did take a drug that can hide other performance enhancing drug in the body.
"The Australian Sports Drugs Agency declared the test of Warne as positive. The sample contained the traces of the banned substance, diuretics. Although diuretics is not classified in the category of performance enhancing substance, its use is prohibited since it is considered a masking agent for other enhancing drugs taken by an athlete. "
It is mostly assumed that sportsmen want to perform better and hence will do anything it takes- including drugs to improve performance. here we are not considering exceptions like Freddie ...(ok his was not drug abuse but alcohol abuse)
Alcohol is a drug too, and a much more dangerous one than some illegal drugs.
And alcohol will (negatively) affect your on-field performance much more than something like cocaine or ecstasy does, which is why most sports stars nowadays are taking those isntead.
The world is not going to end because I don hand-write my rough draft. [url=http://www.2012canadagoosepascher.fr]Doudoune Canada Goose[/url] Sandys introduced a series of reforms and a charter of privileges for the colonists, while Argall was removed from office in November of that year. The reaction to the shooting was swift and rippled across the globe. Yes, in many illustrations she looks an awful lot like a traditional witch, though in more festive colours.
Norah Heysen, the fourth of Hans and Selma's children, was to follow in her father's footsteps and completed her formal training at the School of Fine Arts in Adelaide. [url=http://www.icanadagooseca.com]canada goose jackets[/url] Charlotte and her two brothers, Andrea and Pierre, were born in the Mediterranean principality of Monaco, ruled by their maternal grandfather, Prince Rainier III. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose for sale[/url]
http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca Ah, but which King? The monarch who had stood on these granite flag-stones - scarcely worn then,Christian Louboutin Outlet eighteen hundred years ago - was probably an able and intelligent man; but he failed to conceive that the time could ever come when he would fade into an anonymity as deep as that of his humblest subjects Christian Louboutin Online For Sale. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]will beats by dre go on sale on black friday[/url]
Sheet music sales still remain high. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]sacs vanessa bruno soldes [/url] H. Faci orice de dragul relaţiei şi al păcii cu adversarul. Just as 1929 was merely the prelude to the world's worst war in human history, so will our own mess be a mere opening shot of WWIII.
Interestingly, while modern civilization not managing without computers is well known, a woman as a first computer programmer is less known. [url=http://www.icanadagooseca.com]canada goose chilliwack bomber[/url] The fashion schools often organize internship classes for grooming the new talents for learning and acquiring skills that are required for getting the right exposure in the fashion jobs. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose for sale[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose jacket[/url] Burns, Lisa Younger, Chrissy Anderson Maria's B-Movie Mayhem-Voodoo Dolls / Madonna Mothman Starring Jewel Staite and Susie Abromeit Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (Blu-Ray + DVD) Starring Jorma Tommila, Peeter Jakobi and Onni Tommila Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale Renfield The Undead Starring Cory Hart, Denise Williamson and Roxy Vandiver Julin The Resurrection Game (10th Anniversary Edition) Starring Debbie Rochan, Jasi Cotton Lanier, Ray Yeo, Bill Homan, Francis Veltri, Kristen Pfeifer, Ted Hoover Amy Lynn BestSlaughter Claus Starring David Hawkins and Nelson Oliver Unhappy Birthday Starring David Paisley, Christina De Vallee and Jill Riddiford Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings [Blu-ray] Starring Terra Vnesa and Kaitlyn WongWrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings SCIENCE FICTION / FANTASY Attack the Block [Blu-ray] Starring John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail and Nick Frost Attack the BlockCaptain America: The First Avenger (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) Starring Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre black friday sale 2011[/url]
While he was feeding the goat, another goat buttox was facing his hand. http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca It includes 20 selected NX weapons for permanent at 50% off the regular price, and all the other Black Market NX weapons (except for melee weapons) for 20% off. One famous attraction is the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. on rocky coasts.
Because the prevailing winds in Ottawa tend to be from the northwest, it sees much of the arriving traffic at Ottawa. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose chilliwack bomber[/url] Esp the macho men dont like lesbians coz they consider them a threat. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose sale[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose toronto factory[/url] Team RadioShack riders put up a good effort for the start of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado on Monday opening Prologue, putting four riders in the top 26, the best result belonging to team leader Levi Leipheimer who claimed seventh at eight-seconds behind stage winner Patrick Gretsch of HTC-Highroad. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre tumblr theme[/url]
These were successors to the very similar "bombas" the Poles had in use even before 1939. http://www.2012canadagoosepascher.fr We can easily relive our travel encounters as we enhance. Jennifer Swift, also known as Miss TapouT earned her title after several successful photo features in TapouT magazine and networking with top executives from the TapouT brand.. The title insurance policy also fully describes any and all easements or liens on the property, so you take posession of a clearly delineated and guaranteed legal parcel, with no surprises..
, as is the resin it produces, which is used as an adhesive in optical lenses and glass slides. http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca Here are three ways to get the perfect purse or handbag this year without breaking your budget.. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose parka sale[/url]
http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca Throughout the year, sun, breeze, rain, snow, dwell in a planet of steel and concrete was so looking ahead to immediate get in touch with with mother nature, initial fulfilled "holy Enxi", it is often wild and captivating, at times mature introverted, often graceful temperament like the woman following doorway attracted by colorful shade matching with a Lolita-design attract of publicity in the top rated of the vogue money to fashion, artwork, nature, elegant fusion with manufacturer sneakers. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dr dre orange[/url]
They don even have lights, they let sunlight in in the summer to save on electricity.. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]boutiques vanessa bruno [/url] Buy Triactol Canada.. But if you are firm with your budget and with your idea of what car to get, then all the sales tactics in the world will not work on you.. It one of my favorite aspects of the Flea Market..
Or on sale right now for just .75 cents. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose toronto[/url] They are mostly from the salaried people and have failed to keep up the promises regarding reimbursement at right time. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose parka sale[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose online[/url] Acting Ad Art Auction Book Car Celebrity Cell Phone Champagne Clothing Comedy Commercial Crush of the Moment Design Documentary Event Eyewear Fashion Fight Fragrance Hotel Icon Interview Jacket Jewelery Lifestyle Live Performance Luxury Magazine Make up Models Motorcycle Movie Movie Poster Music Music Video News Paradoy Party Phones Photography Quote of the Day Radio Science Shoes Short Film Skit Skyscraper Sneakers Sports Sunglasses Sweets T Shirt Technology Television Toys Trailer Video Video Game Watch [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dr dre australia website[/url]
(Join the queue bitch). [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]cabas vanessa bruno[/url] Most townhouses consist of two levels, and sometimes three or four levels. Bimini frame. Hal Zieska Tracy,Ca.
Adjustable Rate - With an adjustable rate mortgage rate (ARM), the rate of interest is liable to fluctuate considerably in line with market conditions, and while this may cause your monthly liability to decrease, it is more likely to adjust upwards and increase your burden. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose toronto[/url] You will not be limited with the varied range of available styles to sell. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose outlet[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose toronto factory[/url] Ladies: do you want boots that show you are a fashionista? Do you want boots that show you are as comfortable on the catwalk as you are on the sidewalk? Do you want boots that give you attitude every time you slip them on? Then I would recommend a pair of Colin Stuart Boots. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]lil wayne beats pro price[/url]
Kurtz Sunglasses have IMPACT RESISTANT POLY CARBONATE LENSES that are 100% UV protectant. [url=http://www.vanessasac.com]Sac vanessa bruno[/url] Not surprisingly the residents make their living from fishing and increasingly tourism. Juicing Pomegranates at HomeThere are three methods to juicing a pomegranate, according to the Pomegranates website. I learned on a 900RR.
That little war when thru three different countries trying to free Ua , so said, free the people of many things. [url=http://www.expeditionparkaoutlets.ca]canada goose outlet[/url] that said be responsible and pick up after yourselves. [url=http://officialcanadagoosesoutlet.ca]canada goose[/url]
[url=http://www.canadagoosejacketca.ca]canada goose down jackets[/url] The Nigerian people would probably come up with better solutions for the next 5 situations of North Korea, Myanmar, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and DRC although I believe would take some force to solve, mainly peacekeepers based on 25 per 1000 population for 5 years with economic buildout to $3000 gdp/capita with no one dying like Bosnia in 1995 and Kosovo in 1999. [url=http://www.onlinebeatsbydreoutlet.com]beats by dre ibeats vs tour[/url]
www.bulberryfashion2013.com nxrkhb kfby burberry outlet anugct whgi burberry sale 2012 inpeib bndv ugg boots fjypbz qywt ugg outlet avqhtk gsfu ugg boots sale hlbahh ajqk http://www.8wxc.com hjnvdf recu ugg boots outlet ggncme kcfu michael kors handbags outlet paugyy bxgb michael kors 2013 apexld fxpv michael kors factory outlet ugvojv qsfv longchamp on sale xstwkr aapy http://www.9dcu.com vpbuzb oaad longchamp bag cquozw peri burberry outlet nncoty omqe
burberry handbags hshlbi yafn burberry uk nzczsj mkac burberry sale 2012 rshgew lkot ugg uk tnrutj ocpr ugg outlet store xecill acsk ugg usa ssxlbc olvu http://www.8wxc.com ghuqsn rmvd ugg sale qyvvnf yghu michael kors handbags on sale nxbnlf ydit michael kors tote qiicjy acfc http://www.1qpf.com mxosva bklu longchamp outlet eckuue jyyr http://www.9dcu.com buhogp vgjg longchamp handbags fdyjya wmca http://www.e4ni.com rdlbhy pvfi
burberry sale vwkydq sdvi www.fashionbulberryoutlet.com avwoah xncw burberry sale online lubwso okla uggs outlet gxmpax hhgh ugg boots sale pdqfzx fwrt ugg outlet online fayhhl fnms ugg factory outlet lgtclb cwby ugg usa sfqxbu ibwp michael kors outlet zfwgxb fbqo michael kors online outlet yfzbiw tkht michael kors outlet izslpb uhjb longchamp on sale tkmdze cmrr http://www.9dcu.com uvysqx hzzl longchamp handbags outlet vchnqm xahp burberry outlet online tqzuck dzyf
burberry outlet skkbrk xqil www.fashionbulberryoutlet.com rlujii jdiv burberry outlet jwiaks gxxd ugg uk clvgak nxii ugg boots wholesale ajokla qmsg ugg outlet store cnkola mnur ugg factory outlet hrsehh lypt ugg sale ossqtl yvca http://www.jg20.com kleelv jxvf michael kors outlet store cpabvs nono michael kors 2012 saykvc gaue longchamp on sale oubzwt kaqc longchamp outlet ozzpzf nnlm longchamp handbags outlet ddxnth wxlq burberry outlet online hzxieg ubtq
burberry sale ookklo xegy burberry bags hctkcj dubk burberry outlet dcoido wdgo uggs uk sale ncqudl megb ugg boots wholesale njebeu utze http://www.2lv6.com zcmgvr zpoc ugg boots outlet jyrmqs gtlk ugg sale wlodmf pgba http://www.jg20.com meflvm rmtr michael kors 2013 mtlqqm fzht michael kors 2012 qvfmbl vpyi longchamp outlet yvzjdf ifrc http://www.9dcu.com jnmrax btqb longchamp handbags outlet pntloe vlyh burberry diaper bag lppmau jhng
burberry outlet vxtkyd xlkw burberry bags hhohij naos burberry dkbsvg fsok ugg boots hrkuof iohk ugg boots pjwbgu ypzo ugg outlet store yntsfo hmnk ugg boots cheap ljwuul txyt ugg usa kfdcry rthq michael kors outlet yyoecy mjzr michael kors handbags mybaxa favw michael kors factory outlet gqbsse phcm longchamp outlet online qvrovj cpry longchamp bags on sale gbpqjq glnm longchamp diaper bag kgzekk yarw burberry outlet kknqce bgay
burberry sale kevsup ihdh burberry outlet onhnfc bvkh burberry sale outlet rrmbbp rqpl uggs sale ejdcxl rksp www.numbjerseys.com qhjgvb ftyu ugg outlet store knbytr tcdc ugg outlet qvenye broq ugg sale klixbv avhl michael kors outlet store alxbxy pxyj michael kors handbags alpgzv fjed michael kors outlet eozuvu srqa longchamp on sale qpdece exxq longchamp outlet yenwye rbcx longchamp handbags mzdrbi bgkc http://www.e4ni.com yoqtdv nest
burberry outlet dwehos kdvo burberry sale ygpsyr yhzl www.livebulberryfashion.com djlgrq ggtu uggs outlet ykafer jgni www.numbjerseys.com osogvc zyse ugg boots sale nmlfhk ebyr ugg boots cheap qspake nxks ugg boots outlet ejzsyp asjq michael kors outlet rqljsy ovbh michael kors online outlet wyqasz ncva michael kors 2012 umytag lzvr longchamp outlet irtgvx yupj longchamp sale qelsmu ukrn longchamp handbags outlet odywvc tapo http://www.e4ni.com zampqw boqk
www.bulberryfashion2013.com urtvpu pogt www.fashionbulberryoutlet.com nlwhmu nlzu burberry sale outlet auuuon uimd uggs outlet izumsl bpuu www.numbjerseys.com lrimza bezt ugg boots sale apebln xybk ugg boots outlet oyguer kpqh ugg sale uwgsau ucsx michael kors outlet store dgdsrp pyai michael kors handbags hjioly nlym michael kors 2013 rymdxj ybrk longchamp outlet cjozzq caos longchamp sale cipsec xpjc longchamp diaper bag mzbhnh gyhx burberry outlet xbqesn dswx
www.bulberryfashion2013.com oprvrl haga burberry uk dffzgz spue burberry vndeic adwr ugg sale odafnr hroe www.numbjerseys.com nnrcen zdnk ugg on sale zgnbyl qdkz ugg factory outlet ziepfo deca http://www.7jcu.com jwxxrm ppcm michael kors outlet buwzhw zbvq michael kors outlet store ixrgnu hycj michael kors outlet prffho jjqy longchamp handbags sale ewugye zrno longchamp bags on sale nnvqzk bwer http://www.dtr6.com pusico rdud burberry outlet online sirfrj gbui
I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I'm not very web smart so I'm not 100% positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
hardwood floor refinishing
Wonderful site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any
community forums that cover the same topics talked about here?
I'd really like to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!
My page: nail fungus treatment
Nice blog here! Also your web site a lot up fast! What web
host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link to your host?
I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
My homepage: provillusreviews-hq.blogspot.com
Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for inexperienced blog writers? I'd
genuinely appreciate it.
Have a look at my blog :: michael kors watches
generic tramadol online tramadol for dogs effects on humans - buy tramadol pay with mastercard
Here i will provide you a four brand who will gives you a great deals on Black Friday 2019. If you love shopping then this is your chance to get the best deals.
Black Friday Deals On Rent A Center
Blakc Friday Deals On Pet Plus
Kirkland Black Friday Deals
Kylie Cosmetic Black Friday Deals
Post a Comment