Friday, September 5, 2008
Another Olympic American Hero
Now that you have formed and written an academic opinion about Michael Phelps, I would like you to briefly examine the life of another great Olympic athlete, Jesse Owens. Please go to www.JesseOwens.com where you will find biographical information about Owens. I would also encourage you to look further for information about him if you have questions that are not answered in this piece. In addition, please view the two YouTube videos about Owens posted on Blackboard and then post a comment on how you think his Olympic experience compares with Michael Phelps'. Both men have been called American Heroes. Do you think these men are equally deserving of the title? Why? Why not?
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13 comments:
Ok I guess I can try this out again. But the question is, should Michael Phelps be ranked up there with Jesse Owens or visa versa. The answer is yes, but in different ways. Reading up on Jesse Owens' website a lot of similarities came about this biographical article. Like Phelps Jesse was discovered at an early age and immediately gained a long time coach that had a lot of faith in him, just like Bob Bowman. Jesse Owens started running at an early age due to the requirements of a public school system. Running was his get away from his struggles at home. This shows that it wasn't easy for him to become an olympic gold medalist. Both of these amazing athletes can be called American Hero's, but in different aspects. Jesse Owens was competing during a difficult time era for the whole world due to Hitler. With him dominating in the 1932 games this made a statement to the world and in the end stood for our countries hero. Phelps can be classified as a hero as well due to his over coming of hardships and giving people all over the world and most importantly in the U.S. inspiration.
In reviewing the information and videos about Jesse Owens and Michael Phelps it is evident that both of these men deserve the title of American Hero, but for different reasons. Both Phelps and Owens are great American Heros, but Owens had to conquer many more obstacles to achieve his greatness. Owens had to overcome an America that was very different from today. Imagine life in the United States as an African American during the early twentieth century. Not only was Owens a great athlete, but the content of his character was evident by the way he represented his country, even as the country men he represented deemed him inferior. Many of these hardships and prejudices Michael Phelps never had to endure. Michael Phelps achieved his personal goal of winning eight gold medals, while Jesse Owens proved to the world that the basis of Hitler’s beliefs were erroneous.
Erica Ellermeyer
In response to Jakob’s comment, I agree with you that Phelps and Owens should both be given the title of American Hero. It sounds like we both had the same perception as to why these men deserve the same classification. We had a similar interpretation of the videos and the additional information we were able to dig up on Owens; that both men accomplished so much on an athletic level, but I think that what Owens overcame was much more admirable given the political climate in pre WWII Germany and pre Civil Rights Movement in the United States. I do think the biggest difference was what Owens had to overcome just to live in the U.S., and as a result it emphasizes his achievements even more. Still, Phelps’ accomplishments should not pale in comparison, any athlete with the ability to amass eight Olympic gold medals is worthy of being included in history books.
Erica Ellermeyer
As with any Olympic athlete, Jesse Owens is very talented. Both Jesse Owens and Muchael Phelps are deserving of the title "hero" in one way or another. This is especially true because they are both great representations of our country. Phelps and Owens were both competing against the odds, achieving greatness through the scope of Gold Medals. It is true that Owens' medals came at an opportune time to disprove Hitler's theories on race, but while Michael Phelps achievements aren't impressive in this sense, one cannot undermine his abilities. Owens had a unique opportunity in confronting Hitler in the Nazis, but you have to give Phelps some credit for his inspirational swimming and effort.
In response to Erica's and Brad's comments, since both of them are alike. I Agree with both of them due to that in no shape or form Michael Phelps achievements not be represented as heroic. Also i do agree with how they are both from different eras which plays a major in role in altering peoples opinion. People may can argue the point that it Hitler has no affect on the actual physical performance or Phelps had no cultural or World dilemas going on during his training or performances. It is all a relative term and it matters how you look at it. Bottom line both should be considered American Hero's.
After watching the video about Jessie Owens in the 1936 Olympics and reading his biography I do not think that Michael Phelps is equally deserving of the title of the “American Hero”. I agree with Erica that Phelps’ accomplishments should not pale in comparison and I completely agree that Michael Phelps has accomplished so much and has revolutionized the world of swimming, but Jesse Owens was more than just an athlete. He is recognized for his achievements at the 1936 Olympics (winning 4 gold medals) and overcoming his struggles with his personal issues but in his biography and the video’s, the emphasis is on his real great achievement which was to overcome “segregation, racism and bigotry to prove to the world that African-Americans belonged in the world of athletics.”
Jessie Owens proved himself to the world and most importantly to Hitler. If you are familiar with the history of Germany during this time period, Hitler was determined to prove that the Aryan Race was superior. He brainwashed the people of Germany and he was so determined that he sent Jews and other minorities to extermination camps. Jessie Owens’ performance was more than just breaking records and achieving gold medals. He broke stereo-types and showed the world that he could overcome prejudice and hate. I think that this took courage and real heroism. I was surprised that he even with his great accomplishments, his own country, the one he represented and won the medals for, still did not treat him equal. In his biography it said that “despite his success he was not offered any endorsement deals because he was black.” If you look at Michael Phelps he has so many endorsement deals that he is pretty much set for life.
Jessie Owens had great accomplishments at the Olympics and he STILL had to struggle with race and class issues. I think what makes him a true hero and inspiration is that he started his own public relations firm [and] traveled around the country to stress “the importance of religion, hard work and loyalty. He also sponsored and participated in many youth sports programs in underprivileged neighborhoods.” I know that Michael Phelps has also given back to the community but Michael Phelps donated money where as Jessie Owens was more hands on by giving back with his time and words of inspiration. In my opinion this is a lot more admirable.
I think what makes Jessie Owens the true American hero is what he symbolized for people during this time period of segregation and hate. I can see how Michael Phelps is considered a hero for his accomplishments but let’s take it out of the realm of sports. How has Michael Phelps contributed to change the world? Yea Phelps has brought a lot of people together and has made his country extremely proud. I also commend that he overcame his ADHD and I know that people look up to him but I think that overcoming hate, prejudice and discrimination given the history of this country is a lot more worthy of the title “American Hero.”
While Michael Phelps and Jesse Owens are both gold medalist athletes and have overcome some personal issues to get where they ended up, Jesse Owens’s victories are significant in a different way. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio with little money and hardly anytime for himself, running was an escape. Although Owens is a naturally fast runner, it did not stop him from practicing. He attended one-on-one morning training sessions with his high school’s coach because he was unable to attend afterschool practice due to work. Both Phelps and Owens had obstacles they needed to push through. Owens’ hindrances extended from his personal issues, such as Phelps ADHD. In 1933 segregation was still a huge problem in the United States. Owens had to not only dedicate time to his schoolwork, a job and track practice, he was running without the support of his teammates, city, state, country and parts of the world.
Owens’ sweep of four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, long jump and the 400 meter relay, proved millions of racist viewers wrong. Hitler, a leader in Germany who was proud to have the Olympics held in his country because he wanted to show off his nation and prove it’s superiority was repudiated by Owens’ achievements. Proving Hitler wrong in his own country, Owens’ accomplishments were not just significant to himself and America, but to African Americans and people that were being discriminated against everywhere. He has won more than gold medals, Owens was also awarded the highest honor a civilian in the United States could be given: The Medal of Freedom. While one can easily compare Phelps and Owens as athletes, we must remember that Owens’ overcame segregation, racism and bigotry to get where he did, while proving nations wrong. He gave people a new perspective of a culture that had been and still was/is demoralized.
This is Amadi...
I don't think the experiences of these two men can be prepared. Phelps is a star in his own right. He had the support of millions from America and foreign soil. All Phelps had to overcome was ADHD. That's not to say that ADHD isn't a real problem but it really is miniscule compared to Jesse Owens. Owens set out to prove to a nation that in fact he was NOT inferior because of the color of his skin, a message the transcended the "Hitler Olympics." In terms of their athleticism however, I think they both should be regarded as 2 of the greatest Olympians ever. Between their record breaking performances and the time in which they had to do so, they are both, without a doubt, truly great athletes.
But to say that Phelps is a hero, a hero being the same title Jesse Owens has, is wrong... in my opinion.
Responding to other comments… We’re all pretty much saying the same thing; Phelps and Owens are both heroes just in different ways. I do think Phelps is an inspiration because of what he has accomplished coming from the small swim club in Baltimore. But what adversity has he overcome? Standing alone, I think it is easier to deem Phelps a hero. But when comparing him to Owens… I don’t know.
From watching both of the videos about Jesse Owens and Michael Phelps, I have come to the conclusion that Jesse Owens is in fact an "American Hero", whereas Michael Phelps has only just begun the process of becoming one. The two were both very successful athletes as stated in the numerous articles and videos, yet I believe Jesse's experiences and aspirations were that of a different level than Phelps, which overall deemed him the title of hero. Having overcome racial diversity and the many hardships entitled to it; Owens made a difference not only in his life but also in the lives of many others. The major difference between the two athletes lies in the fact that Owens stood for a change and today we as a nation can see how his efforts have made a difference. Additionally, I am not saying this to discredit Phelps efforts and accomplishments; I simply believe that Phelps has only just begun his journey in rightfully claiming the title of a hero. Now as many reflect on Phelps and his achievement of eight Olympic gold medals, a universal feeling of admiration and respect has filled his fans. He has portrayed an image for many children to aspire to be and his efforts will ultimately change the sport as he continues to build his foundation within the world of swimming. Overall, the two were extremely talented athletes, both affecting our country in different aspects positively, and wearing the title of hero proudly.
In response to Brad’s comment I do not believe that Phelps had to overcome as many odds at Jesse Owens did. Having factored in racial diversity with Owens situation opens my eyes primarily to the difficulties he must have experienced to even get to the Olympics. On the other hand, in today’s world our whole nation was behind Phelps one hundred percent. There was no conflicting issue during the past Olympics in Beijing involving racial segregation and the unfair treatment of different races. The biography and videos about Jesse Owens really put things in a different perspective for me. I also agree with Yesenia for her praising and admiration of Owens. It is certainly valid that Owens was more hands on and productive with his changing of the world, yet I believe in our fast paced, money hungry world today, donating a large sum of money as Phelps did may be seen in a different light than it would have in Owens time.
After watching the two videos and reading Jesse Owens’ biography it appears that he is without a doubt an American hero. His Olympic experience has similarities to Phelps’ however, I don’t think that you can put the two athletes in the same category. Phelps worked hard to overcome his personal challenges of ADHD but did not face any societal challenges in a world that was rooting against him. Owens was not simply trying to win gold medals for a personal goal but to show the entire world that he was just as equal and great as any other athlete competing. He helped unite the USA in a time when African Americans did not receive equal treatment from whites. Phelps’ achievements cannot be denied as great and historical but what Owens did for an entire race and what he did to disprove Hitler’s superiority cannot be rivaled.
Yesenia, I agree with you one hundred percent. I do believe that Michael Phelps accomplished unheard of things, but how does that make him a hero? An inspiration, yes, but a hero? Owens on the other hand won gold medals, and went against all the odds and proved a majority of the world wrong. He overcame race issues. Issues that we are still overcoming. Even after Phelps received his DUI, he was thought of as a hero, he is still given endorsement deals, and is still admired and praised. Due to Owens’ skin color, his achievements, in the early 20th century, were completely overlooked. Agreeing with Ashley, Owens is a hero while Phelps is still on his way to becoming one.
Both Jesse and Michael are extraordinary athletes and are very deserving of the title American Hero, yet they are not exactly equal. Jesse Owens is an amazing athlete, but what makes him a hero is not just his athletic achievements. In an era of racial and political turmoil he represented his nation and his race at the Berlin Olympics. He proved to Hitler and the world that he, a black man, was in no way inferior to any other race. Yes, he dominated men’s track, but more importantly his actions defied a racist mind set. Therefore Jesse Owens is a hero; the only difference between him and Michael Phelps is that he earned the title “American Hero” with more than just athletic talent.
In response to Erica, I completely agree that Owens faced extra challenges during his pursuit of Olympic success. He was chronically hampered by the prejudices that were held against him because of his race. He had to overcome the bigotry and discrimination before he even stepped on the track. The gravity of the Berlin Olympics added even more pressure on to Owens already heavily burdened shoulders. Like Jacob said Owens was competing during a very precarious era. These extra obstacles do not make Owens achievements outshine Phelps’s, but they certainly make his achievements that much more special.
Jesse Owens and Michael Phelps both deserve to be regarded as extraordinary atheltes. The distinguishing factor between the two is how much more than just a medal Owens accomplishments mattered to the world. Phelps accomplishments, while very impressive, are in important in regards to swimming. Owen's medals were statements to the world and towards Hitler's claim of aryan superiority. Overall both are deserving of the title of American heroes but in their own different respects.
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