Commenting on Kathleen's blog, Jesus Saves and Gretzky Gets the Rebound

This discussion is found in 
http://lifeisbetterinblackandwhite.blogspot.com/2011/01/jesus-saves-and-gretzky-gets-rebound.html

            
             Kathleen, I too was unsure of the suppositions Tracy Trothen presents in her article, Acceptable Violence? Violence in Hockey and Christian Atonement Theories for she definitely has an avant-garde approach to the subject matter. I personally have never before encountered the notion that sports can function as a religion and quite honestly, this seems somewhat absurd and definitely unconventional. However, in response to the specific flawed areas in Trothen’s article, I would concur with your objections to her arguments and contribute to your line of reasoning.

            In reference to your initial point being that Trothen seems to put a negative spin on women’s attempts to attract viewership, I agree that Trothen’s perspective on this topic has negative connotations; she seems to be saying that women athletes are only able to receive scholarships if they partake in acts which would heighten their sexual appeal as athletes. It can be viewed as problematic the fact that women are to show off their sex appeal in order to be taken seriously as athletes, however, Trothen does not refer to specific examples where this indeed exists.

            Furthermore, your idea that male hockey players contribute to the “rape culture” is rather discriminatory. As you have stated, it is not only male hockey players who discuss the sexuality of women, rather men of all professions, as well as women. Trothen points to the hockey environment but does not include examples like rap artists, etc., where this culture is clearly reflected in the lyrics as well as music videos.

            Moreover and finally, the Christian aspects of hockey seems somewhat absurd to me. One must realize that hockey is a sport, along with many others, whose sole existence is based on providing entertainment. Hockey players as well as other athletes do not focus on the possible Christian entities the game manifests, rather, they are solely participating in their careers—in which they get paid for. Also, the fact that non-Christian hockey professionals indeed play in the NHL reveals the fact that Christianity is not at all universal in the game of hockey.