Tracy Trothen’s article presents intriguing arguments about the correlation between hockey and religion and more specifically, hockey and Christianity. Despite this fact, it is quite hard to swallow this concept for various reasons. For example, the symbolism of violence in Christianity and the violence in hockey are unequal elements of these two institutions and the demoralization of women by hockey players provide evidence of false parallels between Christian and violence in hockey.
The theme of violence as discussed in Tracy Trothen’s article reveals the possible parallels between hockey and Christianity. It is stated by some that hockey cannot function as a religion for the fact that it is violent; however, as Trothen exposes, religious institutions do experience violence. Trothen gives an example of the crucifixion of Christ as an event in Christianity where it reflects the act of violence. However, this Christian reality, unlike hockey, represents the utmost love, sacrifice and salvation which is impossible for hockey to demonstrate. The crucifix is an example of violence, and possibly the greatest example of this, but it is a beautiful act in that it is the perfect symbol of self-sacrifice and unconditional love. The violence between these two events are not similar in any way, and this fact must be stressed. It is important to realize that although hockey does present various Christian aspects, it is after all a game whose sole purpose is to provide entertainment.
Furthermore, violence in hockey is in the form of sexual harassment and abuse. In terms of the “rape culture” as discussed by Laura Robinson, it is revealed the fact that male hockey players dehumanize women in the locker room by discussing their sexuality. This is rather discriminative for all males, no matter what their profession, and even females dehumanize the other sex by focusing on their sexuality. This demoralization and dehumanization of females for example, is evident in various genres of music such as rap and even reggae through which women are explicitly viewed as sexual objects and means of obtaining sexual gratification. These two genres in music are the greatest example of this abuse of female sexuality.
The following links give evidence to the dehumanization of women by rap and reggae artists who undermine and abuse their sexuality. Please take caution for the content of these songs are rather offensive.
We Be Steady Mobbin' - Lil Wayne Featuring Gucci Mane
She's a Ho - Mr. Vegas
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