Hyper-masculinity Puts Football in Danger

Photo by Keith Allison

Football is being endangered. It is being endangered by its own players, fans, coaches and owners.

Hypermasculinity is the danger that could be the end of it all.

Masculinity is a learned trait. Testosterone and other hormones each have their parts to play, but, for the most part, masculinity is taught.

In football, that masculinity is transformed into something more dangerous. Hits that are a tad more vicious than they need to be, disrespect towards women and the feeling that players are feminine if they don’t play through an injury are all examples of this dangerous ideal.

These players have typically been playing football since they can first remember. From the very beginning they hear phrases like, “there’s no crying in sports,” “rub some dirt on it” or things of that nature. They are supposed to show no emotion, no mercy and no restraint. If you have to hurt the other team, that’s just what you have to do.

This idea of masculinity is deeply ingrained in some of these athletes. It rejects ideas players see as feminine. There’s no place for that on the field, and, through enough repetition of that idea, there’s no place for it off the field. I believe that plays a major part in the domestic violence you see from some football players.

There is another way hypermasculinity could spell disaster for the NFL and NCAA: concussions. Until pretty recently, concussions were a virtually unknown factor for players. They, along with many other injuries, were often seen as a sign of weakness. You might get a little dizzy, but it’s your job to get back up and fight.

That is worrying. Concussions are dangerous, and they are the most prominent issue facing the NFL.

Gender representation is important for public image in today’s world - and rightfully so. But, this issue of masculinity denies football of that idea. Female coaches and referees are seen as a novelty while female announcers are ridiculed for their passions.

This is not okay; something has to change.

Through the means of its violent nature and the rejection of modern ideals, football could destroy itself through its own public image.