A Racist Pastime

Rule changes and stricter enforcement of infractions during NFL games with player safety in mind has been a focus of the league during recent years. One theme I couldn't help but notice, is who is truly getting protected within the game we have grown to love.

In regards to the players, every year since 2000, at least 75% of the total players at the quarterback position have been white (shown in the table).

The quarterback position has always been extremely dangerous to play. As many may know, the "Blindside Hit" (yes, there was a movie about it) poses one of the biggest threats to QBs. The NFL has now put in place penalties in an effort to protect the at risk quarterbacks (of whom are predominately white) against the malicious hits of the defensive lineman (of whom are predominately black). 

In addition, while a kicker or punter is kicking the football at any point in the game, if a player on defense were to make contact with them, an immediate 15 yard penalty (the largest enforced yardage possible) is given. The stiffest penalty, protecting a position, in which at least 97% have been white since 2010. 

What does this say about who the NFL chooses to protect? Why do you think so many white people play the protected positions? Let me know your thoughts!

Unaware American Consumers

Purchased t-shirt

Just yesterday, I made an uneducated decision: I bought a t-shirt without researching. Just after we had talked about who makes a given shirt, where it's made and if the person/people making it are treated fairly, I may have unknowingly supported human rights violations.

Solely based on aesthetic appeal, I bought the pictured University of Alabama t-shirt before returning home after a soccer showcase in Alabama. Before I looked up the details of the shirt, I selected it, gave it to the cashier, paid the $19.99 for it, and put it into my carry-on. No other thoughts involved. After re-triggering my memory of our class discussion Thursday with our class period today, I looked further into the details.


I looked up the company that made the shirt and found that everything checked out fine. In fact, they printed the individual shirts on site in Comstock Park, Michigan. Their facilities appeared pristine, as can be seen on their webpage. Although in my case I won't be feeling guilty every time I put this shirt on, many other situations may be different though unknown. Human rights like proper working conditions and wages may be being violated by other companies without consumers realizing. In fact, I find it to be an extremely American value to find something that looks good and is cheap. Whatever may be the "Best Value" or "Most For Your Money" is a draw for us Americans. Such mentality is dangerous and can lead to the unknowing violation people's rights worldwide.

Do you as a consumer research before buying? Would you pay more for fair produced products? Please let me know your thoughts.