Sport and masculinity

Sport and masculinity

Commentary

Newsday

Jerome Teelucksingh -
Jerome Teelucksingh –

Activist and scholar Jerome Teelucksingh takes readers through time to look at the impact of past events on Trinidad and Tobago today. His Newsday column Trini Time Travellers will appear every Thursday from January 4. 

Teelucksingh is known as an advocate of International Men’s Day and World Day of the Boy Child and commentator on social issues.

JEROME TEELUCKSINGH

IN THE Caribbean, more men than women tend to be involved in sporting activities. Sport has become one of the most important factors in defining and influencing Caribbean masculinities in the 20th and 21st centuries.

For more than a century, cricket, rugby and football (soccer) have been manifestations of masculinity. Boys aspiring to be men seek the avenue of cricket and/or football to earn the admiration of peers and gain the approval of society. In most countries cricket and football remain two of the forces shaping the macho image.

The exploits and influence of past and present football stars are critical in understanding the inner desire and determination of Latin American and Caribbean men to enter sport and aspire for financial success and fame.

As in other regions, the Caribbean and Latin America have a considerable list of “marginalised sports.” Games such as boxing, weightlifting, karate, volleyball, rugby, swimming, tennis and horse racing often compete with football and cricket for

…. to be continued
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