Basketball Player Larry Bird

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that legendary Celtics MVP Larry Bird did not simply prove that white men could jump but also he is credited in bringing back the lagging Boston basketball franchise and infusing new energy into the league. The author uses the functionalist theory, which relates the individual to culture, media and society, to describe Bird's life and career. The paper underscores that, although Bird came of age during an era when America was becoming increasingly racially polarized and although basketball is a cultural template of racial conflicts, this white star has remained focused on the game and has maintained cordial relationships with African-American athletes on his and other own teams.

Table of Contents:
The Importance of Larry Bird
Chronological History of Bird's Career in Sports
How Socialized
Impact of Deviance
Impact of Violence
Athlete's Gender, Race/Ethnicity And Social Class Background As A Factor In His Sport Career
Economics of the Athlete's Sport and the Athlete's Career
Relationship with the Media
Functionalist Theory

From the Paper:

"Bird had no fancy schooling in the game and began playing after he received a cheap rubber basketball for Christmas, shooting hoops for hours in his backyard to dull the pain he felt from his parents' divorce and later his father's suicide. As for many disadvantaged players, basketball was his only solace during a lonely and troubled childhood. He also grew up with a strong female role model, although not with a strong male role model. In an era and a town where few women worked, his mother had to work long hours, away from the growing Bird."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Coakley, Jay. "Chapter 2: Using social theories: What can they tell us about sports in society?" Sports in Society. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. pp. 30-54.
• "Larry Bird." Biography. NBA.com. 27 Apr 2008. http://aol.nba.com/history/players/bird_bio.html
• Rickey, Carrie. "A Rhinoceros amongst Gazelles." The New York Times. 11 Dec 1988. 27 Apr 2008. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DEED6163AF932A25751C1A96E948260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1

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