Abstract
The paper discusses the prevalence of cockfighting in Latin America. The paper describes the stages of a cockfight and shows how it serves as a traditional pastime, a source of pride and masculinity. The paper discusses how cockfighting can have some negative effects on the loser because of the time and money that is required to raise gamecocks. The paper also points out that cockfighting may be more productive and safer than other illegal activities that young men might otherwise engage in.


Outline:
Introduction
The Role of Cockfighting in a Society and Influence in Latin America
The Stages of a Cockfight
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As it relates to the role of cockfighting in a society the research seems to indicate that it generates a type of survival of the fittest mentality amongst those that participate in cockfighting. In addition, in many countries, cockfighting is seen as some sort of test of masculinity. Many researchers have conceded that the sport of cockfighting is actually a dynamic between a man and a cock--this dynamic is often referred to as a "blend"."

Tags:masculinity, ego, gamecock, tradition, pastime

Abstract
The paper explains anthropologist Clifford Geertz's belief in "Notes on the Balinese Cockfighting" that all societies contain cultural systems that contain heavily symbolic elements. The paper discusses Geertz's example of Balinese cockfighting where the social order is reflected in the wagering and the spatial organization of the game. The paper compares this to F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and goes on to show how money, social invitations and material goods all signify deeper meanings than are apparent on their surface.

From the Paper
"According to the anthropologist Clifford Geertz, all societies contain cultural systems that can be read as texts. For example, the rituals surrounding cockfighting in Balinese culture, Geertz argues can be interpreted and re-interpreted much like we interpret "Macbeth" in an English class. Cultural systems contain heavily symbolic elements that can reveal aspects of the culture. Such systems are dynamic and work to affect and change the culture. In Balinese cockfighting, the social order is both reflected in the wagering and the spatial organization of the game in a way that is symbolic, and transcends the ability to make money from betting. The process of playing the game affects the culture and expresses the culture."

Tags:social, order, symbolism, Daisy, Tom

Abstract
This paper discusses that, when most people observe aspects of an issue that they are studying, it is often difficult not to come up with certain generalizations regarding aspects of a society. The author believes that, through their observations and studies, Geertz and Moore are able to find some in-depth looks at the societies they study; but they come up with some general conclusions in a scientific way, without enough evidence to support them.

From the Paper
"Through applying certain anthropological methods, Clifford Geertz makes some strong points in his study of the Balinese cockfights. In order for him to study appropriately the Balinese cockfights, it was essential for him to become more of a part of the Balinese culture. Only by this can an anthropologist obtain a better understanding and a more in-depth perspective of a certain aspect of a society. Most people that would observe the cockfights would view it as a spectator sport, without much meaning behind the activity. After all, the Balinese government ruled the cockfights illegal and was ashamed that the fights were part of the Balinese culture."

Tags:observation, understanding, in-depth, holistic, scientific

Abstract
The paper addresses the widespread use of steroids by high-profile athletes for boosting their performance and discusses whether it is morally acceptable to use performance enhancing drugs in sports. The paper looks at patterns of use of steroids by athletes; are they being used across the board or are certain groups by sex, class or ethnicity more prone to its use? The paper also examines whether it is ethical to use animals for sports and entertainment and discusses the history of cockfighting in the United States.

Outline:
Sports Ethics
Sports History and Performance Enhancing Substance
Pattern of Use
Why is Steroid-use in Sports Considered Unethical?
Is it Ethical to Use Animals in Sports?
The Barbaro Case
Cockfighting
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Sport is an ancient human activity as cultural relics provide evidence that some form of health-building activities existed in China as long ago as 4000 BC (Qinfa, 2007). A number of sports are also known to have been played in ancient Egypt, and the Greeks of course organized the ancient Olympic Games as far back as 776 AD. With the advent of industrialization in the 19th century and the increased availability of leisure time, sports have become phenomenally popular in most parts of the world. The development of mass media and communication technology such as the radio, television and the Internet in the recent past have further added to the popularity of sports as spectators can now follow the exploits of athletes and star performers from afar."

Tags:anabolic, steroids, drugs, cockfighting, athletes, animals, Barbaro

Abstract
This paper explains that the notion of "deep play," play with multiple levels of anthropological and sociological significance, is demonstrated in both Balinese cockfighting and American baseball. The author points out that rituals are shaped in dialogue with culture and the difficulties humans experience, not for simple rewards. The paper relates that ritual creation may arise out of uncertainty, but it is a social and spiritual uncertainty, as well as an uncertainty of what actions will transpire.

From the Paper
"All of these rituals came after long years of baseball practice and performing well in a series of games. Although they might seem like purely mechanical and useless acts against he effects of chance "of bad weather, bad calls, or a cramp in the arm or leg" they might even be said, like the Andean coca chewing to have physical effects that positively impact the potential game. The caffeine in the iced tea, the coolness of the beverage, the buzz of the Beech-Nut Tobacco, even, in today's nutritionally conscious times, the Omega-3 fatty acids present in the tuna, in a perfect meld of protein and carbohydrate loading all have physical, albeit subtle affects upon the baseball player's physical as well as mental state. This is not to say that having an ice tea is the same as chewing a coca leaf. However, the physical aspects and effects of rituals created for the player in his own world have physical effects upon the player as well as analogs with the rituals that are generated in more communal and long-term cultural settings."

Tags:runa, cockfighting, ritual, baseball, uncertainty

Abstract
This paper explains that boxing is beginning to lose some of its appeal to younger audiences, who, having been raised on bloodthirsty video games and extreme sports, and are hankering for more action and more violence than can be seen in the traditional boxing ring. The paper further explains that the growing interest in MMA sports not only wreaks havoc on its participants but on the boxing industry as well; not only is boxing losing fans to MMA but it is losing some of its leaders and participants as well. The paper then discusses some of the reasons for the appeal of MMA sports and concludes that, in the end, it remains to be seen what the future holds for both sports but most fans are hoping that neither becomes a permanent casualty.

From the Paper
"Controversy is perhaps another reason for the growing popularity of MMA, as it has certainly had its share of media attention and heated discussion. Boxing, which has been around for centuries, has always sparked controversy about its violent nature as well, but when something fresh and innovative enters the scene, people are quick to forget the old and concentrate on the new. As we all know, the more controversial something is, the more popular it is likely to be."

Tags:combat toughman industry, human cockfighting, stars