While basketball is often seen as a laid-back sport, it is important to appreciate and respect the significant impact of Dr. James Naismith’s contributions. We should all show gratitude for his considerable influence on our country. The creation of basketball resulted in substantial and long-lasting advancements for Americans. It is crucial to acknowledge that Naismith faced challenges and took an unconventional approach in developing the game.
James Naismith, a Canadian native, did not have an ideal basketball upbringing. Sadly, his parents both passed away from typhoid fever before he turned nine years old. This led James to feel overwhelmed and distraught, causing him to relocate to Springfield, Massachusetts and live with his uncle. At fifteen years old, he made the decision to drop out of school as he believed he had already gained sufficient knowledge. If James had continued with this mindset, the invention of basketball might never have occurred.
Naismith only went to college because his uncle wanted him to become a minister. He attended Presbyterian College, where he invented basketball. During the cold weather between football and baseball seasons, there were no sports being played at the college. Naismith noticed that athletes were bored and decided to find a solution to the problem. He came up with an indoor game using peach baskets. This game quickly gained popularity and became a historic invention.
In the mid-1800s, American culture extensively borrowed elements from various nations. For example, baseball, derived from English cricket, gained popularity. Lacrosse was introduced to us by Native Americans as a sport. Additionally, we embraced European cuisine and fashion trends. Despite our political independence, we encountered challenges in establishing distinctive materialistic aspects. Nevertheless, basketball emerged as a source of pride and identity for Americans. Being an invention originating in America, it attracted widespread desire for participation and ownership. It fostered a shared interest among people who proudly regarded it as their own.
The game, both in the past and present, has been a valuable teacher of diversity. Many individuals have come to understand the meaning of this term through their involvement with basketball. Additionally, it has been instrumental in the examination and assessment of opposing teams’ and players’ approaches to the game, including their strategies and skills. Furthermore, it has played a crucial role in uncovering and challenging stereotypes and biases towards different races. Basketball has allowed players to recognize that there are no true differences among people. In the late 1890s, during basketball’s early stages, there was a significant presence of diverse individuals who embraced the game.
Integration in sports was significantly advanced by groups such as the German Turners, Czech Sokols, and Polish Falcons who embraced activities like basketball, which catered to the Second-generation youths (Gems). As basketball gained popularity, teams were established nationwide and engaged in competitive matches. However, during this period, teams were segregated based on race, with white teams and African American teams being the only options. Nevertheless, after a few years, “African American teams in the North emerged as the most skilled” (Gems). This breakthrough enabled black players to experience a sense of equality with white players for the first time.
During a time when society was cruel to African Americans, they found hope and determination through the sport of basketball. In addition to their resilience, these players brought a unique style of play that would forever change the game. They introduced elements such as speed, agility, superior jumping ability, and creative ball handling, which are now cherished aspects of basketball loved by millions. As a result of their talent and the increasing racial diversity in the sport, African Americans were quickly embraced and respected in professional leagues in the Northern region.
Playing ball together, children in communities learned about racial equality. Despite limited interaction between kids of different races in their neighborhood, they discovered a shared bond on the basketball court. According to Kelley, children from all races played basketball harmoniously without any issues. Although some tension remained, once the games started, race became insignificant. Currently, basketball continues to unite people from diverse backgrounds at various competition levels. Additionally, women have also greatly benefited from this sport as they have achieved equal levels of fame as men.
Milner states that in the early days, women’s games were popular among men and families, despite the limited rights and restrictions imposed on women. Playing alongside men in professional leagues was a major achievement for women in their fight for equality. The establishment of the WNBA as the first professional women’s league in the four major U.S. sports is considered a historic event.
Basketball has become beloved worldwide, fostering international connections and spreading rapidly. As a result, global leagues have emerged to enhance the game’s competitiveness and popularity. Nevertheless, the United States quickly showcased their basketball dominance by winning seven consecutive gold medals after it was permanently included in the Olympics in 1936 (Milner). This demonstration of supremacy further fueled America’s pride and self-identity. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that basketball, like any other thing, does have its flaws.
Although it is challenging to completely eradicate the imperfections in basketball, they are not limited and pose a concern. Young players with extraordinary talent or potential often fall prey to illicit activities like gambling, recruiting, and scandals. The influx of “corporate money funneled into amateur sports” (as mentioned in Wetzel’s introduction) has made these talented athletes vulnerable to covert professionalism. As a result, corruption impacts all individuals involved in these leagues.
Teams, coaches, and entire universities frequently find themselves entangled in the aftermath of a scandal, which often unfairly tarnishes the reputation of those involved. The sports industry brings along a significant amount of stress and pressure for young individuals. Shoe companies, with their lucrative deals, instill a belief in children that cooperation is essential for their dreams to be realized. Consequently, teenagers become fixated on financial gain rather than their passion for the sport. These exploitative campaigns shock not only college athletes but also high school and even junior high school students (Wetzel introduction).
Society should be outraged by campaigns that promise fame and fortune in basketball, as they often result in disappointment for aspiring young players. These ads lead young athletes to work hard, only to have their dreams shattered in the end. Advocates argue that this dark side of amateur sports should not be ignored, as it is a concerning alarm for society. According to Dan Wetzel, it is important to recognize the negative impact that these campaigns have on players. However, I believe that this issue is not exceptional or shocking, as similar crimes occur in all sports and locations.
Despite the possibility of negative consequences, it is important to shift our focus towards the positive effects brought by Naismith’s culture. The successful young athletes exemplify everything that amateur players aspire to and can appreciate their own journey and accomplishments. They hold deep admiration for their hard work, decisions, and risks taken. Moreover, in addition to individual advantages, society benefits economically from the sport through television ratings and ticket sales, which contribute to the prosperity of towns and businesses.
The multitude of sport-related events is a great way to boost economic activity in cities. Moreover, cities often produce celebrated athletes who contribute to their communities. Organizations like NBA Cares support numerous global causes. Basketball holds deep emotional significance and goes beyond being just a sport; it becomes a lifestyle for many individuals. It teaches valuable life lessons that can be universally applied. As Carlo stated, basketball helps instill teamwork, spirit, and physical activity in children – qualities that are vital across different professions and lifestyles worldwide.
Basketball teaches the importance of perseverance. No matter what obstacles arise, one must push through and keep fighting to succeed. Quitting is never an option, and with hard work, individuals can reach their highest potential, just as Naismith did. Additionally, basketball fosters friendship. Adults everywhere form bonds and camaraderie with others based on the friendships they built on the basketball court during high school or college. As Bill Bradley, a former NBA player and United States congressman, eloquently stated, basketball is a gift that continuously brings joy and creates lasting memories.
Its invention needs to be celebrated. “Basketball remains one of the driving forces behind Americans through its enjoyment and the life lessons that it teaches. We owe a large part of our sense of pride and identity to Dr. James Naismith. His invention over a hundred and twenty years ago made a huge impact on life back then, as it does now. Without him and his creation, many things that many people take for granted would not be able to be enjoyed. Many of the paths he indirectly paved for this country, and its citizens, goes unnoticed. However, this invention changed our culture and society forever.
