OJ: Made In America
What was a key reason O.J. Simpson distanced himself from discussions of race during his career?
He wanted to be seen as an individual athlete rather than defined by race.
What is the central theme of Game Face?
The struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports.
What major crime was Aaron Hernandez convicted of?
The murder of Odin Lloyd.
What was Bishop Sycamore, and why was it controversial?
A fraudulent high school football program that scammed players and manipulated the system for financial gain.
How does OJ: Made in America challenge the Great Sport Myth?
It shows how O.J. Simpson used sports to escape racial identity, but his trial exposed the deep racial divides in America, proving that sports are not always a unifying force.
How did the trial of O.J. Simpson highlight racial tensions in America?
The case exposed deep divisions in how Black and white communities viewed the justice system.
Who are the two main athletes featured in the documentary?
Fallon Fox (transgender MMA fighter) and Terrence Clemens (gay college basketball player).
How did CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) potentially affect Hernandez’s behavior?
His autopsy revealed severe CTE, which may have contributed to impulsivity, aggression, and poor decision-making.
How did the founder, Roy Johnson, deceive athletes and their families?
He promised top-tier football exposure but provided no real school, education, or support.
How does Game Face contradict the Great Sport Myth’s belief that sports are automatically inclusive?
The documentary highlights the struggles of LGBTQ+ athletes like Fallon Fox and Terrence Clemens, proving that acceptance in sports is not automatic and often met with resistance.
What role did media play in shaping the public perception of O.J. Simpson?
The media sensationalized the trial, reinforcing racial stereotypes and creating a spectacle.
What challenges did Fallon Fox face after coming out as transgender in MMA?
She faced backlash from fans, fighters, and organizations questioning her right to compete.
What contradictions existed in Aaron Hernandez’s public and private life?
He presented as a successful athlete but privately struggled with crime, mental health, and hidden aspects of his identity (e.g., sexuality).
What major sports network aired a game featuring Bishop Sycamore, exposing the scam? Who was the team that pummeled BS High?
ESPN broadcasted their game against IMG Academy, revealing the program's fraudulent nature.
How does Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez expose the dangers of believing sports always build character?
Despite his success as an athlete, Hernandez was involved in crime and violence, showing that sports alone do not guarantee positive moral development.
How did O.J. Simpson’s image as an athlete affect the way he was marketed and perceived in corporate America?
He was marketed as a crossover star, distancing himself from racial identity to appeal to mainstream audiences.
How does Game Face highlight the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ identity in sports?
Both athletes navigate discrimination not just as LGBTQ+ individuals but also as people of color in their respective sports.
How does the documentary suggest toxic masculinity played a role in Hernandez’s life?
He faced pressure to conform to hyper-masculine ideals, suppressing emotions and aspects of his identity, including his alleged struggles with sexuality.
How does B.S. High illustrate systemic failures in high school athletics?
It exposes the lack of oversight, the exploitation of young athletes, and the prioritization of profit over player well-being.
In what way does B.S. High prove that sports do not always provide opportunity and fairness?
The Bishop Sycamore scandal exploited young athletes, showing that sports can be used for deception and personal gain rather than uplifting players.
What larger sociological themes from the documentary connect to the study of sports and society?
Race, celebrity culture, media influence, the criminal justice system, and power dynamics in America.
What sociological theories could be applied to analyze the experiences of the athletes in Game Face?
Feminist theory (gender inequality in sports), interactionist theory (individual experiences shaping identity), and conflict theory (power struggles in inclusion and representation).
What role did environment and upbringing play in shaping Aaron Hernandez’s path?
He experienced family instability, early exposure to violence, and a sports culture that prioritized toughness over emotional well-being.
What sociological theories can be applied to the Bishop Sycamore scandal?
Conflict theory (economic exploitation of athletes), critical theory (lack of accountability in sports institutions), and interactionist theory (how athletes were manipulated through promises of success).
What do all four documentaries reveal about the dangers of the Great Sport Myth?
They show that sports are not inherently good or pure—issues like race, identity, crime, exploitation, and corruption all exist within the sports world, proving that critical analysis is necessary.