Florida Atlantic University Athletics
It's American Football
3/29/2013 12:00:00 AM | General
March 29, 2013
As the first one in my family to go through the American collegiate system, I've also had to explain a lot of things to my immediate family, who are originally from the Dominican Republic (DR). Though I was born in Miami and raised mainly in Florida, my family made sure I was raised with the culture and teachings from the DR. I've been successful in explaining many things like fast food, social media and microwavable products to my grandma, but there's still two things she doesn't understand about the United States: American and flag football. Despite the many attempts and explanations, she doesn't grasp how men will "throw a ball, jump over each other, give each other big hugs, play for a couple of seconds, stop for a minute or two, and do it again and again." Don't even bring up flag football. She doesn't understand the reason of the band and why girls twirl around and try to take others and run away. It's a loss cause.
However, talk to her about baseball and not only will she talk to you about the sport for hours, she'll make you a delicious meal with plantains in the process. Take into consideration the 2013 World Baseball Classic that just occurred: she would call me after a Ramirez or Reyes home run, when Cano did something good (She loved the Cano family), called me to make sure I was following, and called me after every win, in which the Dominican Republic went undefeated for the 2013 World Baseball Classic Champions. I don't hear from my family in the island much, but I would hear from them through the so called "confusing" social media outlets and phone calls several times a week just to talk about "Platano Power" and the games. Baseball is the pride and joy of the Dominican Republic, much like how the World Cup is for Brazilians or the Super Bowl ring is for any Americans favorite football team.
Diversity is huge in the sports and its constant submergence in culture is what makes sports so entertaining to watch. Watching the World Baseball Classic game between the United States and Dominican Republic live really made me realize how great of an outlet it is to not only let cultures express themselves, but let people showcase where they're from and how the physical act of sport has helped them grow both physical and mentally. Sport also shows how no matter where in the world you're from everybody can come together and have a good time. After the Dominican Republic beat the United States, there was about an hour celebration right outside of the Marlins ballpark. Best part was that you saw people supporting the United States appreciate our crazy celebration and some even joined the festivities.
As one of the most diverse schools, Florida Atlantic University Athletics has the opportunity to showcase diversity through its many sports programs. After growing up and attending different sporting events with various backgrounds, it's important to really appreciate the diversity this world has and how one event can bring it all together. It's nice when you look at games beyond a "W" and "L," but as a stage of the different cultures this world has to offer. It's really awesome how despite the differences each group have, we can all play the same game.
Ginette Javier
Ginette.javier@gmail.com
