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Question 24 — Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society (20 marks) (a) Outline how Australia has used sport for political purposes - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 24 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 24
Question 24 — Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society (20 marks) (a) Outline how Australia has used sport for political purposes. (b) Critically analyse ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 24 — Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society (20 marks) (a) Outline how Australia has used sport for political purposes - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 24 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline how Australia has used sport for political purposes.
Answer
Australia has often leveraged sport as a tool for political expression and influence. One notable instance is the use of the Olympic Games to communicate political stances. For example, in 1980, Australia participated in the boycott of the Moscow Olympics to protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Additionally, during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the raised awareness of Indigenous issues was partially achieved by the gesture of athletes like Cathy Freeman, who carried a flag during the opening ceremony, thereby highlighting the ongoing struggles for reconciliation. These examples show how sports events can become platforms for political statements and the promotion of national identity.
Step 2
Critically analyse how the mass media contribute to people’s understanding, values and beliefs about sport.
Answer
The mass media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of sport. Through coverage of events, athletes, and controversies, it informs the audience and elevates certain narratives. For instance, media representation often emphasizes success stories, thereby reinforcing values such as hard work and determination. However, it can also lead to negative stereotypes or misrepresentation, particularly regarding gender or ethnicity in sports. Analysis of specific media coverage shows that sensationalism can affect public sentiment, such as the portrayal of athletes in scandal stories, which can diminish their contributions to sport. Moreover, sport-related discussions in media encourage community engagement and can influence policies related to physical education and funding for sports initiatives, illustrating the interconnectedness of media, society, and sports culture.