I agree with Kalle Oakes’ criticism (Nov. 11) of the racist comments made by the Miami Dolphins’ Richie Incognito. I also agree with him that references to “locker room culture” in no way excuse such comments. I was, however, disappointed in Oakes’ snide reference to “anthropologists and psychologists” as “guys who don’t get within 25 miles of a locker room.”
I am an anthropologist. I played several sports as a college student, and since then I have continued to participate in a variety of athletic activities. In addition, I have many friends who are psychologists, historians, geologists and biologists, who all enjoy and appreciate the value of athletics.
By suggesting inaccurately that athletics and academics are somehow separate and opposing worlds, Oakes is promoting the destructive, negative stereotypes of the “jock” and the “nerd.” Ironically, he is also perpetuating the anti-intellectualism and the crude and boorish behavior that sometimes characterizes the “locker room culture” that he himself criticizes.
Finally, comments like those make it difficult to promote the idea that athletics and academics — the life of the mind and the life of the body — can go hand in hand, complementing each other and contributing to a well-balanced and well-adjusted life.
Loring M. Danforth, Lewiston
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