Robert Lipsyte's Essay Jock Culture

440 Words2 Pages

In Robert Lipsyte’s essay “Jock Culture,” Lipsyte begins with the distinction between Jocks and Pukes. He, then, refers to himself as an example of a Puke and a Columbia Crew University coach, Bill Stowe, as an example of a Jock. Lipsyte slanders Bill Stowe by calling him a “dumb Jock” because of his misguided beliefs in Jock Culture (Paragraphs 1 and 2). Lipsyte continues his discussion by demonstrating what Jock Culture is. According to Lipsyte, Jock Culture is a deranged view that those with Jock-like qualities such as respecting authority, being determined, and relentlessly trying to outdo competitors are more likely to be hired, admired, and respected (Paragraph 9). On the other hand, Pukes, who are the complete opposite of Jocks, tend to be discriminated and disrespected by society (Paragraphs 4 and 13). However, Lipsyte states that the sports Jocks play are dangerous as stated in paragraph seven. Due to their admirable status and celebrity like treatment, Jocks are able to disrespect women, torture dogs, and commit sexual crimes (Paragraph …show more content…

Several examples are given throughout the essay such as torturing dogs, misogyny, sex crimes, disrespecting family, and the belief of hurting someone or jeopardizing one’s intelligence, health, and morality in order to be ranked first (Paragraphs 7, 10, 12, and 13). Believing these actions will be copied and accepted by the world, Lipsyte predicts society will become a darker, more despotic place if Jock Culture continues (Paragraph 12). He also believes that those labelled as Pukes should not be discriminated against because of their lack to participate in sports; everyone should be treated equally with equal opportunity instead of categorized (Paragraph 13). Lipsyte’s ending is a paradoxical beginning for the game of Jocks vs. Pukes leaving a cliffhanger on who will win the