A Leader Is More Than A Messenger Analysis

The first amendment guarantees Americans the right to peacefully protest even if the opinion is unpopular. So why would this right be limited when dealing with people whose opinions can make a significant impact, such as athletes? Athletes may serve as role models, but they should be able to retain the right to use their social influence to create the impact they want to make on the world. In “A Leader is More Than a Messenger,” Toni Smith argues that politics should not be limited during sporting events, whether an athlete demonstrates a popular or unpopular opinion because they are the ones with enough influence to make a difference. Smith demonstrated her own political opinion by not facing the flag before games to protest America's …show more content…
Smith argues that an athlete’s right to express their own opinions is suddenly limited when their opinion is unpopular. She supports this claim with similar prior cases, such as, “the NBA required Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf to stand for the anthem, and there was debate over whether it was appropriate for Sheryl Crow to wear an anti-war T-shirt when she performed” (Smith 9). Smith also supported her claim with her own facts and findings “based on the results of surveys conducted about my not facing the flag before games” (Smith 9). Smith concludes that “people simply do not believe athletes should make their own political statements” (9), especially when the opinion is unpopular or controversial. Smith also argues that its celebrities and athletes’ job to act as a leader and role model, support their own political beliefs whether they are popular or unpopular, and make their opinions heard. Smith supports this claim with examples where athletes demonstrate their social influence. “Athletes are encouraged to endorse everything from telephone plans to fast food chains. They also use their celebrity status to support certain organizations” (Smith 9). Smith concludes that if athletes can use their social influence to encourage others to buy into a corporal business, they should be allowed to use their influence to support and spread their own opinions. By appealing to logos through her references to other cases and facts, Smith accomplishes turning the topic of the article into a greater issue than just herself and her situation. It’s not just Smith who has the ability to use her social influence to make an impact on her community; others have before and will continue to do