A class and education issue?!
Certain sports have been traditionally associated with a privilege background:tennis and golf especially, so-called "white" sports. As we all know Tiger Woods has broken through the golf barrier and so have the Williams sisters in tennis.They are all Black Americans who do not come from privilege backgrounds.Boxing is an interesting case. Over the period of time boxing has been the sport which has enabled minorities such as,the Jewish and black communities, to fight through poverty and disadvantage.As for fencing and archery which are very culturally contained,euro centric,the limited uptake is understandable.On the other hand Ping Pong has evolved in such a way that it is now an international sport.
However,is there any sport in the world which is so culturally endowed and constrainted making it totally inaccessible to "outsiders"? I would assume the answer is no.There are always highly talented,dedicated and motivated individuals who will rise up to the challenge and achieve their goals.So much for the essential role of government's role in providing facilities and training, it is interesting to note how many winners' families have been instrumental in enabling their achievement.
Ming Tsow
