Other outlets can be used to fight crime—not just sports

Warren Chanansingh
Guardian reader

I’m all for fighting crime, but I have to make the point that while sports may be one measure of “leading youth away from crime,” it also carries with it the notion of masculinity, and hegemonic masculinity, valuing aggression and dominance. Therefore it is not the only measure that should be used. 

Because these sports programmes are meant to add value to the lives of girls and boys, they exclude those that may not necessarily be interested in sport. There is already a (perceived) feminising of the educa- tion system, hence the 65 per cent-35 per cent female-male ratio.

If alternative types of programmes aren’t developed, such as music appreciation, skills training etc, where youth can be appreciated, you would never see a true decrease in crime and increase in active youth (not meaning sports alone). There can only be so many outlets for youth to grow in sport in T&T. 

Males and females need to be given more options, where they can become exposed and be valued in society rather than put through the same cycle over and over. After all, that is the definition of insanity by Albert Einstein: “Doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.”