Blog #4

In your blog, discuss your reaction to this video. What does this video fail to address, and what weak arguments could occur as a result? As participants in the video suggest, do you agree that steroids can be used responsibly?

This video fails to address that steroids are illegal and harmful. Just because a few users of steroids have not seen any of the horrid side affects that are caused by the artificial increase of testosterone, does not mean steroids are harmless. The use of steroids also brings up the controversy of unfair competition because steroids have different effects and benefits for each person depending on genetics, etc. Steroids cannot be used responsibly because as a user experiences the benefits of the drug, he/she becomes addicted and dependent, and is less likely to refrain from usage. Even if steroids were as harmless as this video makes them sound, it is still against the law to use, buy, or sell them and therefore it should not be done.

2. Athletes and SteroidsOne concern is that steroid use constitutes cheating and thus violates the integrity of sports. Another concern is that steroid use increases health risks such as hair loss, mood swings, high blood pressure, and the potential for long-term medical problems.Texas State Senate Bill 8 recently mandated a steroid testing program for a random selection of local high school athletes. Please review the following website, which explains this UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Program:http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/health/steroid_information.htmlReferencing Dr. John Hoberman's book, Testosterone Dreams: Rejuvenation, Aphrodisia, Doping, Steven Shapin explains, "Hoberman maintains that steroid use is the natural consequence of the hyper-competitiveness and performance anxiety of our entire culture" (333). Shapin concludes that "steroids are the spectator goods we demand," yet he also asserts that this deduction is oversimplified (333-334).In your blog, based on the information I have provided you, what are your reactions to steroid use and steroid testing? Should there be different standards for professional athletes vs. high school athletes? How about different steroid use standards for different sports?

The procedure for steroid testing among high school students and professional athletes seems effective. The percentage of active steroid users is very low and makes steroid usage seem like a small problem. The standards for steroid testing should conform to everybody, and should not fluctuate with age, gender, etc. Steroids have typically the same ultimate effect on everybody, increased strength, so it should not matter what sport is being practiced.


As Hoberman suggests, do you think steroid use is an expected manifestation our culture's demand to be the best rather than merely do our best? Are we creating a double standard that forces athletes to measure up? Explain your reasoning. If you have any personal experiences with this issue, feel free to add these as well!

Steroid use is the outcome of increased pressure and athletes to perform better. Records are constantly being broken, and sports are becoming more competitive. We are not creating a “double standard” because it is an athlete’s choice to take steroids and we, as an audience, are not forcing nor encouraging the use of these drugs. In fact, many of us look down upon professional athletes who turn to artificial strength to gain a competitive edge.