Lance Armstrong, once the face of hope for all those with cancer. But with his latest steroid scandal, those days are far gone. After pleading guilty for use of steroids Armstrong's wins from 98-05 in the Tour De France were nullified. What does this mean for his legacy? Not just as a cyclist, but for his once highly admired "Livestrong" foundation.
In correlation to the concept of the body and disability in America in our class, Armstrong was one who rose above the odds and beat cancer. He was a symbol of hope and strength for cancer patients not only in America, but worldwide. But with the latest discovery of his use of steroids, what is to make of his rise above the competition. Was he really unable to beat his competition without the use of steroids? Did all the hype about being able to beat cancer and giving hope and belief to the masses dissolve with this latest discovery? If anything, he might have contributed to the idea that those with disabilities need help and to be fixed. Instead of training like a normal cyclist he took outside help, he used steroids to compensate. The once great hero has now hurt more than he ever helper, without even realizing it.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/12/lance-armstrong-quits-livestrong-entirely/?hpt=hp_t1
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/22/sport/lance-armstrong-usada-cycling/index.html?iref=allsearch
I am a Lance Armstrong fan and did have some doubt from the steroids discovery. This just mean putting an asterisk on his sport card like all the other baseball players who used steroids. As much as I like him as a cancer supporter, disability supporter, and health supporter through natural stuff, Armstrong's legend will be shamed, but still go on like Baby Ruth and Manny Rodriguez. This reminds me of Ralph last quote, "America is not America." Americans and foreigners are always fed with these typical iconic American narratives that we all need to realize what is actually reality and reality hurts. We need to still embrace Lance Armstrong for all the good deeds he did despite the steroids. His legend may not be as solid as we thought it was, but he is actually the typical American filled with mistakes and holes. He should be forgiven and I think that's what happened when he got the winning votes.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to what Susan has said, I think Lance Armstrong's reputation as a cyclist will suffer but still live on. Where I disagree is just simply embracing the good deeds he has done. His foundation LiveStrong has helped save numerous lives who have had to deal with cancer. We should try to separate his actions of cheating from his foundation that does so much good. He tried to use technology to enhance his performance due to having a disadvantage from the cancer, but he also promotes using and funding the medical technology that fights cancer. He in entangled in both the best and worst uses of technology in modern times.
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