So, one of my friends was running in the Chicago Marathon, and to show my support I stand out there, rain or shine (or EXTREME cold) with a sign and her photo, cheering her on!
Where's the story right? Actually, the catalyst for this particular post is a sign I saw while standing out there, waiting for her to run past. Yes, a sign. See, I noticed that people around kept commenting on a very "clever" sign being held up a few steps away. Curious, I peered around, since I take pride in my signs and wanted to know what someone had done so well for signs I make next year. And that's when someone told me what it said: "Unleash the Kenyan in You."
Now I debated writing this because I didn't want to pick on anyone or seem like I was harping on it. But then I felt it important to at least capture my ideas, which is why I'm writing it now.
Here's the thing: In doing a bit of digging of the last few years, it appears someone from Kenya HAS won the Chicago Marathon (on the men's side) so in that context, the sign is fine - since there may be a trend, then maybe "unleashing" that side of you will help keep your spirits up in the race.
However, what I'm wondering is whether we would have seen that same sign up if the runner was, say, from the UK or even the U.S. Essentially, I just wonder what that kind of thing projects.
That sign did gets lots of attention that day so in that respect, it served its purpose. However, I'm a little baffled myself.
Labels: Race
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Celebrating the success of Kenyan runners should not be viewed as a negative. Perhaps it is something in the water there but they seem to have the Marathon game down. Since 1988 they've had a Kenyan National win the Boston Marathon 16 times and the NYC Marathon 8 times. Fact is they rule the sport and runners aspire to emulate their success.
Lets take other stereotypes into consideration. I'll pick on my Spanish/Portuguese speaking friends and the stereotype that they are excellent dancers. Is it wrong for me to aspire to have their rhythm and ability?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_winners_of_the_Boston_Marathon
It's just a funny sign.
Essentially, while there's an element of truth to this case, I just worry that we continue to segment people into buckets based on "characteristics," thus perpetuating easy "images" of what people are capable of. Does that make sense?
That said, I did think the sign was noteworthy - wouldn't have called it out otherwise.