Jeremy Sierra
Management 661
Dr. Boje
Plot Analysis
In our efforts to attain a comprehension of the events told by our subjects, we are suggested, by Boje (2001) to put together a map of sorts. Although this map does not come in the form of a globe, the linkages found as a result of plot utilization aids in our understanding of where the subject is taking us along his/her journey. I think Boje (2001) hits the nail on the head when he states, “that a plot is more than just a chronology of events, it is what links the events together into a narrative structure,” (p. 108). When we transcribe, we are seeking an avenue that will lead us to the promised land of “Understandment.” How can we find a framework within the narrative, in which linkages of events told could be understood? The tracing of events with the use of plot analysis, leads to the unveiling of applications found in the storytellers thought. These ideas of emotion can be labeled romantic, ironic/satiric, comedic and tragic. Rather than defining these terms, the author in question would rather exhibit how these applications can be found within a transcription. The words should represent the meaning; but the discovery of these applications within an interview aids in our understanding of the subjects thought filled voyage.
From plot, the basis for structural understanding, to emplotment, leads the researcher to a bridge, if you will, that brings about three layers of mimesis. As found in Boje (2001), the first mimetic can be labeled the “pre” stage. Here, we try and find a pre-understanding of the networks of the stories shared. The second mimetic can be referred to as emplotment. With a plot line, we try and distinguish and fathom the events, characters and actions of the story for a clearer understanding of our objective. The third mimesis reconnects the parts and lays them down on the plate for the benefit of the “whole”. In this case, the whole comes in the form of the text, reader and real action.
All right, the foundationalisticism of plot analysis has been mentioned for the benefit of all participating parties. The author’s intent is to exhibit the different plots found in a recently television filmed interview. The topic of discussion here is professional athletes and racism. More precisely, baseball and the black athlete are the focus of this discussion. Where is Nolan Richardson when you need him?
Plot 1, Plot 2, Plot 3 Ready ^^Hike!!!
Tragedy: When we look at a tragic plot, we are to come to the realization that the circumstances of the world led to the defeat of the hero. Although the abyss that the hero has found him/herself in is quite monumental, there is a glimmer of hope flickering at the end of the tunnel. In the interview transcription of Gary Sheffield, the author was able to locate three tragedy filled plots.
Line: 31-35
<31> (G): Well, I mean they *** everybody get treated unfairly `~`somewhat. But if you <32> look at it, a lot - - of black ball players - - if you don’t *** if you not what you used <33> to be, they say you're finished. Whatever happened to - - uh you know being a <34> fifth, fourth or fifth outfielder and making a - - million dollars sitting on the bench <35> like the ^^white players? You know, they sit on the bench and make a million ^^dollars.
In this situation, our hero is found in the form of a professional baseball player. The episodes of unfair treatment by “baseball” in general toward the black athlete as compared to the white ball player are recognized. Let’s keep in mind that Mr. Sheffield is one of the top paid players in the game. His claim is that the white ball player is allowed to remain on the roster even if he is not one of the top three outfielders on the team. Hence, they still make a million dollars a year to sit on the bench and spit sunflower seeds. On the other hand, Gary states that for black ball players, if they aren’t what they used to be, they are finished and are not given the same opportunity to sit on the bench like the white players. Does this mean that all bench players are white?
For the black athlete or in this case the hero, the ability to escape and still triumph over the abyss of not being able to sit on the bench and make a million dollars is found in the form of a degree. That college education will now come in handy and the black athlete can transform to the black scholar, executive, or president for that matter. The experiences of baseball have led to this horrific event, when an athlete cannot compete with the over abundant amount of young talent found in baseball. It’s now time to get to work like other people. What a travesty!!
Line: 56-60
<56> (G): Nah, is nothing to say that I'm trying to get back ***I don't, I don't have to. <57> You know, my thing is that - - you look at it and *** no we haven't made change, <58> no we *** no we haven't made progress when ***it's just that ^^today, today's era <59> when you look back when*** you know when you talk about um - - how racism <60> was and things like ^^that, it was just that is was open. Now it's hidden (confidently).
In this excerpt, Gary touches base on how the environment in which he lives has not aided in the elimination of racism. This is something I have a tough time grasping. It seems apparent that baseball welcomes players from Japan, South America, Canada and Mexico to mention a few. Compared to all other professional sports, baseball is the melting pot of professional athletics. Gary claims that we haven’t made changes and we haven’t made progress. Is that why Jackie Robinson’s number has been retired for all baseball clubs? There is an agenda on Sheffield’s mind and he is avoiding exploiting that feeling of resentment. I wonder if the kids in South Central, Los Angeles feel that are bigoted against? I think in each of the environments we are a part of has an aspect of racism prominent. No matter what side of the spectrum you want to look from, racism will always be prevalent in the minds of the oppressed. But, how can oppression lead to seven or eight figure contracts?
Line: 86-87
<86> (G): ^^BLACK, - - bad attitude *** all of it, you know it's, and it's ^^so - - double <87> standard, it ain't even funny.
In this tragic example, the hero is dealt with a double standard in which to live. Sheffield mentions this standard and yet, fails to describe it. There is no doubt that he is bitter and it is not from beer. If there is such a double standard in professional baseball, how come no one else has really mentioned it in the press previous to this ESPN interview? Are white ball players paid more than black ball players? Are there more whites in the baseball hall of fame than blacks? Are white ball players given more incentives and more endorsement deals than black ball players? Where is this standard he claims to be so evident? Here, it seems that the victory of the fallen hero can be achieved through the proper mind-set and outlook of the situation at hand. Rather than bashing the current circumstances, a positive approach should be taken. What can be done to aid in the elimination of racism and double standards in baseball? The answer of course is not clear and concise; but neither was Sheffield’s interview.
Comedy: When comedy is the plot discovered, the hero is given an optimistic outlook to overhaul the darkness that is dispelled in his/her universe. A temporary resolution can be found in overcoming the conflict of particular parties. Harmony is found in the temporal form, which is far better than living in darkness. Let’s see an example of a comedic plot found in the Sheffield files.
Line: 71-76
<71> (G): ^^NO it didn't. No it didn't. See, that's, that's the (Roy asks if it was a fallacy) <72> *** I don’t know where that came from that *** no it didn't, it had nothing to do <73> with ^^me. We respected each other. And, and I think more so um - - you know I <74> confronted him about a couple of issues and in which he didn't like and in which <75> *** and at the time, I didn't ^^care if he liked it. It's just that if it had to be said, I'm <76> a say it (arrogantly).
There are many instances when teammates get into quarrels based on a disparity of beliefs. Whether these disagreements take place on the field or in the bar, a solution is desperately needed to give chance for synergy to surface. However, the solution is not always permanent and it’s not too soon after that another instance needs to be resolved. In the interview, Sheffield took the initiative to give his opinion to teammate Sean Green, who is a white outfielder that makes more money than Sheffield. Since they are both seemingly vying for the spotlight, tension is sure to rise no matter what the skin color may be. To Sheffield, the darkness came in the form of a white man. He decided to give his “two-cents” no matter if Green wanted to hear or not. Was this appropriate? Do outbursts such as these lead to a stereotype against black athletes and their attitudes? The answer is not etched in stone nor is it easy to find. However, the temporality of the matter can be found from team to team. Whether the athlete is white, black or brown, when teammates have an issue, it should be resolved with colorblind eyes. As a result, the darkness is dispelled for a short time until another hero must stake claim to incidences not agreed upon.
Romance: The aura associated with romances is found in the triumph of the hero mentioned. The hero is redeemed and the result of his/her actions is the topic of discussion and observation. The quest leads to the attainment of victory no matter what form the darkness comes in.
Satire (irony): This can be looked at as the opposite of a romantic plot. Here, the hero is held captive in the world of darkness. The inadequacies of the world are exploited and hence, the harmony needed to experience an eventful quest is lost and the glimmer at the end of the tunnel is quickly subsided for the detriment of the hero’s cause.
Again, referring to the Sheffield files, an excerpt was found containing both a romantic and satiric plot. Let’s see how this all plays out.
Line 16-25
<16> Gary (G): No (assuredly). I *** the only thing, the only thing about that is that I <17> *** I NEVER been the type of player where I go talk about that issue because it's a <18> no win situation. I know that coming in. So - - if something need to be said, I *** <19> I take the blame for it. You know if it's going to help somebody else. I've made <20> (confidently) my money. It's nothing this, this *** (Gary chuckles) baseball can do <21> to ^^me. So, is is like - - I've paid my dues, I've done what I needed to do, my <22> thing is that I'm just telling the truth and *** and if you go and you look at and you <23> study baseball and you look at uh the players that's in the minor leagues. You look <24> at players that's sitting at home now and then you look at the players that's wearing <25> uniforms now - - you ^^tell me.
In this message conveyance, Sheffield describes how he will take blame for his comments made. We would hope so! He discusses how he has made his money and there is nothing that baseball can do to him. The thought process of Sheffield is one that is driven by the fame and money of his occupation. He has basically overcome the darkness of this world by making enough money to last him twenty lifetimes. In this case, the hero comes in the form of Sheffield and his sidekick money. The romantic plot is located in the victory attained by Gary’s bank account. Thus, the darkness that comes in the form of money is overcome by that very entity. Here, money symbolizes victory not education. Please, do not let your children read this.
The irony found in this statement is that Sheffield believes that even through all of this, the players found in the minor leagues are held captive by the world of professional baseball. He feels that the players who have been released from professional clubs are more likely to be black as compared to players that have been retained. The visions that we would like to have of a stereotypical free baseball scene are in a lack of abundance. The satire is found in the black ball player being released, while the white one is retained to sit on the bench and spit sunflower seeds. Hey Gary, what if the player was better? That athlete should be retained and the less comparable one should be let go, no matter what the color issue is!!
Conclusion
To conclude this little journey, I thought it would be appropriate to bridge the gap of what we have read and seen. The transition from plot to emplotment can aid our understanding of the voyage of thoughts exhibited by our respondents. From a mimetic view, let’s look at the three phases and take this examination to a more comprehensible level according to the Sheffield files.
From a 1st mimetic approach, we analyze the pre-understanding of the networks of thoughts, actions and symbolisms from our subject. In this case, we are interested in why Sheffield thinks and feels the way that he does. In order to understand the plots we have witnessed, it is imperative that we realize where Gary Sheffield is coming from. In his eyes, the racism issue has reached a boiling point. This veteran of almost 10 years in the big leagues is fed up with how he feels his race is being treated by baseball. His emotions are felt in the transcription afforded by the author. The networks of action in this piece are a direct result of Sheffield’s attempt to boast his opinion about the racism issue in baseball. He has taken responsibility and has expressed that he will take the blame for whatever arises from this outcry. This understanding of Sheffield’s actions helps in our attempt to fully comprehend the narratives discussed. In addition, our respondent also expressed symbolic mediations in the form of racism brought about by the culture of baseball. The symbolism found in Sheffield’s comments certainly aid in our grasping of where he is coming from. As we head onto the 2nd mimesis, this understanding absolutely aids in our study.
The 2nd mimetic allows a mediating point to surface that bridges the earlier and soon to be plots of the narrative. A racism issue that is nothing new for minorities of this country leads the emplotment of the Sheffield files. The mediating variable between the individual events and the story as a whole is racism and how this enigma of a word affects the African-American ball player in America. Homogeneity is certainly pushed aside for the sake of heterogeneity in baseball. From one player to the next, faces are different. Skin color is not the same and origins are also not similar. The plots we uncovered in our transcription of Sheffield brought rise to the issue of racism for black baseball players. This theme of racism was the sole issue of Gary’s opinions, which leads into the final phase of mimesis.
The 3rd mimetic in our case leads to the collision of racism and the three-dimensional intersection of text, reader and real action. Through all of the plots we unmasked, bigotry seemed to flourish even after the dust had settled. This way of looking at and being perceived is a part of this world that has been around since the beginning of time. Gary expressed that no progress has been made to minimize racism in baseball. If anything we have digressed rather than progressed towards a world of one. The readers of this transcription and analysis can also find a common theme rather easily, even if you try and claim that this is not the case in your own universe. It would seem that the real actions of humans lead to the Gary Sheffield’s of this world to voice their opinions, whether we like it or not. To this author, the true heroes of this world are found in the little, unheard people who stake claim to unity no matter what race is involved. According to Gary Sheffield, these types of unsung heroes are lacking in baseball, which leads only the benchwarmers spitting sunflower seeds left. I wonder if these athletes are black, white or brown. I wonder if anyone cares or notices? Or, are the fans just there to spend time with the family and soak up the sun? Now that’s baseball!! And Jackie Robinson would attest to that!!!!
References
Boje, David (2001). Narrative Methods for Organizational and Communication
Research. Sage Publications, Thousands Oaks, California.