<p>
This stigma is something that you’ll see affects even the parents of athletes, IMO, as shown by some of the perspectives on this thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/athletic-recruits/994992-essay-topics-recruited-athletes.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/athletic-recruits/994992-essay-topics-recruited-athletes.html</a> . Society perceives athletics as a form of universal (and de facto “lowly”) entertainment, one that anyone and everyone can enjoy but not something that requires a “refined” taste. The ballet dancer, the musician, etc. all appeal to a supposedly higher brow demographic. I think it is very much socioeconomic prejudice and it is something that has unfortunately been ingrained in virtually all of us and takes a lot to get out of us, which is probably mainly why I don’t tend to get upset at those making snide comments at recruited athletes. On the other hand, if and when those snide comments are directed at me, I do feel like (and heck, maybe I will even start) unabashedly listing all my academic qualifications and see where I stand, athletics or not. One innate immaturity for another!</p>