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Tired stereotypes and cliches equal lazy analysis

Darren Lehmann stepped down as Australian coach. (AFP, Glyn Kirk)
Roar Guru
10th November, 2015
25

Every year, I get sucked in to reading articles that make the same tired assertions. This player is ‘dodgy’. That team plays the game the ‘wrong way’.

Despite knowing they cover no new ground, I will inevitably open the article and at least scroll through it. Why? Perhaps it is because some sports coverage lacks detail and depth.

Aside from cricket, my favourite sport to follow is basketball. The breadth of knowledge and understanding of the game on display from some NBA writers is astonishing. Writers like Zach Lowe and Kirk Goldberry – RIP Grantland – have taught me more about basketball than a long run of junior coaches ever did.

A good writer can broaden your perspective and understanding, while challenging your opinions and keeping you on your toes.

The Roar has some great writers. Ronan O’Connell, Glenn Mitchell and Brett McKay frequently offer worthwhile opinions and analysis on cricket (and other sports), while Dan Liebke has been bringing the lolz in sensational fashion.

This site is a great place for aspiring writers too. It provides a platform for young (and not-so-young) people to practice their craft and interact with the public in valuable ways. An Expert may even stop by and offer some feedback on your writing or argument.

With that in mind, I would like to politely ask for an immediate cease and desist on stereotyping and cliched accusations. Being able to build a convincing argument with supporting evidence is the crux of writing an opinion piece, and is frequently on display on The Roar among the Experts and most other writers.

You may not agree with the writer’s position, and feel you can present a counter argument with an equally strong weight of evidence. If so, then great. Bring it. Sites like this one flourish when people take the time to contribute, either by writing articles or commenting on the work of others.

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Just don’t rely on tempting readers with clickbait followed by nothing to back up your assertion. If Steve Smith starts spitting in the face of opposing players, perhaps we can talk about ‘ugly Australians’ again, but only if there is a weight of evidence to support your thesis.

Sports analysis and commentary can be great. Writers should take the time to ensure it stays above mundane cliches and stereotypes.

And yes, the title of this article was clickbait. My apologies.

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