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- on Dec, 21 2008
- in General
So last weekend I got a chance to check out the movie “Bigger, Stronger, Faster*” about the proliferation of steroid use in America and the debate behind the use of muscle enhancement drugs. It was kind of a perfect storm for me because I’ve recently started going to the gym a lot more, and while I still never, ever plan on using any kind of anabolic steroids, this movie really opens my eyes on the use of steroids.
The movie, directed by Chris Bell (a bodybuilder who wanted to be like the “big boys” but never succumbed to steroids), examines the American culture of “being the best at any cost” – including musicians who use beta blockers to remain calm on stage and fighter pilots who are required to take “Go pills” to increase combat efficiency (although, they do raise the point that such drugs could have adverse side effects, like the friendly fire incident on Canadian troops). The prime focus, of course, is on steroids and even examines the inherent hypocrisies of the Olympic Gaming commission, celebrities like Hulk Hogan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even state and federal governments.
It’s a great watch, but at the end of the day, they raise the most important point about steroids – Why are steroids illegal if alcohol and cigarettes are not? Do we still have this romanticized version of sports and competition? Seriously guys, look at any sport – Olympic Athletes, even when not on steroids, train a mile above sea level in Colorado and subsequently get a huge boost in red blood cell count – is that fair?
Plus, even though they are illegal – guess what, the black market takes care of the people who still want it – even though its at inflated price points or with little care for overall quality. Prohibition doesn’t work, people.
But I digress – in the end, this documentary is really interesting and well worth a watch.
