Here in America, we have a variety of sports to choose from; whether it is football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf or hockey. There is something for every ones taste. The main thing these sports have in common is the competitiveness. There is a feeling of always having to be better than the next man/woman. Even outside of the sports realm, there is always competition, whether it is competing to be the next CEO of a fortune 500 company, or working hard to get the seasonal promotion. Commonly found among the sports world is the large amount of predominantly male ran sports. The men within these sports are generally larger then your average everyday business man, but not nearly as large as a body builder. There is large amounts of money spent on these events, not just with the sport itself, but the advertisement and equipment that is used.
During football and basketball season, the typical game day is full of excitement for the audience and the players. Much of the morning is spent hanging out at tailgates or friends houses drinking, or eating. There is a lot of trash talking that goes on, but generally it is all out of love, sometimes fights do break out, but not always. Generally there is beer pong that is played, with some BBQ grills going. I know personally my morning would be spent getting my team gear on, either painting my face, or putting a team logo tattoo on my cheek. Then my best friend and I would go to the local bar, get some food and some drinks then head back to our house to finish the pregame celebrations. This would sometimes consist of us taking shots back to back then leaving to the game, or we would mix a drink and walk to the game. The whole purpose of this was to unwind and have fun with those around us.
The way success in my eyes is measured is by the amount of trophies, rings, and championships a team has. As an individual, I believe success is measured by the better athlete you are, the more money you are offered and the better team you are drafted to. Generally these athletes are the ones with more experience under their belts. These players know the do's and don'ts of the game. Much success to the sports in the USA is from the ability to broadcast the games and of course the number one goal in every ones mind is winning the game.
I enjoyed your description of a typical game day because it was a very accurate way of describing the way college kids participate on game days. i also have similar thoughts about the way success if measured in US sports. While there are so many sports that one could join or watch, do you think that sports like volleyball and tennis are less popular because they can be seen as more feminine sports?
ReplyDeleteAndee Navarette
Yes, I honestly do believe this. I know from being a volleyball and tennis player, these sports are very sexualized. The uniforms women are required to wear is a large reason why men watch the sport.
DeleteYou mention the physical size of male athletes - I wonder the impact this has in sport - but also once the athlete is no longer an athlete? What impact does physical bearing have on experiences after sport? - Prof Withycombe
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your comment about competition not just in sport, but in American society in general. Competition is something that we should all value because it allows one to develop motivation and dedication to push oneself to his or her limits. You also mention that gameday in America is fun and resembles a social event that all fans can participate in. Although I believe that success is partly measured by the hardware an individual or team receives, I also believe it is about using all your assets and capabilities to their fullest potential, that way you can never be told that you didn't put 100% effort into it.
ReplyDeleteChris Marsik