Whether it be football, basketball, tennis, soccer, or anything else, sports have always brought Americans together. Anywhere you go, you can almost always strike up a conversation about some kind of sport with someone and create friendships or just joke around if you have differing viewpoints. It has always been an huge part of American culture as well as the American Dream.
Sports represent an important part of the American Dream. So many athletes have come from underprivileged households and have had to work long and hard to get to where they are today. These athletes show the determination and dedication that Americans strive for in many aspects of their lives.
Sports also unite Americans in ways that no other events can. It brings people together before the games (such as tailgating), during the game (team cheers, chants, etc), and of course the celebrations after the game. There are rivalries between states, schools, and universities but I think the overall effect of sports on our society is mostly positive. It teaches sportsmanship, teamwork, and it proves that hard work almost always pays off. It also provides a way to keep a healthy body and to de-stress yourself, as well as create close friendships and networking opportunities. It also helps the economy because it provides many jobs, revenue for citizens and even the government, as well a means of attending college for many students.
In a way I feel like sports provide a source of hope for Americans. There is always the chance that the underdog will win or that a team will make a comeback. Those ideas translate into the lives of Americans as well. There is always the hope that we can pick ourselves up during the tough times and make it through if we have the will power and determination. Athletes have provided much inspiration to many children, as well as adults throughout American history.
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I couldn't agree more with your commentary on sports. Oftentimes we hear people complain ,"Why are professional athletes so highly paid? Should these guys really be making ten million dollars a year? Are they really that important to society?" Big time sports are, and always have been, a huge part of American society. Athletes provide us people to root for and people to talk about. In fact, the way sporting competitions are set up is very American. It's two teams competing in fair competition, doing everything within the rules to succeed. This is the sort of capitalist/equal opportunity ideal that is inherently American.
ReplyDeleteAlso, well reading your post I couldn't help but think of the importance of sports after 9/11. I remember watching the Yankees game the next day, and I was even happy when Mike Piazza hit a home run for the Mets because it was just so emotional and so important to so many people.
I absolutely agree with Anisha and Ben's comments here. Sports play such an important role in what defines "American". We are not only united as a country, but as states, and counties. Even when talking sports with someone who roots for an opposing team, there is a sort of unspoken friendliness in the rivalry...it's simply fun to argue about which team is better or which team is going to win. Bragging rights are always a perk, but it's not about who wins - it's about the companionship of a mutual interest.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I really liked your comment about the possibility of the underdog to come through with a win. I will never forget last football season when the Chiefs beat the Steelers. No one expected the Chiefs to win, but somehow they found their rhythm that day. Regardless of which team you were rooting for, there is no doubt that it was an exciting game, and there is nothing better than a great game!
In general, sports serve as a great camaraderie and play a large role in defining what/who America is.