According to Coakley, Sport is defined as "well-established, officially governed, competitive physical activities in which participants are motivated by internal and external rewards". Sport in the US is among the most prestigious in the world's. Football, baseball, basketball and hockey are the most popular sports played and viewed in the US. Not only are these sports popular because they are the most viewed, but their players have made up some of the world's greatest athletes. Popular sports in the US differ in many rules and regulations, however they share various similar characteristics. Sport in the US is immensely sensationalized. Sport is sensationalized through success. Success is portrayed especially through money, competition, legacy and of course, the outcome of the game.
A typical game day in the US is incredibly anticipated for sports fans. Many people will plan in advance to tailgate, which is an opportunity to celebrate before the game. At a tailgate, it is likely that a US sports fan will be eating and drinking and in some cases, betting on the game. Game day in the US is treated similarly to holidays. People are very adamant in their celebration of game day and the post game is often characterized by either sorrow or triumph.
Success through US sport is measured by the official outcome of the game. Success is also measured individually for each particular athlete partaking in the game. For instance, a professional player who is idolized by his or her performance, good values, and ability to impress others is a large measure of success. We associate success with legacy, both individual and team statistics, and with attitude and performance. US sport is not only an extreme competition for talented athletes but it serves as entertainment. Sport is one of the largest forms of entertainment in US society and today's culture. Children and young adults strive everyday to make it to the highest level of performance in which competition and determination associate themselves with goals of success in US sport.
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ReplyDeleteI really liked your post. You mentioned success several times throughout the post, and I agree that sports maintain their significance due to their success. That's why so many people are accused of bandwagoning, because people want to see teams win.
ReplyDeleteJessica Michel