Essay on The Culture of Sports - 2013 Words

Every facet of American culture can be analyzed to describe something about American people as a whole. Whether using fast food to show our society’s obsession with instant gratification, or Facebook and text messaging to portray our need for constant contact, it is clear that our culture reflects directly on our society as a whole and can be examined via every aspect of the American culture. No facet of American culture however, is as highly regarded by the American people more than sports. According to a recent Gallup poll, approximately 67% of the entire American population is a fan of at least one sport, where a â€Å"fan† (short for fanatic), is defined as â€Å"a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal†, according to Miriam†¦show more content†¦Not even willing to offer him a try-out opportunity, the Mayor of Boston threatened to revoke the Red Sox’s exemption to blue laws, laws that were in place to mandate Sundays to remai n a day of rest for religious reasons. As a result, the Red Sox offered Jackie Robinson a half-hearted tryout, with no real intention to even consider him. During the tryout, someone yelled â€Å"get those niggers off the field,† according to a reporter who was there that day (â€Å"The Boston Red Sox and Racism†). Becoming the very last team to integrate, the history of racism that surrounds the Boston Red Sox is one that African-American baseball players still recognize today. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Brooklyn Dodgers were one of the first teams to integrate. Joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson broke through the racial boundary to become the first African-American professional baseball player. As a result, the Dodgers became one of the first teams to appeal to black and white fans and had the highest ticket sales in the league. By appealing to the masses, fans of all racial backgrounds felt accepted into the sport of background. This points out how American Culture is one that is accepting of all people regardless of their differences. Referred to as a â€Å"melting pot,† America’s tolerance for people of all backgrounds is important due to America’s roots as a country whose citizens are immigrants.Show MoreRelatedSports in Pop Culture1429 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract Gender, race, and competitiveness in youth sports have been controversial beginning on the very first day of sports broadening its boundaries (Granderson, 2012). From Brent Barry to Kristy Yamaguchi to Tiger Woods, one of the youngest golf champions ever, sports has always been one way.† Different people of different backgrounds, ethnic groups, and social classes, and ages have shown that he or she can do anything if they have the will to accomplish the task (Granderson, 2012). TigerRead MoreSports As An Element Of Culture1498 Words   |  6 PagesChapter One Introduction Sports have different meanings for different people and across societies (Laker 2001:4) and the way one engages in sports is influenced by the cultural or ethnic group to which one belongs (Sever 2005:4). Although the rules of sport may stay constant, meanings diverge (Besnier and Brownell 2012). Sports serves as one of the most contested and celebrated institutions in our society (Appleby and Foster 2013:1), hence, without acknowledging the place of sports, it will be impossibleRead MoreSports As An Element Of Culture1494 Words   |  6 Pages1.1 Introduction Sports have different meanings for different people and across societies (Laker 2001:4). The way one engages in sports is influenced by the cultural or ethnic group to which one belongs (Sever 2005:4). Even though the rules of sport may stay constant, meanings diverge and are varied (Besnier and Brownell 2012). Sports serves as one of the most contested and celebrated institutions in our society (Appleby and Foster 2013:1). As a result, it will be impossible to fully understand contemporaryRead MoreIs Sport An Important Part Of Nz Culture?1222 Words   |  5 PagesIs sport an important part of nz culture? New Zealand has a very unique and a dynamic culture. Our culture is mixed and each one has its importance in our society. I think sports has played a part in our identity, but it is our culture that make us who we are. Maori culture is indigenous, and in sports we can incorporate aspects of Maori language and movements, such as, the He tama tu tama activity. I have also seen children playing the Maori version of head, shoulders, knees and toes, which is veryRead MoreEthnographic Interview on Sports in American Culture702 Words   |  3 Pageswas sports in American culture. Sports are popular in America, and are a big part of the culture in America. I would say most people in America have played sports, whether they played as kids, in high school, at the collegiate level, or even professional. A great deal of people also enjoy watching sporting events. The following were the questions asked during the interview. How have sports affected your life? Why do you think sports are so popular in America’s culture? How are sports a partRead MoreSports As A Fundamental Aspect Of American Culture Essay1329 Words   |  6 Pagesgame† is used so often to describe the passion one has for a particular sport, that when you hear it, it may go in one ear and out the other. From the outside looking in, some may not view sport as beneficial beyond exercise or pure entertainment purposes. To others, it provides significant incentives that last far longer than just the duration of your participation. Sports serves as a fundamental aspect of American culture and their values are significant when it comes to their effect on economicsRead More Culture, Race, and Gender in Sports Essay696 Words   |  3 PagesCulture, Race, and Gender in Sports When a person of a specific gender enters a non-traditional sport for their gender/sex, many social and moral issues will arise challenging that person involved in that particular sport. The intentions of the individual will be questioned as well as their personal interest in the sport. Before any of these questions are asked, there must be a redefinition of gender roles, femininity, and masculinity. In order for a person to enter a non-traditional sport forRead MoreThe Effects Of Sports On Society s Culture1936 Words   |  8 PagesMost people can agree that sports are deeply imbedded in America’s culture. But through the years, more concern is being raised about a specific injury that is becoming more common while playing a sport- traumatic brain injury (TBI). A traumatic brain injury arises from an external force, causing damage to brain tissue. Brain trauma from youth football and the levels beyond can have devastating long-term effects. Traumatic brain injuries can have many effects that vary in both severity and symptomsRead MoreFantasy Sports : A Staple Of American Culture2520 Words   |  11 PagesFantasy sports leagues have been a staple of American culture since 1963 when the first fantasy sports league came to be and now has approximately 56.8 million people participate in fantasy sports leagues per year in the United States alone. Gambling also has a storied history in the United States as well with Jamestown, first British American settlement, financed with lotteries in 1687. They now both appear in the sports news feed, as there is a question to whether fantasy sports leagues are aRead MoreSports Are An Immense Part Of American Culture. One Of1318 Words   |  6 PagesSports are an immense part of American culture. One of the up and coming sports in the United States is soccer. In 1990, more than 1.5 million kids between the ages of 5 and 19 registered with US Youth Soccer. Today more than 3 million kid s are registered, nearly doubling the participation in youth soccer. (Kounang). There is also an increase in the number of people watching soccer. The United States hosted the Copa American Centenario tournament in June of 2016. Three-point twenty-nine million