Image source: sport.ox.ac.uk
Amid injuries, scandals, and other media-driven drama, the Super Bowl remains as the most-viewed television show in history. Every year, the NFL reports record-breaking profits from tickets, merchandise, and sponsorships.
We cannot explain, but we just know by heart and mind that American football is “the game.” However, some neuroscientists and psychologists have an explanation as to why American football reflects our culture and thoughts.
These specialists point out that your brain is mirroring the actions of these athletes, and this gives us self-esteem boosts. This sense of mix-up holds an alternative reality for those who are facing tough life decisions and relationships. They feel as if they are “not alone,” because their favorite athletes are facing these as well.
Football also gives a sense of bonding between men of different ages, religions, and political beliefs. Football allows men to talk to one another regardless of their differences. It does not require much emotional vulnerability, too. The game also provides intellectual and strategic discourse. Football is a controlled and calculated chaos that may or may not display favorable results.
Image source: millerthepillar.com
However, football also displays a dark side–great misogyny, violence, and corruption. Football is also about destruction. For the country as a whole, football displays America’s war ambitions. This war-like game helps us become self-aware of our past fights and victories. The rise of football over any other sport has changed America’s self-image.
I’m Jason Goldblatt, and I’m a freelance sports writer and football fanatic. Check out my blog for more updates.
Jason Goldblatt 