Sports have always been a large part of my life due to the influence from my father. Being an alumni from Iowa State University, he would dress me up against my will in Cyclone(their mascot) gear from head to toe when the opportunity arose. Ever since I can remember I've had some type of sports attire in my wardrobe, and even had baseball wallpaper as a baby. When I got old enough I signed up for the city recreational leagues in baseball, basketball, and soccer, basically playing sports year around. This was my primary way of making friends as a kid and a way for my parents, who were new to town, to meet other couples as well. Seeing that sports developed most of my friendships as a child and were the center of daily activities I would say they were extremely important to me growing up.
Much like me, US society loves its sports. Gathering together during particular games brings families together as well as friends. This makes sports a healthy part of our lives and a large contributor to US society as a whole. Not only does it bring people together but it also teaches kids sportsmanship. Character building at a young age is very important and sports does this though regulated and structured games, so many kids eventually play. Stanley Eitzen agrees that "Most children are involved in organized sport at some time in their lives"(Eitzen 3), making sport a major influence in America. Not only do we glorify the idea of sports but the players as well, if not more. Athletes are basically celebrities now with endorsement deals, commercials, merchandise, and other aspects that put them in the spotlight of society. Now while they may be valued and respected in their primes, once the talent falls the fame goes with it. They will still have respect from people in the industry but many ex-athletes are no longer valued due to the lack of "star power" they use to have.
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