Here in America our popular sports are significantly different than those of the rest of the world. Basketball, football, and baseball dominate the scene while other sports like hockey and soccer remain relevant. These popular sports pull in large amounts of revenue and have become a market of their own, making them a large part of American culture. According to Jay Coakley, some "relationships between family members are nurtured and played out during sport activities or in conversations about sports."(Coakley 21)
Professional games take place in large stadiums and are televised for viewers to see as well as the fans at the game, making them accessible to everyone. Typically friends and family will gather before games to watch them or just go see it in person. Putting on jerseys of the favorite team is also something that takes place whether it be college or professional. Football, being the most watched and profitable sport in the US, controls most of Sunday television during NFL games. You can see how sports brings people together, and this even starts with recreational sports programs for kids. Parents place their kids in these programs to build certain social skills as well as develop physical ones. It also allows them to have an outlet and start new friendships. It is normal for children to join a team, learning values that will help them create good character.
Success in US sports is often measured by a large amount of wins and a small amount of losses. More importantly though is the success an athlete has during the playoffs and championship games. Successful athletes not only win the big games but they also carry themselves in a correct manner, being advertised through various corporations. Respecting the game will make an athlete likeable amongst the public but more importantly amongst his peers. This is important with our sports, which obviously goes along with high intensity and competition.
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