The Head that Wears the Crown

Since the United States emerged from English colonies, many parallels between British and American culture exist. British hierarchy can expose itself in unique areas of American culture. One example could be the crowning of a king during the high school homecoming game (usually the quarterback). High school culture reveres its quarterback, just as England reveres its royalty.

In the average American high school, no one is able to achieve mass popularity quite like the quarterback. He is the revered leader of the most celebrated team at a high school. He receives praise and popularity for four hours every Friday night. His peers are lead to believe that he is a powerful, decision-making leader; however, the truth is that he has as much power as the Queen of England. While the world has fallen in love with the British royal line, they do not yield any political power in their state. Their role as royals is a mere tool employed by the true British government to bolster the public image of Great Britain as a whole. In a similar way, the high school quarterback does not wield any real power. The coach implements the quarterback as a tool to score points and bolster the team’s public image.

The argument can be made that no matter what play is called, the quarterback has to be the one to implement it. Implementation is not the same as decision. A quarterback will fight for victory, but without his coaching staff he cannot be as successful. In a similar way, Prince Harry fought bravely for his country in Afghanistan, but he did not decide to go to war. That power in England rests with Parliament and the Prime Minister. Without the plays of the high school coach or the strategies of military generals, Prince Harry, like the high school quarterback, would not be successful. 

The quarterback is treated like a hero in his school, for the mere fact that he plays on a football team. Very rarely is the personality or actions of a quarterback reflected upon. Conversely, the British royal family is scrutinized daily. That is why they should be allowed to wear the crown. The pedestal society has placed quarterbacks on is over rated. Since they are cultural icons their overall character should be scrutinized as closely as their on-field prowess.