The Super Bowl: America in an Afternoon

While not many aspects of the spectacle known as the Super Bowl can be looked at through objective eyes, one aspect of the event can be. The Super Bowl is one American event that can allow anyone ignorant of American culture to learn everything they need to know about the USA in a few short hours. From the half-time show, to the commercial breaks, and even to the game itself, the Super Bowl captures America in a way little else can.

First, the half-time show showcases the average musical taste of the country, which is fast-paced, mass-produced pop. While these songs are artwork in their own aspect, they are a far cry from the music humanity has listened to over the past centuries. The pop-flashiness of the half-time show and even the songs themselves demonstrate that most Americans lack an appreciation for classical music and a patience to listen to longer songs. The modern teen and even the modern adult does not have the patience to listen to classical music that takes over five minutes to build chords and interest. Even though this is just an aspect of preference, it is important to protect classic works as America evolves and explores new forms of audible art.

In addition to the musical showcase during the half-time show, many Americans claim to love the commercial breaks the best. These commercials showcase the comedic and sometimes empathetic side of culture. The use of both comedy and empathy establishes the modern Super Bowl commercial as a snapshot of varying aspects of American culture; furthermore, they can showcase anything from a parent-child relationship to a celebrity showing themselves in a new light.

The final aspect of the Super Bowl is the game itself. Arguably, the second most celebrated American holiday (Christmas being the first), the Super Bowl has evolved from merely a football championship to a battle of metropolitan cultures; a battle of athletic talent; a battle of melodic, comedic, and empathetic relevance. The game itself adds only to the legacy of the franchises and to the NFL brand. The team that wins showcases their journey to the top and what they have to do to survive sixteen games and a post season.

Victory and Rivalries

Sports play a pivotal role in the culture of America. As with any sport, the main goal for a team or individual is victory; this desire to win fosters an incredibly competitive spirit of rivalry within American society. These rivalries are born out of the desire to win and become the best. Rivalries and the road to victory, otherwise known as the playoffs, influence culture both negatively and positively.

Many problems arise with the intense rivalries in America. Among these are divisions among the populace that cause social strife, ranging from teenage rivalries to regional hatreds. Unfortunately even young children are exposed to this conflict. This practice is further heightened in high school athletics. Necessity for victory and intense rivalry is found in almost every high school sport, from cross country to volleyball. But the sport most guilty of increasing the emotions of players and fans to an uncontrollable level is football. With this passion, fans are prompted to riots, fighting, and sometimes murder. These intense feelings begin as early as children’s Pop Warner leagues and continue to the NFL level.

While these rivalries may be taken too far, they can have another effect besides segregation. While one team’s winning will not unify the nation, these intense feelings associated with victory can unify a small microcosm of those related to the team. A high school playoff game can unite an otherwise apathetic school body. Many activities vie for the attention of the school; from band to cheerleading to other interests, a school can become divided very quickly. However, the school is still unified by one identity and one name. School pride can spread across a campus like wildfire and unify a divided campus.

The positive and negative effects of pride, rivalries, and a drive to win are woven deeply into American society. American culture puts a great emphasis on victory above all else. If one is able to understand this part of the American psyche, they will better interact with the community they live in.