Opinion
Super Bowl rich in Americanism
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Also by Rob Rossmeissl:
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I don't usually just go around looking for elements of American culture that I think might epitomize said culture, but when one happens to fall into my lap, I can't help but acknowledge it.
Yesterday, most of us — at least, according to the crude survey method that is the checking of AIM away messages — watched the Super Bowl and rooted for either good (the Bears, only because they were opposing Peyton Manning) or evil (the Colts — specifically Peyton Manning). And, during the brief hiatuses from focusing all of my energy on disrupting the Indianapolis quarterback's mental rhythm via telepathy, I reflected on the amazing phenomenon that is the Super Bowl.
When considering everything the Super Bowl — both the actual game and all it entails — represents, you quickly realize that it is essentially a condensed version of the United States of America boxed into one mid-winter Sunday afternoon. Most of the key values espoused by Super Bowl Sunday are the same as those prevalent in general American culture.
Competition: First and foremost, the United States has always been about various interests vying for their share of the pie. From its pitting of various immigrant groups against each other in labor matters to its price wars between robber barons to its gold rush to its seemingly built-in resistance against social welfare of any type, this country has long been based on a system of ruthless competition with little sympathy for those unwilling or unable to participate. No better event could be put on the land's highest pedestal than the Super Bowl — the ultimate athletic competition.
Money: In accordance with the country's aforementioned competitive nature, capitalism rules supreme in the United States and the Super Bowl is perhaps the most obvious example of a national obsession with financial wealth. The event is dominated by massive ticket prices, VIP-style parties, gambling, hyper-commercialism and extraordinary player salaries. Often, it seems as if the game is only of secondary importance to the exorbitance and greed that surround it.
Allegiances: The United States is a country with as strong a nationalistic sense as any other, and this is reflected accurately on Super Bowl Sunday. From the onset, viewers are expected to choose a side in the conflict for which they will cheer, bet money on, or both. The idea of watching the Super Bowl with a may-the-best-man-win attitude is entirely foreign and unacceptable. Just as Americans rally around the flag, they unite behind one of the two Super Bowl contenders.
Gluttony: As becomes evident when looking at the country's materialism, obesity crisis or general way of life, people in the United States just cannot seem to get enough of anything. Similarly, on Super Bowl Sunday, moderation seems to be abandoned for excessive eating, drinking, commercialism and fanaticism. Almost all behavior associated with the event seems over the top.
Sex: The apparent inability of the United States to move beyond its traditional treatment of gender roles is exemplified by the Super Bowl. The game's victors are often promoted as handsome, walking, talking embodiments of masculinity. Meanwhile, females are relegated to roles such as the scantily clad cheerleader, the sideline reporter or the adoring wife of a coach or player.
Super Bowl Sunday is fascinating not only because of its sheer size but also because of its tendency to mirror so many aspects of American culture on such an exaggerated level. Whether they are negative or positive, almost all of the characteristics of the United States are simultaneously characteristics of the Super Bowl.
And for that reason alone, the Super Bowl is an event worth watching.
Rob Rossmeissl (rrossmeissl@badgerherald.com) is a senior majoring in journalism and political science.
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haha. this article is funny. The person who wrote it obviously is completely clueless about pharmacy and the roles entailed in becoming a pharmacist. Pharmacists are doctors too. Expect well instead of one semester of pharmacology like doctors have... we spend a good 4 years learning about drugs and their mechanism of action throughout one's body. So as far as a pharmacist not having the right to question a doctor... lets just say patients usually benefit when their work is questioned as well as the doctors from a potential law suit. Also, as far as pharmacists not having the right to refuse birth control Rx's... pharmacists have the right to do whatever they want. We don't bust our asses to go to school for 6 years to lose our license over fake scripts, druggies trying to hide details, people who don't know how to take their birth control and try to get it refilled 14 days early cuz they didn't realize they aren't supposed to make their boyfriend take a pill every day too (AND YES TRUE STORY). If a birth control RX is messed up and one shall become pregnant, it is the pharmacist who is responsible for that child until he is 18. Obviously you didn't consider these factors or do accurate research. So sorry but you're wrong.
This is one of the more simplistic and childish syntheses of the American experience that I've ever read. After you graduate, Rob, go back to college and then maybe you'll learn to not regurgitate all of this Howard Zinn malarchy so readily.
"built in resistance against social welfare of any type"- you've gotta be kidding, bro.
wow,anonymous posters sure are brave sometimes, huh? it's been a while since i've felt their wrath.
loved the column, keep on it.
-Korean Rob
Korean Rob, have you ever heard that the first letter in a sentence gets capitalized?
Yeah, The USA should switch to bull fighting, or playing polo with our enemies heads, whatever.
Or maybe soccer, there's a real gentle sport, especially amoung the spectators.
I'm confused by the person talking about birth control. Huh?
yea that birth control thing was weird
What the heck is with the birth control post?