Reference no: EM133232703
Consider the concepts of capitalism and class. Sage and Coakley both discuss these concepts in relationship to culture and sports.
Watch the post-World War II (when the U.S. government was entering the Cold War against communism) films designed to promote capitalism and to encourage Americans to accept class differences. Then, consider these questions in your responses.
Generate ways that the basic premises of capitalism and class differences are reinforced in spectator sports.
Consider the role of the skybox beyond that of providing seating for those who can afford it during athletic contests. How might the skybox be a hegemonic image, to use a term from Sage?
Agree or disagree?
- As we learned in both Sage and Coakley's readings, sport is a major profit generator. Though there are other elements to capitalism as well, like private property and competition, both of the readings and the videos explained that profit is the main motivating factor for the work that is being done. In the end, spectator sports exist to make profit, and that profit is made by providing people with entertainment and something they can stand behind, support, and believe in, which often masks the root of capitalism. Like capitalism, class differences are also reinforced through spectator sports. Social classes often dictate the involvement of individuals in a sport, and which sport they support. A spectator sport like golf has different characteristics than another spectator sport like football, and all of the elements surrounding football like season tickets, private seating, exclusive events etc. can also reinforce social class differences.
- The skybox reflects Sage's hegemonic image because it outlines the way in which differences in social classes impact individual's access to certain amenities. The skybox is a prime example of this because skyboxes across different sports and organizations may have different rules. Some skyboxes you may be able to purchase seating for a high price, while others may just be untouchable. Either way, these exclusive amenities reinforce class differences and reflect Sage's hegemonic image.