American Culture and Football

       
     It is truly something special to be called an American. Within the stars and stripes, there is true meaning of the American culture.  In the image by Christopher Swann, the American flag spread out across the field means a lot to everyone present.  The emotions reflected in the faces of the people on the field and in the stands varies between happy and somber due to the singing of the National Anthem and what it personally means to them. American culture is passionate about everything.  The demeanor of the people in the stands and on the field show a culture that is happy and proud, yet respectful and even somber. 

     Football is one of American culture's greatest spectacles.  It is one of our most unifying forces.  It brings people together, no matter the team they are rooting for, the color of their skin, or their religion.  In the image by Sgt. Randall A. Clinton, you can see by the jerseys they are wearing that people rooting for opposing teams are sitting side by side.  People of different races and most likely religions, although not directly apparent from the picture, are sitting side by side.  Even though there are all of these differences, you can tell that everyone in the stands just feels an electrifying energy across the entire stadium by their body language.  Some are clapping, some are cheering, some are pumping their fists in the air and others are simply watching the events as they unfold around them.  This is what American culture is all about.  It embraces all that makes each of us unique.  You can tell that most of the people in the stands are really happy and excited by the emotions reflected on their faces.   Most everyone that attends one of these games always has a blast and leaves happy after the great experience, although some more happy than others depending on the outcome of the game.

     The American culture is a proud culture.  Americans take pride in football as well as their country.  This is because Americans have a lot to be proud about every day. Whether it is their freedom that they get by living in America, or just small things, like being able to support their family. In the image, you can tell that the most of the fans are proud by the way they are watching intently as the flag is unfurled across the huge football field.  When the image was taken, they are singing the National Anthem, which is a hymn of praise to our flag and country written by Francis Scott Key.  Always prior to the start of the National Anthem, teams line up; fans stand and remove their caps.  Peace and silence take over where moments before everyone was loudly chatting away.  This is the peace before the battle of the game.  The American flag stands for everything that is admirable in our history and is therefore a unifying symbol for our nation.  Having the flag spread out across the field with its vibrant colors of red, white and blue reminds everyone in attendance of what our nation stands for as is evidenced by the way the fans are watching and listening intently.

     Americans love to support their team and be a part of something special.  For any given game, whether is an NFL game, college game, high school or even a pee wee game, mass quantities of fans historically show up to support their team.  In the image, the players on both teams have just ran out of the tunnel and the game is getting ready to start.  The stadium that holds tens of thousands of people is nearly full.  The rapt attention of everyone shows that they are proud Americans.  They are ready to enjoy something that makes us so unique like this wonderful game of football.

     Loudly and boisterously speaking up for what we believe in, or to show gratitude is also part of American culture. When they sing "land of the free and home of the brave" toward the end of the National Anthem, it means a lot to most everyone in attendance.  The cheering that historically ensues is evidence of this.  America was not free in the beginning.  Brave men and woman fought to make America their land, home and free.  After the National Anthem is over, everyone gets really loud and excited, and express their emotions in a really happy and proud way by cheering loudly.  You can see in the image that some people are already cheering.  Their arms are raised and their mouths are open widely.  
       

      Most Americans show respect for their country.  Sporting events in America usually honor someone who has served our country, and every time they get a standing ovation.  In this picture, everyone is showing their respect to their country by standing up, removing their hats and placing their right hand over their heart.  When the National Anthem is being played, that is what Americans do to show respect. Some players and spectators even shed tears during the playing of the National Anthem.  Everyone knows someone who has or is serving his or her country. We honor everyone who is willing to put his or her life in danger for us, and that deserves ultimate respect.  
 

     American culture is ripe with patriotism and citizenship. In this image, we see the military standing on a stars and stripes covered platform with another member of the military in camouflage standing at attention nearby.   Seeing the flag unfurled across the field with our military participating in honoring the country they help to protect is thought provoking. Many men and women have died defending our nation under the colors of our flag. Some people in the stands appear to be somber as is evidenced by the solemn look on their faces.  These people may have served our country and lost friends during their time in service.  They may be family members who lost a loved one who served their country.  It could even be someone who realizes the significance of the flag and the military people who are holding it up including the sacrifices made on behalf of our country. 

        These images represent what American culture is all about.  We are a very passionate country.  We are a country full of individuals that are able to come together as one despite our differences and enjoy something as simple as a football game. Our National Anthem and our flag create a unifying presence nationwide because they represent all that is admirable within our country.  The bravery of the men and women of our military, past and present, is something that American's are very proud and respectful of.  Americans realize that our freedom came at a cost and that there are those that continue to make sacrifices to protect it.  When it comes to showing our gratitude for these men and women, our culture can loudly and boisterously show our support in addition to showing the utmost respect. American culture is happy, proud, respectful and sometimes somber. Because of all of these things, it is truly something special to be called an American.

Works Cited

Swann, Christopher.  National Anthem Before the Inaugural NY Jets Home Opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium.  September 13, 2010.  Photograph. flickr. flickr, 13 September, 2010. Web 6 February 2014.

Clinton, Sgt. Randall A. New York Jets Military Appreciation Ceremony. November 13, 2011. Photograph. flickr. flickr, 13 November, 2011. Web 13 February 2014.