American Football is similar to the sport, rugby. When I mention about rugby, I guess most of the Malaysians have already had an idea of what American Football is. Yes, it is a sport played between two teams where they try to score points by advancing the ball to the opponent's end zone. However, there are still some differences in rules and configuration of the field. For example, the number of players in rugby is 13, while the number of players in American Football is 11.
There is a major league in American Football -NFL (National Football League). Watching the league and supporting their state's team is a favorite past time to most Americans, be it men or women. It is like how Malaysians enjoy watching EPL (English Premier League) in England. It is a spectacular scene in UWEC when The Packers (GreenBay Wisconsin NFL team) is on the field. Almost one out of three Americans will wear their green color jersey to show the identity and support their team. It was to my ultimate surprise that my professor played the live show in class while he was teaching. Wasn't that incredibly ridiculous? He didn't want to disappoint his students by missing The Packer game. You see the heat of football in the US? It is unbelievable! And I would like to see what would happen on campus when The Viking (Minnesota team) plays against The Packers (Wisconsin team).
Football is part and parcel in typical American's life. I believe the reason is it complements their life in the way they value heroes. Almost all American male heroes on television and in movies have traditionally had the common ability to demonstrate their strength through physical violence. Possessing great physical strength is like being a warrior to them. And this value is truly reflected in football games.
I had a chance to watch a football game in UWEC Homecoming - Blugolds versus Pointers. It was amazing! A picture is worth a thousand words.
Nice Picture. I am was really happy to make this expierence and see a football game and even one of our team! I think all the things around it were actually more interesting than the acutal game like the marching band, the dancers and the cheerleader.
ReplyDeleteYou make some good observations and connections to why we Americans love football. Did you have a Monday night class when the Packers were playing?
ReplyDeleteOne other thing. Have you heard of Nascar? According to statistics I have read, this sport is an even bigger spectator sport than football.
The game was interesting but I left the game after the first half. It was cold and more importantly I don't really enjoy sport.
ReplyDeleteI love the marching band so much too. However, the football game is still the best. They should have more games around here
ReplyDeleteIn Costa Rica football means soccer too. Also, to me it was confusing at the beginning. I love your picture!
ReplyDeleteTo Prof. Johnson,
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, I have a class on Monday night, from 6-8.30pm. I have no idea what is Nascar until I searched for it and found that it was a car racing sport.