American Football

Question 1

How does protective equipment make the game more violent?

Answer 1

Dehumanises the opposition

People believe they are safe so go in harder

Question 2

Nature of the game

Answer 2

Fast- use of substitutes maintain the speed of the game
Injury- very common due to collision and high impact- 24 is the average age to retire
Skilful with specialist tasks for each player
Huge squads- due to injury and to maintain speed
Physical contact- deliberate body checking between players not in procession of the ball
Mobile chess- tactical and complicated with concealed strategic moves

Question 3

Why is American football so violent?

Answer 3

Win ethic- so much competition
Strategic way of getting the ball
Rules actively encourage violence
Commercialism- want to be the best
Protective clothing dehumanises the opponent and makes them feel safe 
Crowd want an exciting spectacle
Reflects rate frontier spirit
Frustration with officials/ opponents/ team

Question 4

What is the American Dream?

Answer 4

Zero to hero, ranks to riches

Question 5

What is the frontier spirit?

Answer 5

Brave, courageous, resilient, hardworking

Question 6

What is the win ethnic?

Answer 6

Win at all costs because of the money involved due to commercialism and the golden triangle

Question 7

How is the capitalist economic system encouraging profit making business show in the game?

Answer 7

Game reflects the economic system- capitalism- all about making money
Sport is about making a profit it is a commodity
A multi billion dollar business
NFL is a group of companies
Teams are run as business privately owned or run as public companies- teams are bought and sold
Sport stars are walking billboards

Question 8

Contemporary commercial success

Answer 8

Capitalism- free enterprise and making money
To rights to broadcast the NFL are highly competitive $1 billion 2015
TV media control the game- game is designed for TV with regular commercial breaks
Teams are run as businesses
Golden triangle- attractive to sponsors and advertisers and the media to make money
Super bowl is a huge commercial event with top celebrities performing at half time and a world wide audience
Part of the entertainment industry

Question 9

What are the origins of American football?

Answer 9

Originally called gridiron
Developed at the Ivy League universities
Limited early rules, no common rules
Reflected the 'frontier spirit'
Adapted from rugby England
Serious injury, deaths- banned vet some universities