Sport Culture

Television and other media have their eye on sport precisely because sport and games are so highly performative (Brummett, 18).” I question why sports such as basketball and football are shoved down are throats by the media, while sports like the senior Olympics harbor little value in terms of communication by publication or broadcast. One can argue that because so much revenue is plugged into teams like the Yankees or Giants, fans feel obliged and compelled to watch them, whereas “low key” sports such as track simply cannot contrive that much revenue. This is due to the fact that they are rarely televised and the media following is virtually nonexistent compared to the popular spectator sports. I understand that placing a “value” on players is crucial in terms of essentially defining their worth within their respective organization; better athletes earn more because they’re simply a better commodity. Although I don’t believe that placing a “value” on sports themselves is imperative in terms of characterizing the importance of that specific sport. Athletes like Kathy Martin work just as hard as athletes like LebRon James; the difference is that she does it for an empty pocket and diminutive admiration.
Contemporary sports sociology theories can ultimately be assigned to sport, assessment, and the placement value on athletes. “Functionalism views society as an organized system of interrelated parts that seek equilibrium. Sports can play a vital role in maintaining such balance (Delaney, 36).” One can argue that sports counteract religious morals; guarding society from bleak realities and instilling a false sense of achievement. The world of sports encourages commercialism, sexism, and most importantly, nationalism.