Sports and American Values
The sports that are organized by a society generally reflect the basic
values of the society and attempt to strengthen them in the minds and emotions
of its possible. In the United States, there are three sports which are famous
in the society. The sports are; football, basketball, baseball, with soccer
gaining the popularity. In the soccer, boys and girls can play on the same team
because not much equipment is required. Nowhere are the ways and words of
democracy better illustrated than in sports. In sports, people of different
races and economic backgrounds get an equal chance to excel. The American ideal
of competition is also at the very heart of organized sports in the United
States. Many Americans believe that learning how to win in sports helps develop
the habits necessary to compete successfully in later life.
Competition Carried To An Extreme?
An excessive desire to win in sports can weaken rather than strengthen
traditional American values. A famous professional football coach said that
winning is the “only thing” that matters in sports. However, that statement is
not appropriate with the American values which esteem the fair play. When the
idea of winning in sports is carried to excess, however, honorable competition
can turn into disorder and violence.
Recreation: A Time for Self-Improvement
Most of people in the United States spend their leisure time with recreations.
Some Americans prefer recreation that requires a high level of physical
activity. This is true of the most popular adult recreational sports: jogging
or running, tennis, and skiing. The high level of physical activity enjoyed by
many Americans at play has led to the observation that Americans have
difficulty relaxing, even in the leisure time. Not all Americans want to “rough
it” while they are on their adventure holidays, however.
Health and Fitness
As the explanation above, American loves to have physical activity.
However, the overall population is becoming overweight, due to poor eating and
sedentary lifestyle. Government studies estimate that less than half of Americans
exercise in their leisure time. It’s not Americans lack information on eating
well. Newspaper and magazines are full of advice on nutrition. Some experts say
that social, cultural, and psychological factors determine how people eat.
Another factor is Americans’ love of fast food. This is because fast food is
cheaper than other foods. In addition, Americans are busy people, therefore,
they choose fast food because they have to move quickly especially when they
have work.
The Impact of Television
Sometimes, television gives bad effect to the watcher. Television has a
strong effect on the activity level of many Americans. Some people spend much
of their free time lying on the couch watching TV and eating junk food. In
addition, many adults are worried about the impact of so much television on the
nation’s children. Many children do not spend enough time reading. Because of
that habit, some children has lowered their ability to achieve in school.
The Impact of the Internet
In this modern era, internet has important role in our daily activity.
Many people are happy that technology has made it possible for them to
communicate with just about anyone anywhere. However, internet also brings
disadvantages for society especially teenager. In America, parents have great
fear about their children meeting strangers on the internet and about the
possible exposure to pornography.
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