Baseball, Boxing and, Football in the Movies: The Ameican Connection

Abstract

Few things in life reflect American society more than sports. When looking at all aspects of sports in America, a true reflection is not hard to miss. More specifically, the sports of baseball, boxing, and football cast notable and interesting shadows that are truly worth investigating, because it is through these games that we can take a true look at who we are and where we have come as a society. From the players, to the fans, to the owners, these games provide us with an insight into what makes our nation tick. Baseball, boxing and football involve complex issues such as racism, sexism, heroism, and loyalty. These issues can be reflected in societal views as well. Sometimes society can influence a sport, such as when women's baseball leagues formed because of war. Other times sports can influence society, as when black players entered the major leagues and immigrants became world renowned boxers. <p>Film is another thing that reflects American society well. Watching movies is almost as great an American pastime as baseball. The film industry, like the sports industry, is out to make money by capturing "fans" and charging them admission. People go to the show to be entertained, just like they would go to see a sporting event. Therefore, film, too, is a good indication of what society likes, dislikes, and envisions.