American Sport in the 21st Century- The NFL Versus the 2016 Presidential Election

During class on October 11 and October 13 we talked about sport and politics in American Sport in the 21st Century.  We talked about how governments and globalization influence sport and at a time where the United States is facing some tough situations, we have probably one of the most ridiculous Presidential Elections in the history of the United States.  Whether you're voting for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, this election has sure drawn a lot of attention, especially from people who don't usually have any comments about politics.

Political Terms:

- Politics - a social process through which individuals and groups acquire, exercise and maintain power over others.

- Government - formal organization that makes rules.

- Globalization - the relationship between countries and the use of power on an international level.

Connections Between Government and Sports:

- Promote the prestige of a nation

- Increases support for political leaders 

- Helps maintain fitness by using sport and the athletes to promote a healthy lifestyle

Examples of Political Uses of Sport:

- 1936 Olympic Games, Hitler wanted the games to demonstrate Aryan Supremacy

- Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a gesture of protest against the treatment of African Americans in the United States

How this election and how it affects sport right now is pretty easy to see.  Sunday, October 9 was a perfect example.  This was the second Presidential Debate.  For me, this was annoying.  On Sundays I just want to watch football and my roommates kept switching the game for the Presidential Debate. I was getting pretty annoyed and I can only imagine I was not the only one going through the same situation as me.  This election has drawn fans away from the game to focus on the current state of the United States.  Either it is that or ratings are just down.  If that is the case, the NFL needs to figure out a new game plan.

Read more: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2016/10/24/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/NFL-meeting-notebook.aspx?hl=anthem%20protests&sc=0