Our nation has invested itself, economically and socially, in sports for centuries. To the athletic elite, there is the opportunity to turn their childhood passion into their livelihood. From the four most recognized professional sports in America - Baseball (MLB) , Football (NFL) , Basketball (NFL), and Hockey (NHL) - only a select handful of athletes reach the professional level, and even less remain at that level and see long-term success. On an emotional night in the Bronx, on September 11th, 2015, I viewed the Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees baseball game. It provides an unique experience to shift focus from simply rooting for your favorite team, and eyeing every pitch into the catcher’s glove, to view the whole event from a sociological
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I noticed in the Yankees game how their was a well balanced mix of men, women, and children, as well as a balanced mix of races; however the race mix was not as evenly spread as the gender mix. A factor in this is due to the racial diversity of the Bronx, and that allows fans from all walks to connect to the racial diversity that makes up the Yankees team. Relating race to socioeconomic status, I noticed how the black and hispanic population also increased as you rose higher within the stadium. This is related to the fact that black and hispanic residents of the Bronx have a historically lower median income than the white population, forcing them to settle for mediocre seating (The median household income for Blacks that reside in the Bronx, was $39,474, $46,920 for Latino’s, and $65,994 for Whites, in 2011, according to a study from Dr. Bergad at The City University of New York.) It is also important to note the race relations among the athletes, and how stereotypes may affect the way the game is played. I noticed how the Blue Jays and Yankees had a well balanced racial mix of talented players, however a general consensus still holds that South American athletes are superior when it comes to baseball. The same racial stereotypes are seen throughout several sports in America. “...But, of course, talent outpointed prejudice, and eventually, it was simply accepted that …show more content…
While it can be argued for better or worse, social media has changed the way society interacts with sporting events and the way sporting events interact with us (such as sports related advertisements and ‘instant updates’). Sometimes it strikes me why fans devote themselves to their team of choice, and in extreme cases will fight for what they believe, when no matter how their team ultimately performs, it doesn’t impact them (unless they are a betting man). Then I take a moment of self reflection and realized I am that fan, and walked out of Fenway Park, home to the Yankees’ rival Boston Red Sox, with a torn Yankees’ jersey in 2013. It was a unique and enjoyable experience to take a step back and watch every aspect of this Yankees vs Blue Jays game on September 11th from a sociological mindset, and see just how deeply sports and everyday life have become
I noticed in the Yankees game how their was a well balanced mix of men, women, and children, as well as a balanced mix of races; however the race mix was not as evenly spread as the gender mix. A factor in this is due to the racial diversity of the Bronx, and that allows fans from all walks to connect to the racial diversity that makes up the Yankees team. Relating race to socioeconomic status, I noticed how the black and hispanic population also increased as you rose higher within the stadium. This is related to the fact that black and hispanic residents of the Bronx have a historically lower median income than the white population, forcing them to settle for mediocre seating (The median household income for Blacks that reside in the Bronx, was $39,474, $46,920 for Latino’s, and $65,994 for Whites, in 2011, according to a study from Dr. Bergad at The City University of New York.) It is also important to note the race relations among the athletes, and how stereotypes may affect the way the game is played. I noticed how the Blue Jays and Yankees had a well balanced racial mix of talented players, however a general consensus still holds that South American athletes are superior when it comes to baseball. The same racial stereotypes are seen throughout several sports in America. “...But, of course, talent outpointed prejudice, and eventually, it was simply accepted that …show more content…
While it can be argued for better or worse, social media has changed the way society interacts with sporting events and the way sporting events interact with us (such as sports related advertisements and ‘instant updates’). Sometimes it strikes me why fans devote themselves to their team of choice, and in extreme cases will fight for what they believe, when no matter how their team ultimately performs, it doesn’t impact them (unless they are a betting man). Then I take a moment of self reflection and realized I am that fan, and walked out of Fenway Park, home to the Yankees’ rival Boston Red Sox, with a torn Yankees’ jersey in 2013. It was a unique and enjoyable experience to take a step back and watch every aspect of this Yankees vs Blue Jays game on September 11th from a sociological mindset, and see just how deeply sports and everyday life have become