Hurricane Katrina and the Saints: Why America Studies Sport

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/sports/football/24saints.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

In class on January 26th, we discussed several reasons why America studies sport.  These reasons include our values and morals, such as progress, equality, freedom and nationalism.  Coakley describes how sports provide tales that inspire and provide people opportunities to use the stories sport provides to make sense of the situations surrounding them.  When Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans in 2005, the Saints, and new quarterback Drew Brees, had an opportunity to showcase a number of these values.  They took full advantage of the opportunity.  Brees and the Saints responded by going to the NFC Championship game in the first season, and later to win a Super Bowl.  The team acted as a healing entity for the entire city, pulling people together and giving them a common interest to support.  Many citizens have stated that the Saints gave them something to live for and a reason to keep going.  For this reason, Brees and the Saints can be seen as heroes to the city of New Orleans.

This is just an example of the power that sports hold in our society.  They are able to give people hope and drive by creating a nearly mythical story line.  Communities, cities, and even the entire country has shown that sports can pull people together for a common cause, leading to restoration and healing.  With these positives, it is clear why Americans have such a deep rooted love for sports of all kinds.