Posted on 02/02/2013 11:23:22 PM PST by Jyotishi
New York - It is routinely billed as the Greatest Show on Earth - but this year it has become a platform for far more than footballers, cheerleaders, and the infamous half-time show.
Beyonce performs the National Anthem during the halftime show press conference ahead of the NFL's Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan 31, 2013. Photo: Reuters/Jim Young
In the past few weeks the Super Bowl, the centrepiece of American sport, has taken on a distinctly political feel.
Social issues such as gay marriage, gun control, racial equality, and poverty in Ethiopia have all been put on the agenda. One coach went even further, using his profile during Super Bowl week to declare his interest in running for political office.
Perhaps feeling that his territory was being encroached upon, even Barack Obama decided to jump on the bandwagon, wading into one of football's most controversial topics: the risk of head injury.
"I have to tell you if I had a son, I'd have to think long and hard before I let him play football," the US president said.
It has all contributed to the feeling that the Super Bowl has become much more than simply a sporting event.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
As for all the rest, Laura Ingraham, write a new book: Just Shut Up and Play Football.
GO RAVENS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the Super Bowl is the most overreated show on earth.
I watch it, and enjoy it, but sheesh... The game ends and life goes on.
I agree. (unless you're a fan of one of the teams involved)
I've always enjoyed the Conference Championship Games much more than the Super Bowl.
Yes, it is strangely anticlimactic, but I think this is easily understandable. There is nowhere to go from there! As you note, in the conference finals the reward is to advance and play again, but it’s all over either way after the Superbowl. I know that the win or loss is acutely felt by the players and fans, but still, it’s a passing thing.
Not much time alloted to the actual game anyway.
We lived in Dallas during the Staubach/Landry years, and were huge Cowboy fans. I almost felt like they couldn’t play without my either being there or watching it on tv.
After what they did to Tom Landry, I have never watched them again.......
Sports should be off limits to political issues. God knows it dominates much of the rest of the landscape of our lives. While watching the 49ers win today, the last thing I want is some self-righteous blowhard proselytizing some pet political cause. And I resent Alicia “There Are Lies In That Flag” Keyes singing the national anthem.
“I have to tell you if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football,” the US president said.
So much for Obama’s firm “Pro Choice” stand.
I remember when it first started and it was what Vince Lombardi intended it to be, the battle of the best.
Now, I won't waste my time on it. Most of the players should be in jail anyway. The NFL has become pathetic, as has our metrosexual society.
Under consideration at high levels is the name of the San Francisco team. Forty-niner’s represents an era of greed and lust. The greed for gold is unacceptable to the OWS types
The team will be renamed the San Francisco Queers
"Old" Chicago translation: "Nice little football league you got here-- it'd be a shame if something happened to it. Of course, if you help spread my message a bit now and then..."
Mr. niteowl77
I think football is the most over rated sport on earth.
Wait, wait, wait, I forgot basketball
But wait, I forgot soccer. Maybe it really is the Superbowl that is the most over rated.
World Series still better than the SB in my opinion.
I agree. I like what George Will said, something along the lines that America has gone in decline since football became more popular than baseball.
Agreed...no ‘Sodomite Bowl’ for me...Ravens promoting sodomite marriage, and we all know what San Francisco represents...I am sympathetic to the 49’ers when you consider how the one player is being persecuted by the PC crowd; especially the scum at ESPN.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.