Anthropological study of the Super Bowl.

[blondeatlast]

What would an anthropoligist conclude about US culture if the only evidence he/she had was a tape of the Super Bowl?

Please include everything, including the halftime entertainment and especially the commercials.

I saw NONE of it, so I'm anxious to find out.

[Ravenseye]

1. Group Dynamics and Ritual Violence in American Culture

"Group Dynamics and Ritual Violence in American Culture: A Study of the Superbowl XXXIX Evidence"
by Ravenseye

Some Excerpts

"Indeed violence is displayed through many means in American Culture. Leaving the violent centerpiece of the ritual combat arena, the entire event is surrounded by ritual, and oft times, realized violence. From the viewing stands where Americans taunt and perform primate strength displays in front of opposing members. It is interesting to note that the supporters of the two sides are not separated in the stands, but mingled together. Whether this is to increase the chances of ritualistic violence, or to decrease the possiblities of acutal violence is a question."

"During the middle of the ritual combat the entire arena was centered on a group of entertainers on a makeshift raised stage. It is tempting to surmise this performance and the accompanying dimmed lighting of the arena is there to prevent wide scale realized violence to erupt. The songs sung ranged in topic content but were summed up by the centerpiece song 'live and let die' which typlified the event. A song which could easily be interpreted as signifying ritual violence. The entertainment ended with a rousing chorus from the fans of 'Na Na Na Na Na Na Na' in response to the lead singer's refrain of 'Hey Jude'. 'Na Na Na' is a traditional mocking sound in American culture, and we can surmise that the song is about mocking a person named 'Jude'. Even in this performance we notice the underlying ritualized violence and high level of taunting which occurs in this society."

[blondeatlast]

2. Excellent work!

LOL.

[blondeatlast]

3. Can someone cover the ads? Like I say, I saw NONE of it.

I'm sure DUers assessments will be far more entertaining than the event itself was.