What better social situation to epitomize American culture
than the Super Bowl? This weekend was the perfect opportunity for this methods
assignment as I participated in the festivities and made observations of my
family. I found my experience to be very enlightening. These “field notes”
describe my experience:
Mom called me twice Saturday to ask me when my brother and I
will be coming home. I could tell she was anxious to be hosting. After the
third call Sunday morning, Nick and I drove up to Salt Lake to find the house
in a whirlwind of kids wrestling, food preparation, and the usual stress of
getting 7 people ready for church. I was immediately given chores –clean the TV
room for the game, and help with food prep, while my older brother sat with my
dad to discuss football. After helping
my mother and sisters get the kids out the door, we finally made it to church.
Down to the wire like a typical Mormon family.
Meanwhile…I was sent back to the house during Sunday school
to check on the meat.
After the closing prayer we rushed home to start the
festivities. My dad was very anxious to get home, leaving 2 kids behind to walk.
They weren’t quick enough I guess. After
arriving home we all changed into comfy clothes and the whirlwind began again.
The smells of meatballs, nachos, sandwiches and desserts filled the air along
with the voices of annoying sportscasters. Then finally at 4:30, silence fell,
and the game began. (That was a joke, it was never silent.)
One of the most interesting parts of this experience was
watching my 12-year-old brother. He began the game cheering for the Giants but
upon realizing that my Dad was rooting for the Patriots, changed his vote. It
was interesting to notice him watch my Dad, following his movements and echoing
his cheers. It was clear to see that he idolizes him.
The commercials are the big draw for most non-football fans
to watch the Super Bowl. With 30 seconds of airtime costing upwards of 2
million dollars, the commercials are expected to be pretty amazing. My siblings
shushed the crowd trying to hear every second of the commercials even though
they were advertising products that would probably never be bought by anyone in
my family. (Beer, Chryslers, internet domain names, etc.) We live in a
materialistic society; the Super Bowl is great proof of that. The halftime show
featured Madonna, LMFAO, Nikki Minaj, MIA and Celo Green, all famous performers
who symbolize America’s values. In a way I was disappointed to watch my younger
sister sing along with the concert, she seems to young for that kind of
exposure, but I guess that’s the world we live in.
It is always great to spend time at home, I love my family.
I was happy to observe the good things, like children helping their parents,
giving up their seat for my grandparents, letting the women eat first and other
unwritten rules we expect in our culture. Also, other “Mormon rules” like
blessing the food and Family Home Evening after the game.
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