National Icon

Question 1

the discussion is answering one of the following questions:

1) Identify at least one athlete that would you consider as a ‘national idol’ or ‘national icon’, either in American sport or within other cultures? Briefly explain why this athlete qualifies as an idol or icon within their national culture.

2) After considering the costs and benefits of hosting sport mega-events, do you think that cities should compete and attempt to host these events or not?Provide at least two specific reasons for your answer,drawing from either course concepts or examples of specific mega-events.

Question 2

1) Briefly explain at least one example of either ‘gemeinschaft’ (collective expression) or ‘gesellschaft’ (individual expression) within a specific physical culture – how does one sport or physical activity either help to develop a sense of community, and/or promote individual interests over those of the collective?

2) Provide a brief description of your own example of ‘communitas’ – an experience or ritual form of physical culture that is both formed on and leads to a sense of social togetherness. How/why do particular sports or physical activities help to create ‘communitas’?

200 word only