It's interesting being part of Super Bowl fever this year: after many years I think I have learned enough to appreciate the game although I don't care about all the subtleties. Having grown up in a country that is sport crazy it is interesting to observe the cultural differences. In South Africa, the BIG games were always international - will the Springboks crush the All Blacks in rugby, and can the cricketers redeem themselves against Pakistan this season?
America is different, yet again. Perhaps because it is such a large country they can be more self contained with major sporting events, being internal. Although I have noted that I laugh at the baseball "World Series" where the only non US team is from Canada...
This image on Facebook this week summed up the competition very well.
Football is usually regional teams which people have supported all their lives and the fever runs high for wins each week during the season. What's interesting this year is that they are both East Coast team so people in the same household might have started off supporting their local NY team and now live in Boston, surrounded by Pats fans.
I actually love the excitement and enthusiasm that consumes such a large percent percent of the US population of all sorts. Perhaps this is a truly American event with everyone united more so that other times. And of course, there is the added interest of consumerism at it's best with people looking forward to seeing the ads. In many households, people might leave during the game and come back to watch the ads! Don't forget about "The Half Time Show" with great performers, and this year Madonna I believe.
Only one last thing to add as the hours to kickoff get closer and people prepare for the great Super Bowl parties all over the country.
I am proud to be an American and a Pats fan!
