The noted sports commentator tells of the upper-class origins of American football, its connections with "muscular Christanity" and with 19th century US imperialism. The game has always been violent and has caused countless player injuries and deaths--but Zirin argues against those who would ban the sport. Zirin's solution: for all jobs--including NFL football--support the workers in their struggle to control workplace rules and working conditions. A witty and interesting talk.
I have condensed Zirins talk, which he delivered at the "Socialism 2012" conference, in the Chcago area, in September 2012.
"New World Notes" is produced under the auspices (Latin for "table") of WWUH-FM, a community service of that beacon of light in darkest Connecticut, the University of Hartford.
Due to schedule changes, the installment numbers have been a little out of sequence. Next week's installment, correctly, will be #243
For written commentary, photos & other graphics, videos, great links, and an archive of past installments, please see this show's Web site: http://newworldnotes.blogspot.com. Permanent link to the entry for this installment: http://newworldnotes.blogspot.com/2012/10/dave-zirin-on-american-football.html .
SERIES OVERVIEW -- Political and social commentary in a variety of genres. Exploring the gap between what we want ... and what they're trying to make us settle for. "Date recorded," below, = date of first scheduled broadcast
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