If you want to see a microcosm of the decay in American society and culture, you need look no further than today's Super Bowl! From the inane three hour Pre game show to the display of military might during the national anthem, the gluttony of over hyped corporate commercials and the embarrassing half time show, the Super Bowl puts on a display that makes the Roman coliseum pale in comparison. It's no wonder they label them by roman numerals! More after the orange goal line.
The very first Super Bowl in 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, wasn't even called the Super Bowl. The tickets to the game just said NFL-AFL Championship game. The half time show consisted of college marching bands and if I remember correctly i enjoyed the game immensely. It felt like I was watching a football game! Two years later the famous Joe Namath game felt the same way. Today's spectacle bears no resemblance to those games. I feel like I am watching a big corporate , military infomercial with the football inserted like commercials. Why does there have to be such an overwhelming military theme to the proceedings? What does the military have to do with football? Do we really need a military jet fly over during the national anthem? Do we really need to remind the rest of the world of the countless unnecessary wars we have waged in other countries that have killed millions of their inhabitants?
Ever since Janet Jackson's breast, the half time shows have become a cringe worthy embarrassment. I don't even no who is on this years show but it is usually an over produced spectacle of some over the hill singer or act. Oh and please don't get me started on the commercials! For a couple of years they were cute but now they have become an over the top corporate attempt at endless consumerism. There are also commercials about the corporations themselves. They are not even selling anything, they just want to buy the air time to have more influence in the media( who they control anyway).
When you watch today's Super Bowl you are not watching a football game like you were in 1967. You are watching a giant five hour commercial promoting a myth of American exceptionalism based on military might, corporate greed, over-hyped entertainment and mindless consumerism.
For those of you getting ready for your Super Bowl party God bless you! Enjoy your time with friends and family, that's the most important part! For me, I live in San Diego so there are a number of things my family and I can do today like going to the zoo or walking on the beach or hiking in the mountains. You know, truly enjoying America the beautiful.