1. John McMurtry's essay begins with a personal anecdote about the results of playing sports- especially football- since childhood. When he can no longer ignore his physical condition, he seeks treatment and is hospitalized. How does the anecdote lend credibility to his argument.
McMurty's anecdote lends ethos to his argument as he his played "college and professional football" and now "[has] to don a brace" and his brother "an outstanding football player in college" had to "[undergo] spinal surgery." This personal experience aren't just "isolated experiences" but are common and are the consequence of football, lending credibility to the argument.
2. McMurtry also addresses the argument that games such as football allow us to discharge our "original-sin urge into less harmful channels than, say, war" (para. 15). Cite passages where McMurtry counters this arugment. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
McMurtry "[sees] little to recommend such a view" that sports are a more peaceful channel. "organized football" only "[suppressed his] natural urges" and express them in "an alienating, violent for." While football can often be a good energy outlet, it often takes peaceful men and turns them into mean, crushing machines.
3. Who is McMurtry's audience? Is it necessary for the reader to understand or care about football in order to understand what McMurtry is saying about society? Explain.
McMurtry's argument could be directed at most anyone is society although it could appeal to adults with teenagers in sports, warning them of the dangers. It's not necessary to fully understand football to understand his argument though a little knowledge does help. McMurtry's comparison of sports to war and sports to the business world helps the reader understand the viciousness of the game.
4. Consider the language of football, especially the words shared by the military. What sports other than football have a militaristic side?
All sports have somewhat of a militaristic side. All have a coach who gives out orders and gives long speeches. All require self discipline and lots of training, though some, like track and gymnastics,are less violent and are more about self than defeating an opponent. Other sports, like hockey, are as equally violent as football, as any northerner can tell you.
You addressed the fact that he played football very well and integrated the quotes absolutely seamlessly. Also, you included the anecdote of his brother and mentioned the fact that it reduces claims that he experienced a freak accident, but I didn't. You might have wanted to include the idea that he might have been trying to get people more on his side before he presented his thesis seeing how his thesis wouldn't be supported by very many people.
ReplyDelete1. I love the way you integrated the quotes. In my response, I also addressed the author's utilization of pathos. He appealed to the reader's emotions by sharing the heartfelt story of his injury. The reader can sympathize with the author, making his arguement more believable.
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