Sport and Militarism Lecture Notes

Overview of Lecture Topics

• Current Stage: Final stretch of the semester with only two classes remaining before exams.
• Focus of Upcoming Classes: Transitioning from a unit on sport and militarism to a focus on decolonizing sport policy and health.

Theme of Sport and Militarism

• Connection to Health: Exploring how sport and militarism intersects with health and mental health.
• Central Research Question: How do the impacts of war affect health, especially for military personnel and vulnerable populations affected by conflict?

Cultural Connection between Sport and Militarism

• Military Imagery in Sports: Notable examples of military presence and imagery at major sporting events (e.g., Super Bowl, Canadian Forces run).
• Historical Development: The connection between sports and militarism has historical roots and socio-political contexts; it is not inevitable but socially constructed.

Weekly Reading Focus

• Digiday's Article: Discusses the Canadian Forces run to illustrate the connection between amateur sports and militarism. Key thematic questions include:
  • What does it mean for sport and militarism to be depoliticized?
  • Contrast between military involvement and public perception in Canada.

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Militarization: A process where individuals or societies become influenced or controlled by military values and structures, encompassing cultural, ideological, institutional, and economic transformations.
• Militarism: Ideals that endorse military values such as patriotism, hierarchy, and discipline that permeate civil society, affecting social norms and behaviors.

Rhetorical and Linguistic Connections

• Military Language in Sports: Discussion of militaristic terminology found in sports (e.g., "training camp", "veterans", "shootout") and how it reflects deeper societal values.
• Cultural Norms: The overlap of militaristic ideals with traditional sports culture, especially relating to masculinity and aggression in competitive contexts.

Intersections in Society

• Increased Military Presence in Civilian Life: Instances of military recruitment efforts in schools, sporting events, and social media, showcasing the military-industrial-entertainment complex.
• Case Studies: Looking at events like the Invictus Games and the Canadian Forces run provides insight into how militarization is portrayed and perceived in sport.

Historical Examples and Public Perception

• Pat Tillman Case: Former NFL player who joined the army post-9/11 and died in combat. His case highlights how military narratives are shaped and can be controversial when truths are revealed (e.g., friendly fire incident).
• Societal Implications: Discussions on how narratives around sports provide an avenue to promote military ideologies and potentially dehumanize war's impact.

Critical Questions for Discussion

• Reflecting on the relationship between sport and militarism:
  • Should war and militaristic narratives be integrated into sports?
  • How do these ideologies influence societal perceptions of both sports and the military?
  • Is militarization natural, or is it a constructed relationship?

Final Thoughts

• The connection between sport and militarism is multifaceted, involving socio-political influences, cultural representation, and public perception.
• Students are encouraged to critically appreciate this relationship as they prepare for upcoming reviews and exams. Understanding these complexities will be crucial for discussions in tutorials and examinations.