Sport and Militarism

Natural Connection?
- Is there a natural connection between sport and militarism?
- Connection is socially constructed, not inevitable.
Historical Construction:
- Explore historical and present constructs of sport and militarism.
Desjardins (2021) Insights:
- Analysis of the Canadian Forces Run and militarism in Canada.
Depoliticization:
- What does it mean to say the sport-militarism connection is depoliticized?
Examples for Understanding:
- Analyze Canadian Forces Run and Invictus Games in the context of sport and militarism.

Ronald Regan (1981) Quote:
- "Sport is the human activity closest to war that isn’t lethal".
George Orwell Quote:
- "Sport is war minus the shooting".
Shared Culture:
- Combat culture reflected in sports; sanctioned violence.
Militarized Sport:
- Discuss implications of sport's militarization in Canada and the U.S.
- Examples of militarization in various sports.

Political Integration:
- Militaristic terms in sports:
  - Training camp, sudden death, veterans, blitz, etc.
- Burnstyn (2002) on Ideology:
  - Underlying ideology of violence linked to masculinity.
Key Question:
- Analyze the connection between sport and militarism through readings and examples.

Definition:
- Process where individuals or entities become controlled by military influences and ideals (cultural, institutional, ideological transformations).
- Reference: Enloe, 2003, p.3.

Definition by Campbell (2009):
- Militarism permeates civil society with values such as patriotism, hierarchy, and violence.
Ideals Over Armies:
- It is not about having a large army but about a set of ideals and spirit (Wilson, 1916).
Importance at All Times:
- Militarism is significant in peace as well as in war.

Definition of Militarism:
- Defined as viewing global issues primarily as military problems, leading to military solutions.
- Reference: Martin & Steuter, 2010, p.6 in Desjardins, 2021, p.276.
Research Focus:
- Role of sport in normalizing military influence and culture.

Kelly (2016) Four Categories of Connections:
- (a) Respect towards military via professional sports appreciation nights.
- (b) Injured personnel become athletes (e.g., Invictus Games).
- (c) Militarization of sports uniforms.
- (d) Corporate sponsorships supporting military initiatives (e.g., commercials featuring military members).

Corporate and Military Ties:
- Explore connections between corporations/institutions and armed forces.
Controversy and Resistance:
- Identify concepts associated with military spending and involved corporations.
Examples of Military Sponsorships:
- NFL teams' financial support for honoring soldiers and recruiting ceremonies (e.g., $250,000 for re-enlistment by the NY Army National Guard).

Modern Militarization of Sport:
- Discuss examples of how sports have become militarized.
Broader Implications of Militarization:
- Identify areas beyond sports affected by militarization.

Background:
- Former NFL player who served in the US Army and died in Afghanistan (2004).
Controversy:
- Criticism of his symbolic representation for the war effort.
Key Resource:
- Watch "The Pat Tillman Story."

Mutual Benefits:
- Analyze interests of military and sports leagues/teams in their relationship.
Recent Involvement:
- Military's involvement in sports is a recent, constructed tradition.
Bill Astore’s Insight:
- The conscious decision of military to align with sports following 9/11.

Desjardins on Canadian Army Run (CAR):
- 2019 CAR as a propaganda tool—promotes CF while diminishing race results and creating a sanitized view of military.
Aspect of Socialization:
- Examines how traditional sports can normalize militarism among everyday citizens through participation.

Key Takeaways:
- CAR as military promotion versus racing outcomes.
- Socialization process enhances support for military while obscuring critical perspectives.

Significance of Desjardins’ Work:
- CAR as socialization tool reinforcing love for military equated with support for the nation.
Non-Recruiting Nature of CAR:
- While not outright recruiting, CAR performs militarism and discourages critical engagement with military actions.