Do you think the U.S cares less about international sporting events?

Question

Hi.
After watching how Europeans and Asians get all excited about international sporting events such as the Worldcup(Soccer) and the World Baseball Classic(WBC), I felt that most people in the U.S don't really care that much about international sporting events. The Worldcup takes place somewhere in the world every 4 years and the World Baseball Classic took place here in the U.S last year, but the TV ratings for both were low in the U.S. The olympics may be considered as an exception, but still, it's lower than that of the TV ratings of Superbowl and Nascar.

#1. Do you think that the U.S doesn't really care that much about international matches?

#2. If so, do you think this is because Americans don't link sporting events to nationalism? (For example, people can think 'how the heck does that have anything to do with nationalism'?)

#3. Do you think the U.S is rather more interested in domestic affairs and events because it is the World Super Power?

Answer 1

I actually agree with you. I dont think that they care at all. They didnt make a big deal when not making it out of the prelimenarys in the World Cup of Soccer. They should have easily won the WBC, and they didnt even compete in the World Cup of Cricket. And how can the olympics be rated lower than NASCAR!!?!?!?!? That is HORRIBLE. The Olympics is what the world looks forward to every year. U.S cares more about national events liek the Super Bowl or the Daytona 500. They dont realize that they are linking this to nationalism. They could care less how they stand in athletics compared to other nations. You have to win at you nation's sport (baseball is America's pasttime) and they didnt even with teh World Baseball Classic. That is pretty degrading. And yes you are right. They dont care about sports... but sports is what makes life fun... and lets to take you mind off of all teh stressful things in life. Its basically this... if you suck at you own sport (baseball for U.S.), then you just suck...

Answer 2

I think #2 has a lot to do with it. Pro sports in the US have the best players from all over the world competing together on a regular basis, so it's not like Americans have to wait for the WBC, etc. to see the best talent in the world. Seeing Ichiro play for Japan isn't all that special after you've seen him play for the Mariners.

People just don't get excited about ad-hoc national teams that come together for a few weeks and then play in a single game elimination tournament. I know in Canada international hockey isn't as popular as it once was because all the good Eastern European guys joined the NHL after the USSR ended. So the classic Canada vs. Russia matchup just isn't as special as it was when it was the only time Canadians played against Russians.

Answer 3

If it doesnt produce oil......we don't care!