Biggest difference between European and American culture to me. (bank, expensive, time)
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Living abroad, the mass majority of games I see around the world are ALWAYS SOCCER, and occasionally Rugby. When I go to the bars around Hong Kong, I see soccer and rugby games all over the place, with tons of Aussies, Brits, and Kiwis scattered about staring and talking about the games.
I cannot think of the last time I've seen an American football game in a foreign country. I have occasionally seen the NBA play in various places around the world, but generally I won't see tons of Americans in those bars that broadcast them.
And the European soccer matches can be crazy. Violence sometimes ensues. But what percentage of the population it is that's into that, I don't know. It seems comparable to the US. The people I've stayed with around Europe had no interest in the soccer matches. Or at least, they didn't display any interest, watch the matches, talk about scores or who won, or anything.
And the European soccer matches can be crazy. Violence sometimes ensues. But what percentage of the population it is that's into that, I don't know. It seems comparable to the US. The people I've stayed with around Europe had no interest in the soccer matches. Or at least, they didn't display any interest, watch the matches, talk about scores or who won, or anything.
That is probably a direct reflection of the kind of people you attract. I don't generally attract sports-obsessive people either of any nationally. Although I'm certainly aware of them.
That is probably a direct reflection of the kind of people you attract. I don't generally attract sports-obsessive people either of any nationally. Although I'm certainly aware of them.
Right. But the broader point is that I'm not sure Americans are any more or less obsessed with sports than Europeans. I think it's a niche phenom in both regions. A big and enthusiastic niche, but still, a niche, and probably close to equal on both sides of the Atlantic.
Right. But the broader point is that I'm not sure Americans are any more or less obsessed with sports than Europeans. I think it's a niche phenom in both regions. A big and enthusiastic niche, but still, a niche, and probably close to equal on both sides of the Atlantic.
I definitely can relate to what you saying. But I think it's also dependent on where a person lives in the U.S. or Europe.
When I lived in New York City, San Francisco, Portland, and Minneapolis...I NEVER met any sports-obsessed people. I mean, I knew that they probably existed, but I didn't know where they go, where they went, or anything else. They seemed like something I'd read about once in awhile if a local team got into some playoffs. Like if the SF Giants got into the playoffs. Otherwise, I just simply did not see it at all. I remember you are from the West Coast, so you probably experienced the exact same thing. This "sports? Does anyone even still watch sports anymore?" feel.
But, where I grew up in the State of Michigan. It's like a religion that permeates conversations from check-out lines, to diners to everywhere else. I think there is just a whole less to do in the Midwest or the South. So people get very interested in sports as a way to fill in their time, and to communicate with other members of the community with shared interests.
In short, it's a country that seems VERY sports-obsessed in some areas, and other areas where it definitely does not feel that way at all.
I definitely can relate to what you saying. But I think it's also dependent on where a person lives in the U.S. or Europe.
When I lived in New York City, San Francisco, Portland, and Minneapolis...I NEVER met any sports-obsessed people. I mean, I knew that they probably existed, but I didn't know where they go, where they went, or anything else. They seemed like something I'd read about once in awhile if a local team got into some playoffs. Like if the SF Giants got into the playoffs. Otherwise, I just simply did not see it at all. I remember you are from the West Coast, so you probably experienced the exact same thing. This "sports? Does anyone even still watch sports anymore?" feel.
But, where I grew up in the State of Michigan. It's like a religion that permeates conversations from check-out lines, to diners to everywhere else. I think there is just a whole less to do in the Midwest or the South. So people get very interested in sports as a way to fill in their time, and to communicate with other members of the community with shared interests.
In short, it's a country that seems VERY sports-obsessed in some areas, and other areas where it definitely does not feel that way at all.
Very good explanation. This clarifies a lot about what's going on in this thread. Thanks.
Very good explanation. This clarifies a lot about what's going on in this thread. Thanks.
And to confirm that, I just looked up the OP...looks like he's from the Midwest with quite a few Chicago, Chicago suburbs, and Indianapolis posts...and the Midwest is definitely a sports-obsessed region of the U.S.
I see. I guess it depends on the school, then. Or maybe it's a geographic/cultural issue. On the West Coast, the games aren't as big a deal among students. Certainly they are with those who care, but most students didn't even know there was a home game at the university I attended.
Interesting. Campus was so crowded with visiting alumni, parents, fans, etc during home games there's no way that event could be forgotten or overlooked!
Interesting. Campus was so crowded with visiting alumni, parents, fans, etc during home games there's no way that event could be forgotten or overlooked!
It was probably a small school? At a big public university, the sports facilities are often off in one corner of a huge campus, the dorms in another. Even so, at some universities, like Berkeley, the brouhaha can be hard to miss.
Right. But the broader point is that I'm not sure Americans are any more or less obsessed with sports than Europeans. I think it's a niche phenom in both regions. A big and enthusiastic niche, but still, a niche, and probably close to equal on both sides of the Atlantic.
I agree.
I lived in Germany when Germany won the World Cup. Even in the mid size town where I lived (Aschaffenburg - about 60,000 people) there was literally THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS of raucous partying. I mean, people driving up and down the roads waving flags, singing "Ole, Ole, Ole,Ole!" at the top of their drunken lungs, people passed out in the street - it was crazy and I honestly could hardly believe how long it went on. A few hours one night? Understandable. Three nights? Wow, that's some passion!
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