The first epiphany I had of this was finding and reading a book by John Heisman- from whom we get the famous trophy.
John Heisman's book "The Principles of Football" is a comprehensive guide on the sport, written by one of the most influential figures in American football history. Published in 1922, the book delves into various aspects of the game, providing insights and strategies that were innovative for its time. "The Principles of Football" is not just a technical manual; it also serves as a testament to John Heisman's innovative approach to the game. Many of his ideas and strategies laid the groundwork for modern football tactics and coaching methodologies. The book is revered for its historical significance and remains a valuable resource for coaches, players, and football enthusiasts.
But his analysis on the origins of football is what made me pause with wonder!
The relationship between the aftermath of the Civil War and the rise of football in the South offers a compelling lens through which to view the socio-cultural dynamics of post-war America.
The Civil War left the Southern United States in a state of devastation, not only economically and physically but also psychologically. The defeat of the Confederacy and the abolition of slavery marked a significant upheaval in the social and cultural fabric of the South. Southern men, who had fought for the Confederacy, faced a loss of honor and a crisis of identity in the post-war period.
Football and Success
According to Heisman, football emerged in the late 19th century as a new battleground where Southern men could channel their fighting spirit which had been lost. The sport, with its emphasis on strategy, physical prowess, and teamwork, mirrored many aspects of military combat. For many Southern men, football became a way to reclaim a sense of honor and competition, providing a socially acceptable outlet for the aggression and competitive spirit that had been a part of their lives during the war.
The burgeoning popularity of college football in the South was partly driven by the desire to compete with Northern institutions. Southern colleges and universities saw football games against Northern teams as opportunities to achieve symbolic victories, restoring regional pride. A win on the football field was seen as a form of redemption and a way to assert that the South could excel and prevail over the North in a new arena.
Football also played a role in the cultural reclamation of Southern identity. The sport became intertwined with Southern traditions and values, including notions of honor, bravery, and resilience. By excelling in football, Southern men could demonstrate the enduring strength and character of the South. College football games became major social events, reinforcing community bonds and regional pride.
The Military Aspect
Many early football coaches in the South had military backgrounds, bringing a disciplined and strategic approach to the game. This military influence further solidified the connection between football and the martial values esteemed by Southern society. The structure and discipline of football practices and games resonated with the Southern emphasis on order and hierarchy, reflecting the military past of many communities.
The loss of the Civil War and the subsequent reconstruction period created a void in the Southern psyche that football began to fill. By providing a new arena for competition and honor, football helped Southern men cope with the defeat and loss of identity that followed the war. The sport allowed them to reclaim a sense of pride and regional identity, transforming football into more than just a game—it became a symbol of resilience and a means of asserting the South's place in the broader American landscape. As such, football’s rise in the South can be seen as both a cultural and psychological response to the profound impacts of the Civil War.
Red Hats and The Rust Belt: Should MAGA Hats Strike Fear?
Using this background and understanding of my culture- the modern political landscape, particularly in the Rust Belt, the Deep South and other traditionally blue-collar areas, has seen a resurgence of a different kind of rivalry and competition. The red MAGA hat, much like the post-Civil War adoption of football, symbolizes a new battleground of ideas and identity. For many in these communities, the hat represents a fight against perceived marginalization and a rallying cry for a return to traditional values and economic security.
For many in this world, these hats symbolize what they want to be... loyal, rugged, and known to have a fierce competitive spirit. The hat also includes a strange sense of loneliness, being left out, pushed down, called uneducated, pre-judged as racists, and other feelings I entitle "less than". It makes people feel the need to assert themselves in a changing world. Just as football provided an outlet for post-war Southern men, the MAGA movement provides a voice and a symbol for those feeling left behind in the modern economy.
However, should these hats strike fear? While they certainly can represent a divisive and often contentious political stance, it is essential to understand the underlying motivations and emotions that drive their wearers. Just as football was more than a game, the red hat is more than a political statement—it is a symbol of identity, competition, and a desire for respect and recognition in a rapidly changing world.
The people I walk with are embracing, loving, forgiving, and have a worldly common sense wisdom that Ivy league graduates can't get with paper diplomas.
How does a true understanding of the gospel help?
Back in 2016, I wrote a series of posts under the title "Gospel Confrontation"- you can find the very first one here- How Can Good News Be A Confrontation?
In these posts, I played a thought experiment on how the gospel should confront ... including a command to soften and change... all types of people- conservatives, progressives, skeptics, addicts, the self righteous... the list can go on and on and on.
While pundits and social media posts portray these people as fascist and all the other "ist" terms, these labels fall off in the midst of clarion calls to Christ... yes, it is inconsistent and often even opposite of Christ's life and commands, but the self correction remains evident.
The yeast of the Bible moves people forward in very subtle but concrete ways... in my hometown, Birmingham is not what it needs to be, but I promise- it is NOT what it used to be.
The good news of the existence and forgiveness of God is good news for all.
The last 2 weeks have been as crazy as I have ever seen on the political landscape of this nation.
And sadly, X (formerly twitter) only has human opinion and very little content of help or hope.
We must lean on Scripture and seek to find common ground. We must march on our knees, not with torches on the streets.
We also must NOT stoke fear or attack people...
Where I live is as deep a red place as anyone will ever find, but I know these people love, forgive, fight, but also have clear boundaries and accountability. There is no need to panic or kill over it. We must compete in the world of ideas and lash out against any harm or lawlessness if we hope to survive.
Freedom to speak and freedom to worship have to be protected!
Too many lies are being told on both sides... it is hurting us as a people.
It isn't the end of the world if one party or another wins.... the end of our country will happen when no one cares enough to fight for it at all.
_____________ update after the RNC convention
This week, I watched the RNC convention pretty closely, I have gotten away from network and cable news for about 2 years now-
Our political divide is still not healthy for the strength of our Union and a convention is designed to rally a base to unify together.
The RNC is closer to my Biblical values and worldview than the DNC, but no political party aligns perfectly with that worldview and that is OK.
I will vote this year, that is my duty- but where I live is very deep red and likely will have a majority of republican representatives up and down the Federal and State ballots.
I still wish there was more a desire to reach across the aisle for common good- but some of the issues are so divisive that it will take the grace of God to happen.
Much to pray about......
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