College Football and American Culture in the Cold War Era by

This book examines how college football became a symbol of American values and identity during the Cold War era. It delves into how the sport was used as a tool for promoting ideological beliefs and cultural norms, reflecting the broader societal tensions of the time. The book also explores the ways in which college football served as a platform for debates about race, class, and patriotism, shaping the nation's self-image both domestically and internationally. By analyzing the intersection of sports and politics, the author reveals how football became a powerful medium for expressing and challenging American cultural values during this pivotal period.

Reviews

muse.jhu.edu · GR Gems · 2018-01-01

masterful 4.50

The book is praised for its masterful reading of U.S. culture through the lens of American football. It offers a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and national identity.

The reviewer highlights how the book provides a deep and insightful look into American culture during the Cold War era. They appreciate the way the author uses college football as a lens to explore broader cultural values and national identity. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that offers a fresh perspective on a significant period in American history. They particularly enjoy the vignettes and the way they are tied to the 1961 football season, which adds a layer of authenticity and context to the narrative.

Quick quotes

Kurt Edward Kemper's College Football and American Culture in the Cold War Era is a masterful reading of U.S. culture through the lens of American football.

The book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and national identity.

The vignettes covered in chapters linked to the 1961 football season illustrate the clash of cultural values during the era.

Tandfonline · 2011-04-01

imaginative 4.00

The book argues that Americans used college football to define a distinctive American lifestyle during the Cold War. It is praised for its imaginative study and detailed analysis.

The reviewer highlights how the book argues that Americans used college football to define a distinctive American lifestyle during the Cold War. They appreciate the imaginative study and the detailed analysis provided by the author. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the cultural significance of college football. They particularly enjoy the way the book connects the sport to broader historical and cultural contexts, providing a deeper understanding of its impact on American society.

Quick quotes

Kemper argues that Americans used college football to define a distinctive American lifestyle during the years of the Cold War and the civil rights movement.

The book provides a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the cultural significance of college football.

The detailed analysis connects the sport to broader historical and cultural contexts.

Goodreads · 2009-07-08

significant 3.00

The book charts the increasing investment of American national ideals in the presentation and interpretation of college football. It is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of the sport's cultural impact.

The reviewer notes that the book effectively charts the growing importance of college football in shaping American national ideals during the Cold War era. They find the book to be a significant contribution to the understanding of how sports can reflect and influence cultural values. The reviewer appreciates the detailed analysis and the way the book connects the sport to broader historical and cultural contexts. They believe the book offers valuable insights into the role of college football in American society during a pivotal historical period.

Quick quotes

In this book, Kurt Kemper charts the steadily increasing investment of American national ideals in the presentation and interpretation of college football.

The book offers a significant contribution to the understanding of the sport's cultural impact.

The detailed analysis connects the sport to broader historical and cultural contexts.

Appears in Lists

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