Martin Mejia

Professor Kennedy

ENC 1102

1 March 2024

Annotated Bibliography with Literature Review

Sports are an absolutely massive industry. Trillions of dollars of revenue are generated

each year by the Sports industry, and it is only growing. When looking at the Sports landscape,

there are the obvious heavy hitters: Football, Basketball, and Baseball. There are also some

smaller but still massive sports, like Hockey or NASCAR. However, below them all in terms of

historic popularity in the US, is Soccer. This is an extremely paradoxical fact as Soccer is by far

the largest sport in the world, but is not played very much in the country which has been the

dominant world power over the last century.. Several authors have tried figuring out why this is,

and I have gathered 6 sources where each of them explain Soccer and its relationship with

America.

My first source “Transatlantic Football: Rethinking the Transfer of Football from Europe

to the USA, c.1880-c.1930s” looks further into the culture of America at the time of the sport’s

introduction and highlights that initially the game was well received in America and was held to

as high esteem as American Football. It also notes how interconnected the importation of the

game was to immigrants from all around the world and not just Europe, a fact which potentially

hurt the sport’s growth at a time when xenophobia was more prevalent.

My second source “Football in America: a Study in Culture Diffusion” examines the

different regions of the United States and how the sport is perceived there, and contextualizes it

by looking at several factors such as education and economics.

 My third source “The Beautiful Game and The American Exception” supports the notion

that Soccer has struggled partially due to it being considered “Un-American” by some people. It

explains that by the time that the US was slightly more accepting of other cultures, other Sports

already took up too much of the market for Soccer to successfully tap into the American

zeitgeist.

My fourth source “”Is American Game, This Soccer Yes?”: American Sports Writing and

the 1990 World Cup” examines how sports broadcasters at the time handled having to broadcast

the World Cup as the USA played. It examines how the broadcasters were clearly not enthused

and continued to compare it to the other American sports in a negative light. This thought

process was commonly shared amongst Americans and it is partially why the sport struggled to

grow very much, as even broadcasters sounded against it.

My fifth source “Globalization, Culture Wars, and Attitudes Toward Soccer in America:

An Empirical Assessment of How Soccer Explains The World” explains how the 1994 World

Cup hosted in the United States helped change the way in which the Sport was viewed, as

Americans were able to have a much more intrapersonal experience with the sport instead of

having to watch games on television broadcasted from Europe.

My sixth source “Soccer vs. McWorld” talks about the growth of the game in the late

90’s-2000’s. It talks about how the game’s growth is in part due to how companies and sponsors

have realized the potential of Soccer in the American sports market and have started investing

into it at a professional level. It also brings up that the sport’s popularity also has grown at a

grassroots level, which has led to many smaller clubs and leagues springing up all over the

country, similar to the grassroots level in the European game.

 The paper which I will write hopes to continue the work of these authors by examining

how big the game of soccer is today, and what the modern audience themselves attributes that

growth to. I hope to accurately compare the growth of Soccer to that of other sports to see if it

stands a chance to one day be a major part of the American sport market, or to see if it already is.

I feel that this paper would fill the niche of in-depth looks at Soccer in the United States.

I also feel that there is a distinct gap in current literature when it comes to analyzing the

growth of Soccer while also examining its past. While both are obviously connected, I felt as

though articles which I found only looked at Soccer in the current world or the history of the

game in America without looking too in depth to the modern zeitgeist. Any articles/papers which

I found to cover both in depth are outdated. I feel that my research paper could fill that gap in

research by analyzing the history of the sport while still thoroughly analyzing the sport’s

trajectory today.
 Annotated Bibliography

Taylor, Matthew. "Transatlantic Football: Rethinking the Transfer of Football from Europe to the

USA, c.1880-c.1930s." Ethnologie française, vol.41, no. 4, 2011, pp. 645-654.

Transatlantic Football: Rethinking the Transfer of Football from Europe to the USA, c.

l880-c. l930s on JSTOR

The following is a summary of the article above made by using ChatGPT:

“Matthew Taylor's article "Transatlantic Football: Rethinking the Transfer of Football

from Europe to the USA, c.1880-c.1930s" offers a nuanced perspective on the introduction of

football to the United States. Taylor argues that the traditional narrative of football's unilateral

transfer from Europe overlooks indigenous American sporting cultures and the complex

influence of immigration and global connections. He emphasizes the significance of indigenous

"ball games" in shaping early football in America, challenging Eurocentric views of its origins.

Taylor highlights the role of European immigrants in popularizing the sport but suggests that

their adaptation of football to suit American contexts contributed to its hybridization. Moreover,

he situates football's dissemination within the broader transatlantic world of the late 19th and

early 20th centuries, emphasizing the interconnectedness of this era. Taylor's analysis prompts a

reconsideration of simplistic interpretations of football's history in the United States, advocating

for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the diverse influences that shaped its early

development.” End of AI summary.

ChatGPT’s summary of this article is very accurate to what is written in the actual article.

It supports the idea that the immigration of several peoples from all over the globe helped in

forming the new rules of the sport that is American football, as well as the contribution of ball

games from the indigenous people of the America’s. One part which I feel the AI glossed over is
the effect of xenophobia at one point stopping the game of Soccer from spreading as much as it

could have, as it became almost an “immigrant sport”. That idea is the main reason why I chose

this article.

Riesman, David, and Reuel Denney. "Football in America: A Study in Culture Diffusion."

American Quarterly, vol. 3, no. 4, 1951, pp. 309-325. Football in America: A Study in

Culture Diffusion on JSTOR

The following is a summary of the article above made by using ChatGPT:

"Football in America: A Study in Culture Diffusion" by David Riesman and Reuel

Denney examines the integration of football into American culture. They trace its evolution from

its British roots, focusing on its adaptation and popularity in the United States. The authors

emphasize the significant role of institutions such as colleges and universities in shaping the

sport's rules and spreading its influence. Football becomes more than just a game; it embodies

American masculinity and values, fostering community identity and loyalty. Riesman and

Denney explore how football extends beyond the field, impacting various aspects of American

life, including education, economics, and media. They also highlight regional variations in the

sport, illustrating how different areas of the country contribute their unique cultural elements to

football. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of football's profound impact on

American society, revealing it as a symbol of strength, teamwork, and resilience deeply ingrained

in the nation's. End of AI summary.

I find the AI summary of this article very interesting as it really focuses on the effect that

Colleges had on the growth of American football. The main point that I personally spoke about

comes in a very short part near the end of the summary when it speaks about how social status
and regional variations changed how “Football” at the time was played, as in the article it says

that the closer that one was to a large European immigrant population, the more likely “Football”

was to be played with feet rather than hands. Of course this all eventually changed and the game

that evolved in regions with less immigrants became the American football known today.

Veseth, Michael. "The Beautiful Game and the American Exception." International Review of

Modern Sociology, vol. 32, no. 2, September 2006, pp. 181-197. THE BEAUTIFUL

GAME AND THE AMERICAN EXCEPTION on JSTOR

The following is a summary of the article above made by using ChatGPT:

"The Beautiful Game and the American Exception" by Michael Veseth examines why

soccer (football) struggles to gain popularity in the United States despite its global appeal. Veseth

attributes this phenomenon to cultural, economic, and institutional factors. American sports

culture, dominated by sports like American football, basketball, and baseball, leaves little space

for soccer to flourish. Additionally, the closed structure of American sports leagues presents

barriers to soccer's growth compared to the more open systems in international soccer leagues.

Cultural differences also play a role, with Americans historically showing less enthusiasm for

soccer compared to other countries. Soccer's reputation for low scores and perceived lack of

excitement further hinders its appeal. Economically, soccer in the US faces challenges in

competing for sponsorship and media rights against established sports leagues, impacting its

ability to attract top talent and invest in development. Despite these obstacles, Veseth notes some

progress at the grassroots and youth levels and the presence of international stars in Major

League Soccer (MLS). However, whether soccer will achieve the same level of prominence in

the US as it does globally remains uncertain. End of AI summary.

 ChatGPT really did well in summarizing how Soccer has struggled to grow in recent

times. It is correct in the notion that American sports are inherently more of a closed structure as

compared to that of Europe. In Europe, one “Club” can have multiple teams for multiple sports,

while in America “franchises” stick to their sole sport. This prevents people from discovering

other sports due to inherent attachment to teams and their sole sports. The summary also does

well in addressing the fact the sport is starting to break into the American public consciousness.

One thing I feel the AI ignores again is the reason why the sport even struggled in the first place,

which was people still believing the notion that the sport was “Un-American”, which is one of

the main reasons for my selection of the article.

Strychacz, Thomas. "Is American Game, This Soccer, Yes?: American Sports Writing and the

1990 World Cup." Studies in Popular Culture, vol. 14, no. 2, 1992, pp. 21-35. "Is

American Game, This Soccer, Yes?": American Sports Writing and the 1990 World Cup

on JSTOR

The following is a summary of the article above made by using ChatGPT:

"Is American Game, This Soccer, Yes?: American Sports Writing and the 1990 World

Cup" by Thomas Strychacz delves into American sports writing's portrayal of soccer during the

1990 FIFA World Cup. Strychacz explores how journalists struggled to cover soccer within a

predominantly football and baseball-oriented sports culture. They often framed soccer in

comparison to American sports, emphasizing its perceived deficiencies. This included using

terms like "football" or "real sports" to distinguish them from soccer. The article reflects broader

cultural attitudes towards soccer in the United States, depicting it as lacking the physicality and

cultural significance of American football and baseball. Despite moments of appreciation for
soccer's athleticism, it was often marginalized within mainstream sports discourse. Overall,

Strychacz's analysis sheds light on the challenges soccer faced in gaining acceptance in the US

sports landscape during the 1990 World Cup. End of AI summary.

Quite frankly, this is a perfect explanation of the article. ChatGPT summarized exactly

what the article was like, and how the American broadcasters clearly exhibited bias against

Soccer during commentary for the 1990 World Cup. The only thing I wish the summary would

be able to go more in depth with is examining a bit more how this attitude toward Soccer was a

very widespread belief system, and how commentators of Soccer’s biggest event spewing

remarks such as the negative ones being said certainly did not help the growth of the sport in the

US. Both the commentator’s dismay and that of the public’s are the reasons why I chose this

article for my paper.

Lindner, Andrew M. "GLOBALIZATION, CULTURE WARS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD

SOCCER IN AMERICA: An Empirical Assessment of How Soccer Explains the World."

The Sociological Quarterly, vol. 53, no. 1, 2012, pp. 68-91. GLOBALIZATION,

CULTURE WARS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD SOCCER IN AMERICA: An

Empirical Assessment of How Soccer Explains the World on JSTOR

The following is a summary of the article above made by using ChatGPT:

"GLOBALIZATION, CULTURE WARS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD SOCCER IN

AMERICA" by Andrew M. Lindner examines the complex relationship between globalization,

cultural conflicts, and the perception of soccer in the United States. Lindner delves into why

soccer has struggled to gain widespread acceptance in the U.S. despite its global popularity. He

analyzes factors such as nationalism, ethnicity, and socio-economic status to understand the
underlying reasons for American resistance to soccer. The book highlights the clash between

traditional American sports culture and the global influence of soccer, exploring how deeply

ingrained perceptions hinder the sport's mainstream adoption. Lindner also discusses the role of

globalization in shaping attitudes towards soccer, noting how increased interconnectedness

amplifies cultural tensions surrounding the sport. Through empirical analysis, Lindner offers

insights into the broader cultural dynamics shaping American society and provides a nuanced

perspective on the evolving nature of American identity in the context of sports preferences. End

of AI summary.

If I could only use one source for my entire research discussion, it would be this one, and

the summary made by ChatGPT is exactly why. Absolutely everything said is featured in the

article, the negative perception of soccer, the ties between nationalism and social status to the

sports, and how Soccer has to interact with the broader American Sports Ecosystem. The only

thing which I wish it mentioned is the 1994 World Cup and how it being hosted in the United

States was the catalyst for the sport becoming more popular.

Foer, Franklin. "Soccer vs. McWorld." The Atlantic, 20 June 2000,

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2000/07/soccer-vs-mcworld/304662/.

Soccer vs. McWorld on JSTOR

The following is a summary of the article above made by using ChatGPT:

"Soccer vs. McWorld" by Franklin Foer explores the tension between globalization,

represented by corporate culture ("McWorld"), and local identities, epitomized through soccer.

Foer argues that soccer serves as a potent force for preserving local cultures and resisting the

homogenizing effects of globalization. He illustrates this through examples such as fan-owned

clubs and fervent support for national teams amidst global commercialization. The article posits

soccer as a counterbalance to the forces of globalization, promoting diversity and preserving

unique cultural identities. Through passionate fan bases and allegiance to national teams, soccer

becomes a symbol of community and pride, reaffirming the significance of local cultures in the

face of multinational corporations' encroachment. Foer suggests that soccer transcends its role as

a mere sport, serving as a cultural battleground where the values of communities intersect with

the forces of globalization, ultimately asserting the importance of preserving diverse cultural

identities in an increasingly interconnected world. End of AI summary.

This summary looks at the article in a different light than mine. In my paper, I plan to

highlight the benefits of commercialization in the sport of soccer, with it growing the game in the

US. The summary (and parts of the original article), view it in a more negative light. It sees the

commercialization as partially killing the spirit of the game. One other reason I wanted to use

this source which is also brought up in the summary is the growth of grassroots leagues in the

US, which are very similar to those of Europe.

 Works Cited

Taylor, Matthew. "Transatlantic Football: Rethinking the Transfer of Football from Europe to the

USA, c.1880-c.1930s." Ethnologie française, vol.41, no. 4, 2011, pp. 645-654.

Transatlantic Football: Rethinking the Transfer of Football from Europe to the USA, c.

l880-c. l930s on JSTOR

Riesman, David, and Reuel Denney. "Football in America: A Study in Culture Diffusion."

American Quarterly, vol. 3, no. 4, 1951, pp. 309-325. Football in America: A Study in

Culture Diffusion on JSTOR

Veseth, Michael. "The Beautiful Game and the American Exception." International Review of

Modern Sociology, vol. 32, no. 2, September 2006, pp. 181-197. THE BEAUTIFUL

GAME AND THE AMERICAN EXCEPTION on JSTOR

Strychacz, Thomas. "Is American Game, This Soccer, Yes?: American Sports Writing and the

1990 World Cup." Studies in Popular Culture, vol. 14, no. 2, 1992, pp. 21-35. "Is

American Game, This Soccer, Yes?": American Sports Writing and the 1990 World Cup

on JSTOR

Lindner, Andrew M. "GLOBALIZATION, CULTURE WARS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD

SOCCER IN AMERICA: An Empirical Assessment of How Soccer Explains the World."

The Sociological Quarterly, vol. 53, no. 1, 2012, pp. 68-91. GLOBALIZATION,

CULTURE WARS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD SOCCER IN AMERICA: An

Empirical Assessment of How Soccer Explains the World on JSTOR

Foer, Franklin. "Soccer vs. McWorld." The Atlantic, 20 June 2000,

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2000/07/soccer-vs-mcworld/304662/.

Soccer vs. McWorld on JSTOR