The Great Home Run Race

Notes for Shannon Mayer

Why is this event significant sociologically?

Three Points to discuss:

1. Collective Behavior

2. Race

3. Construction of Hero

Collective Behavior

Types of Groups

Periodic Assemblies

Non-Periodic Assemblies

Home Run Race had the Qualities of Both

Do assemblies have to result peacefully as in the Race

Chicago Bulls Championships and attendant riots

What are some causes of peaceful/non-peaceful assemblies?

Max Weber- Charismatic Leader

Sammy Sosa and deflection of Competition or Race issue

Race

Issue of Race in Race

Construction of Race and Differences Cross-Culturally

Sammy Sosa, "This is 1998, man, that doesn't happen anymore"

Construction of Hero

What makes a Hero?

Babe Ruth

Will McGwire measure up to Standard?

NYT editorial on displacement of Ruth as Hero

Other Points if there's time

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Role of Chance (Sosa at McGwire 62nd)

How experience shapes our generational identity