"Kill 'Em! Crush 'Em! Eat 'Em Raw!"

1. John McMurtry's essay begins with a personal anecdote about the results of playing sports —especially football — since childhood. When he can no longer ignore his physical condition, he seeks treatment and is hospitalized. How does the anecdote lend credibility to his argument?

The main purpose of the inclusion of a personal anecdote in the beginning of the essay is to establish ethos. His own story gives him credibility because he has personally experienced the negative long-term effects of full contact sports. This demonstrates to the reader that the author has evidence to back up his argument.


2. Consider the language of football, especially the words shared by the military. What sports other than football have a militaristic side?

Any team-vs-team sport with an emphasis on organization can somehow be reminiscent of the military. Even non-contact sports such as basketball consist of set plays, drills, and the ability to function as a cohesive unit. Some other sports that employ these principles are lacrosse, rugby, and soccer.


3. Who is McMurtry's audience? Is it necessary for the reader to understand or care about football in order to understand what McMurtry is saying about society? Explain.

McMurtry has a fairly broad audience, but mostly appeals to football fans.  I think a reader with a decent understanding of football is going to benefit more from this essay than someone who has no knowledge of the sport, because if you don't understand how passionate people can be about watching/playing football, you can't understand why the brutality is tolerated.

4. McMurtry characterizes General George Patton and President Richard Nixon as "jockloving...media stars" (para. 6). Think of contemporary media stars who associate themselves with football or other sports. Does the association enhance or tarnish their image?

President Obama has been known to attend both basketball and football games. When I went to the Cotton Bowl this past month, the camera showed on the jumbotron that Eric Stonestreet, the star of the ABC sitcom "Modern Family" was at the game, cheering on Kansas State. Beyonce and Jay-Z are often shown in the crowd at sports events. Basically, the vast majority of media stars associate with sports in some way. This association usually serves to enhance their reputation, making them seem relatable to the average American. Photos of stars sitting in stadiums are often found in the "Stars are just like us" section of popular magazines.