In just over 12 hours, all of America will stop working and be glued to the television- either at a bar, or a friend's place or at home or with the extended family- all to watch who wins the Super Bowl, the final championship game of American football. Prince will perform at half time, and we hope that there will be no wardrobe malfunctions, a la Janet Jackson! Over the last two weeks, I have been asked what I am doing for the Super Bowl. Presumably, I should have big plans but I don't. First- because I dont quite understand the nuances of the game. Second- cricket excites me more than American football. Third- as far as a ball game is concerned, soccer world cup for me is a much bigger event, especially when you consider the countries who play it. And so when Italy met France last year in the World Cup Soccer finals, I was glued. I am not sure whether I will be this evening.
But I shall watch nevertheless. Because it is a uniquely American event and to miss means not just missing the game, but the thrill and joy that comes with living here. Its not just about the half time show, its not just about the new commercials that will be launched, its not just about whether Peyton Manning will get his Superbowl ring that he so richly deserves, it is about enjoying everything that is unique to this place and makes it different. I am amazed that the champions will be called the World Champions, as the "world" extends not an inch beyond Florida and Alaska, and if you ask anyone outside of the US what they think of the skills of Tom Brady, they are likely to think you are asking them about Tom Cruise and I daresay, Baby Suri is more well known in the world than Tom Brady!
But America will celebrate as it should. Sports truly represents popular culture and American football represents everything that makes this country what it is- excellence, hard work, competitiveness, celebration of excess and also, its amazing insularity!
For sure, I dont understand the nuances of the game, but I have followed it enough to know that Peyton Manning winning it tonight is equivalent to a Sachin Tendulkar winning the World Cup cricket- individual genius waiting to lift the collective team to lift one of the most coveted trophies in the game, or should I say the 'World"!!
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