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3 Ways March Madness Has Infiltrated Our Culture

I bet you haven't thought of March Madness like this.

Julie Swets

Mar 21, 2016

Southwestern University

128

3 Ways March Madness Has Infiltrated Our Culture

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Every year, March Madness attracts the time, attention, and emotion of college basketball fans, sports fans in general, and loyal supporters of specific schools. But the appeal of the numerous contests among the 32 best college basketball teams in the nation stretches far beyond the brightly colored baselines and stadiums of rambunctious fans, and you might be surprised about its effects.

"Baracketology:" Political Connections

For each year of Obama's presidency, he has participated in the popular March Madness tradition of completing a tournament bracket, predicting the winning team of each game and ultimately the champions. President Obama appears on ESPN, announcing and explaining his picks on national TV. Through "Baracketology," President Obama connects with popular culture and advances important policy issues, especially targeting young citizens: During past airings, he has mentioned sexual assault on college campuses and the importance of college athletes receiving a strong education. Maybe we should elect our next president based on his or her March Madness bracket-making propensity.

Lots More Vasectomies

Yes, you read that right. According to David Fleming from ESPN, urologists across America have reported a 50% increase in the frequency of vasectomies scheduled for the days leading up to and during March Madness. The procedure requires a four-day resting period afterwards, so it's a perfect excuse to stay home from work and watch countless hours of college basketball- a phenomenon known as "Vas Madness." During the 2015 tournament, the Urology Associates of Cape Cod harnessed the desires (and some fears) of American men in their advertisement: "Want to watch college basketball guilt-free?" Nice.

The Remote vs. The Ring

It's quite the cliché that constant television watching is irritating between marital partners. But, thanks to the wonders of psychology, we now know that March Madness can actually make marriages happier! According to Melissa Fogel , Psy.D., March Madness gives couples an activity to participate in together, but it also offers opportunities for couples to spend time separately, letting one individual have time to socialize with different people or alone. Further, the games, like any sporting event, offers an escape from reality that lends a psychological break from the stresses of life. Go basketball!

So watch on, my friends. Enjoy the Madness.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

3 Ways March Madness Has Infiltrated Our Culture

I bet you haven't thought of March Madness like this.

"Baracketology:" Political Connections

Lots More Vasectomies

The Remote vs. The Ring

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

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