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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

Cut Cable Today

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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3 Ways March Madness Has Infiltrated Our Culture

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Lots More Vasectomies

The Remote vs. The Ring

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We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

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