Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Sports

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.

Report this Content

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

Relationships

11 Signs You've Found The Ultimate Friend Group

They are the types of friends you have for life.

Western Washington University

3170

Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less

friends

Entertainment

8 Things All Siblings Know Too Well

As told by Ross and Monica Geller.

Clarion University

2314

FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less

ross and monica

Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

University of Connecticut

2096

Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority girls

Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

Westfield State University

1763

coconut tree near shore within mountain range

Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.