5 Ways The NBA Has Contributed To The American Society
Basketball is not just a sport - it is a way of life. It is an avenue for millions of people globally to come together in anticipation, loyalty, and passion. The National Basketball Association has further solidified that fact, as the league has impacted fans, players, coaches, and American society.
The NBA has reached out in many ways, from offering scholarships to basketball enthusiasts to promoting health initiatives and environmental awareness, to mention a few. It has also influenced industries such as the gaming market through sports games and the betting industry. Millions of basketball fans now wager on NBA betting and make profitable returns.
The popularity of the National Basketball Association is growing so well that many believe that its legacy will hold till the end of time. Many have also found purpose through basketball, as both the NBA and its players continue to stretch their hands towards society.
How The NBA Has Impacted The American Society
It is inarguable that the association influences society in several ways. This article will discuss the various forms the league has motivated American society.
These are some of the notable works of the NBA in America:
1. The NBA Cares Program
Due to the dwindling economy, many people and organizations have taken to helping people in need get back on their feet. This is to implement the belief of humanism, which the basketball league has also joined hands to promote through the NBA Cares Program.
The NBA Cares is the association's corporate social responsibility agenda to help alleviate critical social problems. According to the league's mission statement, NBA Cares implements a global social responsibility program that focuses on addressing important social issues in the United States and around the world.
The NBA collaborates with many establishments and foundations to support these social problems, such as education, feeding, and health care. They have successfully engaged over 60 million youth players in basketball awareness programs in over 40 countries. Together with their volunteers, they have given 5.8 million hours of their time to serve.
2. Fashion
One of the memorable influences of basketball is the introduction of sneakers into our everyday lives, from the popular Chuck Taylors All-Star Converse to Michael Jordan's Air Force Sneakers. Basketball players have also instigated some fashion trends that are still in the works.
Besides the popularity of basketball shoes, many people also emulate the dressing style of players. As a street style fashion, many young men and women now wear basketball jerseys as part of their daily wear. Fans also wear jerseys to basketball games as a sort of declaration of their full support and loyalty.
3. Anti-Racism Movements
The issue of racism has been an important topic in the United States. The public grows weary and disturbed daily by many forms of racism, such as discrimination and ostracization of other colors.
The purpose of anti-racism movements is to eradicate the criticism and hatred between colors, reiterating that all humans are one and disbanding color barriers. While there have been numerous movements in the past, the NBA and its players actively supported and participated in the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, with many players physically joining the protests in their communities.
The NBA is also one of the most diverse organizations in the sports industry. According to Statista, in a 2020 ethnicity report, 74.2% of the league's force were African American, 16.9% were White, and 2.2% were Hispanic.
4. The NBA Players' Philanthropy
Besides their participation in the league's social community program, many basketball players also help to give back to the world. Some of these philanthropic works are the Lebron James Family Foundation, the free school founded by the athlete himself, which offers free tuition, food, training lessons, etc. There is also Russell Westbrook's Why Not? Foundation that supports over 10,000 Oklahoma children.
We have also seen exemplary examples in players like Kevin Durant, who teamed up with Nike to donate a million-dollar relief package after hurricane Moore ravaged Oklahoma. Many other players have continued to give love back to the communities, and it does not seem like they will stop anytime soon.
5. It Brings People Together
Like all sports, the league also brings people of different ethnicity, background, color, and shapes together in the aura of celebration.
Due to the different NBA games, many countries have become welcoming of other races and ethnicities. Basketball is a sport that promotes unity and oneness among lovers of the game, and the NBA promotes these virtues.
Final Words
The National Basketball Association has significantly grown since its inception. It has produced talents and helped many people to find their passion for basketball.
Its influence on American society is solid and widespread, with many observers describing the league as the best in terms of contributions to American society.