INTRODUCTION

Our topic is how the concept of American Exceptionalism is portrayed within sports in a post 9/11 world. 9/11 was a day in American history that will never be forgotten; it was a catastrophic act of terrorism and the United States has not been the same ever since. Because of this altering event, the United States people came together in unity to support one another and to be there for each other during a time of need. The unification of American people has paved the way for American Exceptionalism, especially in sports, to thrive. There is a new found love for American sports as well as a new connection and fandom towards sporting events. American Exceptionalism captures that idea that America is in a sense, unique or exemplary as compared to other countries. The September 11, 2001 attacks are responsible for this newfound ego. And while these attacks should have never happened to begin with, the result of it was a stronger, more confident and unified country that is filled with more passion than ever. Sporting events in America are now highly patriotic and stand as a symbol of American unity. Americans use these events to come together and celebrate the greatness that is the United States.

The myth of American Exceptionalism exists more prominently in a post 9/11 world due to the impact of the attacks and how it left America and American sports more united and passionate than ever before.

After the devastating 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States had begun to find ways to come together after such traumatic events. A new found sense of patriotism began to intertwine itself into sports at first as a reminder to not back down in the face of adversity. Through all the active participation in televised sports from the players, spectators, coaches, and owners, post 9/11, all those in attendance shared an identity. This identity may have existed prior to September 11, however it was made apparent directly after the attacks. This identity was harvested by national sports leagues across the country. Those in charge understood the importance of sports in a post 9/11 world and began to heavily lean into the new “American identity,” of pride, strength and grit. With this, there were spectacles made to ensure this shared identity was being recognized by participants. (need sentence in here about examples) By doing so, the sports world harvested a plethora of nationalistic traits that infiltrated themselves into the multitude of athletic competitions consumed by the United States. 

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