Motorsports And American Culture

Soon after the first automobiles were introduced in the United States, auto racing became a reality. Since that time, motorsports have expanded to include drag racing, open wheel racing, rallying, demolition derbies, stock car racing, and more. Motorsports have grown to such an extent that NASCAR is now the second most watched professional sport in America, behind only football. But motorsports are about much more than going fast and finishing first. These events also reflect our culture, our society, our values, and our history. In Motorsports and American Culture: From Demolition Derbies to NASCAR, Mark D. Howell and John D. Miller bring together essays that examine the relevancy of motorsports to American culture and history, from the late nineteenth century to the present. Addressing a wide spectrum of motorsports—such as stock car racing, demolition derbies, land speed record pursuits, and even staged train wrecks—the essays highlight the social and cultural implications of contemporary and historical moments in these sports. Topics covered include gender roles in motorsports, hot rods and the creation of fan and participant identities, the appeal of demolition derbies, the globalization of motorsports, the role of moonshine in stock car history, the economic relationship between NASCAR and its corporate sponsors, and more. Offering the most thorough study of motorsports to date from a diverse pool of disciplines and subjects, Motorsports and American Culture will appeal to motorsports and automobile enthusiasts, as well as those interested in American history, popular culture, sports history, and gender studies.

"Popular Culture challenges readers to explore, engage in, and give serious consideration to topics that are often brushed off as merely "fun." The book combines original content based on current and emerging theories in the study of popular culture with a selection of articles and essays taken from a wide range of sources. Readers will learn about the use, evolution, and significance of conventional narrative and formulaic plot structure. Through popular culture artifacts, they will explore how assumptions based on gender-related traits and abilities generate expectations. In addition, readers will examine the simultaneous embracing of both application-based behavior and a craving for nostalgia and romance. They will investigate the cultural significance of heroes as metaphors for attitudes and behaviors that are valued by society. Popular Culture provides an inventive way to understand and interpret popular culture and how it relates to everyday life. It clarifies what constitutes popular culture and helps readers understand the importance of formal popular culture study. Eminently suitable for courses on the topic, Popular Culture can also be used in classes on communication, 20th century history, and humanities. Mark Howell holds a Ph.D. in American culture studies from Bowling Green University. Dr. Howell is a professor of communication at Northwestern Michigan College, where he teaches English composition and American culture. He wrote From Moonshine to Madison Avenue: A Cultural History of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and co-authored Motorsports and American Culture: From Demolition Derbies to NASCAR with Dr. John Miller. He has contributed to the Encyclopedia of American World Popular Culture and the Encyclopedia of American Folklore. He has presented locally, regionally, and nationally, as a member of the American Culture Association. He is member of the voting panel for the Motorsports Hall of Fame in Novi, Michigan and his "Professor of Speed" articles are published throughout the NASCAR season."

Covering everything from sports to art, religion, music, and entrepreneurship, this book documents the vast array of African American cultural expressions and discusses their impact on the culture of the United States. According to the latest census data, less than 13 percent of the U.S. population identifies as African American; African Americans are still very much a minority group. Yet African American cultural expression and strong influences from African American culture are common across mainstream American culture—in music, the arts, and entertainment; in education and religion; in sports; and in politics and business. African American Culture: An Encyclopedia of People, Traditions, and Customs covers virtually every aspect of African American cultural expression, addressing subject matter that ranges from how African culture was preserved during slavery hundreds of years ago to the richness and complexity of African American culture in the post-Obama era. The most comprehensive reference work on African American culture to date, the multivolume set covers such topics as black contributions to literature and the arts, music and entertainment, religion, and professional sports. It also provides coverage of less-commonly addressed subjects, such as African American fashion practices and beauty culture, the development of jazz music across different eras, and African American business.

What are the components of youth cultures today? This encyclopedia examines the facets of youth cultures and brings them to the forefront. Although issues of youth culture are frequently cited in classrooms and public forums, most encyclopedias of childhood and youth are devoted to history, human development, and society. A limitation on the reference bookshelf is the restriction of youth to pre-adolescence, although issues of youth continue into young adulthood. This encyclopedia addresses an academic audience of professors and students in childhood studies, American studies, and culture studies. The authors span disciplines of psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, and folklore. The Encyclopedia of Youth Cultures in America addresses a need for historical, social, and cultural information on a wide array of youth groups. Such a reference work serves as a corrective to the narrow public view that young people are part of an amalgamated youth group or occupy malicious gangs and satanic cults. Widespread reports of bullying, school violence, dominance of athletics over academics, and changing demographics in the United States has drawn renewed attention to the changing cultural landscape of youth in and out of school to explain social and psychological problems.

This comprehensive reference guide reviews the literature concerning the impact of the automobile on American social, economic, and political history. Covering the complete history of the automobile to date, twelve chapters of bibliographic essays describe the important works in a series of related topics and provide broad thematic contexts. This work includes general histories of the automobile, the industry it spawned and labor-management relations, as well as biographies of famous automotive personalities. Focusing on books concerned with various social aspects, chapters discuss such issues as the car's influence on family life, youth, women, the elderly, minorities, literature, and leisure and recreation. Berger has also included works that investigate the government's role in aiding and regulating the automobile, with sections on roads and highways, safety, and pollution. The guide concludes with an overview of reference works and periodicals in the field and a description of selected research collections. The Automobile in American History and Culture provides a resource with which to examine the entire field and its structure. Popular culture scholars and enthusiasts involved in automotive research will appreciate the extensive scope of this reference. Cross-referenced throughout, it will serve as a valuable research tool.

Immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of NASCAR with 'NASCAR Legacy: The Evolution of American Motorsport, ' a definitive tome that chronicles the rich history and vibrant present of one of America's most beloved sports. From the dusty dirt tracks of its post-war inception to the roaring stadiums that host today's high-octane races, this book offers a deep dive into the people, machines, and milestones that have shaped NASCAR's legacy. Readers will journey through time, exploring the lives of iconic drivers who became legends on the asphalt, the evolution of the cars that have pushed the limits of speed and safety, and the pivotal races that have cemented the sport's place in the annals of American culture. Beyond the checkered flags and victory laps, 'NASCAR Legacy' sheds light on the technological innovations that have revolutionized the sport, from groundbreaking safety measures to the cutting-edge advancements that promise to shape its future. The book also examines NASCAR's efforts to engage a new generation of fans, detailing how digital innovation and a commitment to sustainability are helping to steer the sport into a new era. At its core, 'NASCAR Legacy' is a story of transformation and resilience, highlighting NASCAR's ongoing endeavors to champion diversity and inclusion within its ranks and among its fans. It's a testament to the sport's ability to adapt and grow, ensuring that it remains relevant and thrilling for generations to come. For anyone fascinated by the blend of competition, innovation, and community that NASCAR represents, this book is an essential read, offering an unparalleled insight into the sport's enduring appeal and its ambitious path forward. This volume is a part of the 'Famous Races' series. Each book in this series is meticulously crafted to honor the legacy of the world's most iconic and significant races, from the thunderous circuits of Formula One to the challenging terrains of the Dakar Rally. Utilizing the names of these races and related historical materials, we adhere to the principles of fair use, aiming to educate and celebrate the rich history, technological advancements, and human achievements that have defined these events. Our goal is to provide readers with an insightful look into the engineering marvels, strategic masterminds, and moments of sheer human willpower that have left an indelible mark on motorsport history, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of racing. This series invites enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore the stories behind famous races, understanding their significance not just in the realm of motorsport, but as chapters in the larger story of human endeavor and innovation.

This book is the first English-language study of motorsport and Italian Fascism, arguing that a synergy existed between motor racing and Fascism that did not exist with other sports. Motorsport was able to bring together the two dominant, and often opposed, cultural roots of Fascism, the Futurism of F. T. Marinetti, and the Decadence associated with Gabriele D’Annunzio. The book traces this cultural convergence through a topical study of motorsport in the 1920s and 1930s placing it in the context of the history of sport under Mussolini’s regime. Chapters discuss the centrality of speed and death in Fascist culture, the attempt to transform Rome into a motorsport capital, the architectural and ideological function of the Monza and Tripoli and autodromes, and two chapters on the importance of the Mille Miglia, a genuine Fascist artefact that became one of the most legendary motor races of all time.

This book explores the history and politics of motor racing, one of the most popular and lucrative elements in the international sport industry. Written by a group of international scholars and motor racing specialists it discusses the sport’s origins, the relationship of motor racing to nation building and modernity (noting its links to fascism and dictatorship), the links between motor racing and the automobile industry, motor racing and the politics both of gender and of race, motor racing, the media and postmodernity, and motor racing, the spatial and globalization. This book speaks to scholars in history, politics, sport studies, the sociology of sport, sport management and cultural studies, along with the many lay readers who are interested in the relationship between motor sport and society.