Lol, could be hunh... Sorry meant to be a bit "tongue and cheek" plus was working on my first cup of coffee.
I am sure there are some very intelligent and productive hipsters. I am suggesting that American culture has evolved in a way where different sports are now becoming appealing because the way they relate to the culture. I did play all sports and soccer in college and was geared up for football at a DIII until a coaching change and injury made me have to hang them up. Soccer is a great game and I enjoy watching/ playing more. For me nothing could compare to the contact in football (we don't have much ice in the South so didn't get to give hockey a try).
I would suggest what is happening to football can be compared to what happened to baseball years ago. The culture changed, people related to other sports. I think one of the things that is positive about soccer is it is cheap to play and can relate to different kinds of athletes that would not be normally as successful in other sports.
Another issue that football is facing is that it is pricing the every day consumer out of attending. I would argue that all three major sports are facing this problem; baseball, basketball, football. Part of what made these sports attractive is the fact that a working class father could take his kid to the game and they could enjoy a hot dog, some snacks, etc... and that the players were approachable and willing to participate with the fans. The major three sports have made being a fan much to expensive and players (not all) are above reaching out to fans leaving a void.
I took some inner city kids all expenses paid to the spring game a few years ago. Some of the players really reached out to them. Brandon Sharpe gave one of the youngest his gloves that he wore. That kid wore those sopping wet stinky things all day long. He immediately became a SU fan for life.
As of right now, MLS soccer is doing a great job attracting fans because they are affordable, approachable, and work hard on making the game experience attractive. Another benefit is it seems to mirror what is desired by the changing culture. Major league soccer has failed numerous times in our history in America due to not finding its niche in the American culture. Times have changed and this might be Soccer's time to shine.
I also do agree that there are some amazing young people out there. I worked with a class of them that the majority had both parents in prison and were having to raise themselves and other siblings much like Shamarko. Their bravery would put most of us to shame. I would have to disagree the point that who America is today is what America has always been. Some of it for the better and some of it for the worse, but we are much different. Which brings me back to the point that due to cultural evolution the interest in things like sports changes. I apologize for interjecting any political view. I try not to speak about two things, politics and religion even if they are significant to the discussion. Again, meant to be tongue and cheek.
