The creation and structure of a myth, according to Roland Barthes (1972) "Mythologies" partially involves the signifier and the signified. The signifier is the word itself without any content, for example the word Tebow. The signified, or the idea that the word implies is thus created, for example the word Tebow implies kneeling down on one knee and placing one's fist on their forehead. The relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary, it is not a natural relationship however, over time the language of the signifier and the signified language become the signification or the myth. The myth as Barthes further explained is always motivated. As we discussed in class, humans are hard wired for myth and narratives, thus NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is a perfect example. Sports fans have created a narrative around Tim Tebow, who has come to represent more than an NFL quarterback. People, some of who are not even sports fans have know what people mean when they say "Tebowing." Thus it will be interesting to see if the narrative for Tim Tebow changes as his position and playing time dramatically changes this next season...
Tuesday, first round NFL draft pick in 2010, Denver Broncos quarterback (current trade to the NFL's New York Jets) Tim Tebow has been scouted by Minor League Baseball team The Lake Elsinore Storm (Single-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres). Denver Broncos are looking to trade Tim Tebow and an offer from a minor league team is one of the offers on the table. Interestingly, The Lake Elsinore Storm have offered the Denver Broncos two mascots: The Rally Cop and the Grounds Crew Gorilla. Unsure of his baseball ability, Jones stated, "We're not sure about Tim's baseball past, but we are sure he could bring some of that Tebow magic to Lake Elsinore and would be a great addition to our ballclub." Further, Jones stated "Tebow actually has some recent experience with the national pastime. The former Florida quarterback supposedly dropped by a high school in Memphis following the 2010 draft to work out. While there, Tebow took his turn in the batting cage as well, supposedly blasting 12 of the 15 pitches he saw for home runs. Talk about a narrative created for an athlete that dictates the rest of their playing career. Now that the Denver Broncos have signed Peyton Manning, the Storm's offer to John Elway was one he surprisingly did not accept: two mascots for Tebow and the Storm promised to change the name of their stadium to Elway stadium.
This just seems really bizarre! I can't see how they would want Tebow on their team when they say they aren't "sure about Tim's baseball past," except for the fact that he's a "celebrity" so maybe they are seeking that aspect. It seems weird also that he could go form playing football to playing baseball and I'd be interested to see how it works out!
ReplyDeleteWow this blows my mind that is real, it sounds like an article out of one of those fake magazines. The myth of Tim Tebow has to be one of the biggest myths in recent sports history. I feel the myth surrounding him perfectly exemplifys what we've discussed in class. I'm wondering if myth in football is as prevalent as it is in baseball, besides Tim Tebow I'm strung to think of another example.
ReplyDelete(Alex Schweitz)