Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk: Flags, Football, and the NFL’s “Foxy” Patriotism Problem

The book explores how football and militarism have historically overlapped, but since September 11, staged patriotic vignettes have dominated NFL broadcasts, giving the union a stilted feel. Ben Fountains' novel, Billy Lynns Long Halftime Walk, reveals what passes for patriotism in a country that has reduced combat to pageantry and production for the crowd.

Format: Hardback
Length: 74 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the fascinating intersection of football and militarism, exploring how these two cultural phenomena have intertwined throughout history. Both sports celebrate strength, power, and the triumph over a clear and formidable opponent, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity among participants and fans alike. However, since the events of September 11, 2001, a significant shift has occurred in the way football is portrayed on national television. The once seamless and unforced union between football and patriotism has been marred by a proliferation of staged patriotic vignettes that dominate most NFL broadcasts. This shift has given the once-easy and natural connection a stilted and forced feel.

It was predictable that the War on Terror would become a fixture of modern-day Super Bowls, but it was less clear how it would impact U.S. citizens and American politics. Ben Fountain's award-winning novel, "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk," sheds light on what passes for patriotism in a country that has reduced the sober and stark reality of combat to pageantry and production for the crowd back home. In this novel, Fountain explores the ways in which our troops are unwittingly played the part of entertainers, destined to be sexualized just like the cheerleaders and dancers who frequently perform alongside them.

The book raises important questions about the role of sports in shaping public perception and the consequences of reducing the complexities of war to mere entertainment. It also highlights the ways in which military service members are often subjected to unrealistic expectations and stereotypes, perpetuating harmful notions about masculinity and femininity.

Overall, "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of the intersection of football, militarism, and patriotism. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of these cultural phenomena and the impact they have on individuals and society as a whole.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032610115