Adrian Peterson and the "Wussification of America": Football and Myths of Masculinity. Issue 3 (27th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Foote, Justin Gus; Butterworth, Michael L.; Sanderson, Jimmy
• Is Part Of: Communication quarterly. Volume 65:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2017-05-27
• Subjects: Authority -- Football -- Masculinity -- Twitter -- Wussification; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2016.1227347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-3373

Abstract

Abstract : Twitter has become a unique site for making sense of public discussions about authority and morality in the United States. This article addresses these discussions by analyzing the elements of conservative discourse that claim the health of the nation is in decline because of a diminished emphasis on masculine leadership. There is a long tradition of conservative politicians in the United States warning against "soft" or "weak" figures of authority. Such conversations take place within a range of contexts, including the sport of football. As a means to engage hegemonic masculine authority from a critical perspective, this article investigates Twitter users' various reactions to Adrian Peterson's suspension due to his disciplining his child with a "switch."