Selection Sunday

As I write this post, I am sitting in front of my TV, watching the endless series of Bracketology shows.  For those of you that are not familiar with bracketology, it is a show that discusses all of the matchups in the NCAA Basketball tournament.

Over the past few decades, bracketology has been increasingly popular and is becoming part of the American culture.  In fact, 60% of people say that they will be filling out a bracket this year, whether they know anything about college basketball or not.  Actually, I have some relatives that pick winners based on the name of the school or the colors of their logo.  For sports fans, March Madness is one of the best times of the year, with games every week and incredible underdogs to root for.

So why do Americans love filling out brackets and watching March Madness?  Do Americans love underdogs?  Is it a social talking point?  I believe it is part of American culture.  Americans LOVE to win.  Consequently, when there is an opportunity to have the best bracket, they jump on the opportunity.  I mean, who wouldn't want to have the most accurate bracket in the US and win up to $1 million.  Competitiveness is in the blood of Americans and there is no changing it.  I myself am a sports fanatic but also am extremely competitive so filling out a bracket is a perfect way for me to combine two of my characteristics.  So go print out a bracket, and write down whoever you want, because chances are your neighbor is doing it too.

Why do you think everyone obsesses about March Madness brackets?  And will you be filling out a bracket this year?  Feel free to leave comments below.