Sports in the Colonial North vs. South: Contrasting Attitudes and Class Divides

Abstract

. Sport in the South and New England Colonies. The New England colonies occupied the Northern Part and were homes for the Puritans and the Pilgrims. The Southern Colonies occupied the Southern Part of Colonial America. The New England colonies' sports included stoolball, football, foot races, slide Groat, and ninepins, while those of the southern colonies included bowling, cricket, and quoits (Gorn, Elliot& Warren). Attitudes towards sport in New England were greatly attributed and influenced by religion. The social attitudes on women's sports differed between the northern and southern colonies. According to (Reet), In the north, women were not considered unfit to participate in ice skating, while in the south, women were encouraged to become good equestriennes. Everyone had a different perception of which sportswomen should undertake. The New England Colonies had the Puritan influence. They associated sport with religion and believed that all time was sacred and should not be wasted in unmeaningful ways such as sport (Juan). Time was attributed to God, and everyone someday will be accountable for it. The sport was perceived as idleness, and God's chosen people were obliged to spend their time productively. There was a limited restriction in the south, and religion was not their thing. They based sports on their socio-economic status. Sports in the south were based on social classes. The lower ranks in the society played wrestling, while the upper ranks played boxing. The superior alienated the inferior when it came to horse races. The sport was full of inequality. Sports were allowed on single men to impress women. It was viewed as a ritual of manhood where the strength and courage of individuals were tested. Children were not left behind as they played sack races, kite flying, leapfrogging, and hopscotching. In New England, the...