Category: NFL

Introduction

In the modern-day, mass and social media place tremendous emphasis upon individual and personal behavior, particularly of professional athletes who are in the spotlight. This leads NFL draft prospects to face scrutiny beyond athletic ability, regarding their previous behaviors, psychological and personality analysis, and an evaluation of future stability. This would allow them to consider their viability as future professionals without endangering the reputation of their respective teams and the NFL. This report will examine five players in the recent NFL draft and attempt to determine psychological tendencies that would make them viable players.

Issues in Psychology

The Wonderlic test was designed as a measurement of cognitive intelligence and mental ability. This examination has been used by the NFL since the 1970s and is considered an indicator of future performance as the game requires some level of strategic planning and rapid cognitive thinking, particularly for quarterbacks. The problem-solving ability determined by the Wonderlic test is predicted to be a sign of success as it leads to better choices, both in professional and personal lives. However, it is not a straightforward personality indicator as persons with high cognitive abilities may have low levels of integrity (Post, 2018).

Meanwhile, social media is now a prevalent aspect of drafting prospects, which most teams having a dedicated employee monitoring all social media for rookies. Potentially controversial images, behaviors, or opinions are flagged and evaluated in order to protect teams from public relations controversies (Walker, 2017). From a psychological standpoint, past behavior is said to influence future behavior to some extent since the action was based on certain influencing cognitive activity.

Unless there was a specific consequence or feedback which may have drastically changed an individual’s attitude, it is likely that repetitive behavior could be expected. The consistency of personality traits and motivational factors for the individual performing the behavior will lead to reoccurrences if similar situational factors arise (Harris, Lee, Thompson, & Kranton, 2015).

Player #1

Baker Mayfield is a successful rookie quarterback, who was the no. 1 NFL draft pick for 2018. He was eventually selected by the Cleveland Browns. There is a general consensus amongst NFL professionals, coaches, mass media, and fans that Mayfield is a highly skilled and fresh perspective for the Browns, who are ready for professional football. Mayfield uses social media responsibly and utilizes it to increase positive public visibility.

He has embraced the medium during his career and is endorsed by sponsors through his profiles on various platforms (Hangst, 2018). Mayfield scored a 25 on the standard Wonderlic test, which places him average with quarterback scores. However, he did extremely well on a modernized and modified version of the Wonderlic (Kirshner, 2018).

Mayfield has exemplified some potentially controversial behavior on the field during his college football career. This includes unsportsmanlike behavior such as refusing to shake hands or inappropriate celebrations. He has also openly participated in “trash talk” against other players, often exceeding appropriate limits to this practice. According to Mayfield, these have been acts of passion and energy without malicious intent (Martinelli, 2018). During his college career in 2017, Mayfield was arrested on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and fleeing and resisting arrest. The athlete pled guilty to misdemeanor charges and was charged $300 in fines which he paid (Trotter, 2017).

Viability

Generally, Mayfield’s indicators demonstrate a level of personal stability and responsibility which make him viable as a professional player. He has exhibited the quality of character, sportsmanship, and foresight for the future of his career. He has demonstrated some irresponsible behavior on the field and in life. The circumstances of the arrest are not malicious and are a result of drunken behavior. It was a one-time incident for which Mayfield paid the consequences. As for his competitive and energetic attitude, Mayfield himself has noted that it is a manner which he uses to overcome doubt about himself.

The psychological principle of compensation could be applied to Mayfield, who has used his hyperactivity and aggression on the field as a defense mechanism to feeling undervalued since childhood. He strives to achieve dominance and superiority through selective compensation which affects his happiness (Teshale & Lachman, 2016). As Mayfield exhibits this behavior in a relatively healthy manner in the process of the game, it is appropriate and will unlikely be a concern for personal issues. Personal evaluation of the player stands at 80/100.

Player #2

Saquon Barkley is a quarterback for the New York Giants who was no. 2 on the 2018 NFL draft. Barkley is considered a talented player with a very personable and kind personality. Sports mass media consider him to be the poster boy player that the NFL wants for its brand. Someone who is fully dedicated, without any disciplinary or attitude problems. Despite notably practicing and studying for the Wonderlic test, Barkley scored a sub-average score of 18.

However, coaches note his intelligence and curious demeanor, which does not suggest cognitive issues (Baskin, 2018). Barkley is partially active on social media which he uses as a platform to promote his values and endorsements as well as the sport, wishing to inspire younger athletes. He exemplifies role model behavior both on and off the field and engages in numerous NFL initiatives that advocate for others and demonstrate family-friendly behavior (Raanan, 2018).

Viability

Barkley demonstrates extreme responsibility and dedication to his career at the NFL. He demonstrates what is psychologically identified as a Type-B personality which is more passive and relaxed. He is patient, not aggressive, and focused. Furthermore, Barkley has continuously used his voice and platform for advocacy, serving as a role model player. The comfort level with this player is 100/100 as there are no indicators of any potential personality issues from all examined sources.

Player #3

Sam Darnold was the no. 3 overall picks in the 2018 draft for the New York Jets. He is considered an all-around quarterback with a dedication to winning. Mass media and sports commentators label his personality as tough and gritty, but also fun and lighthearted. Darnold has scored a 28 on the Wonderlic test which is above average, highlighting his cognitive ability to process information. During interviews, Darnold seems to be self-aware and concentrated on his goals. He avoids social media, not registered on high-profile platforms such as Twitter. Although a rarity for a young NFL player, Darnold attributes this to feel like social media is a waste of time.

He wants to know the public opinion about himself but does not actively communicate with anyone outside of friends and family (Weinstein, 2018). During his signing, Darnold was in a contract negotiation dispute with the New York Jets over a clause that his guaranteed salary may be offset over any potential NFL suspensions or fines. His agents considered the wording aggressive to the interests of the player since he has demonstrated no history or tendencies for irresponsible behavior either on or off the field (Cimini, 2018).

Viability

Darnold demonstrates a calm and introverted type of personality. He has no evident issues or personality-related problems as well as any disciplinary history which may cause concern. Research indicates that personality is suggestive of professional engagement. Character traits such as control, independence, and toughness that Darnold demonstrates are a combination that correlates with the highest work engagement (Arora & Adhikari, 2013). The comfort level with this player is 95/100 due to few factors other than the contract negotiation potentially indicating abnormal behavior in the future.

Player #4

Josh Rosen was selected as no. 10 in the draft pick by Arizona Cardinals. Mass media and football pundits portray him as one of the most controversial and polarizing draft picks in recent years. Scouting reports indicate despite his raw talent, he is known to be candid, outspoken, and brash. There is a generally negative attitude which makes him unlikable by the public as well as those around him (Davis, 2018). Rosen received a 29 Wonderlic score which is above average for a quarterback.

He has demonstrated intelligence and curiosity but does not channel it correctly. His off-court behavior is criticized for being insensitive and outspoken, although not always for the wrong reasons. In interviews, Rosen demonstrates a considerable level of audacity, pride, and egoism, remarking his position in the last draft as unacceptable as he is privileged to receive more (Pesca, 2018). On social media, Rosen has been involved in several controversies which violated university regulations or did not adhere to social norms.

Viability

There is a significant concern for Rosen as a personality. Despite his talents, he continuously exemplifies attitude and rebellion against authority. Some critics have questioned his motivations for playing professional football, suggesting he may only be seeking fame. Rosen is an extroverted personality type who is easily provoked and outspoken. Psychology research indicates that talent in professional sports is often conceptualized as a fixed measure that either ensures some level of success or not.

However, early identification does not ensure success without proper decisions and dedication on behalf of the athlete. Athlete development is based strongly on the key decisions and consistency, which an athlete like Rosen may not offer (Baker, Schorer, & Wattie, 2018). The comfort level with this player is 40/100.

Player #5

Shaquem Griffin is a linebacker who was drafted (90th pick) by the Seattle Seahawks. He is a one-handed player due to a congenital birth defect, a first in the NFL, for which his pick received extensive media coverage. His Wonderlic score is unavailable, but he is known for running the fastest linebacker 40-yard dash in more than a decade. Griffin is portrayed by the media as a highly dedicated athlete that has overcome challenges and strives for the best. However, his teammates noted that it more than a feel-good story, but that Griffin continuously works to improve. He is described as open and accepting. Griffin utilizes his social media to advocate for athletes with disabilities and inspire others (McMahan, 2018).

Viability

Griffin exhibited the principle of psychosocial adaptation to disability. Using positive psychology, he focused on personal strengths and qualities in order to flourish. As humans are inherently adaptive entities, positive psychology plays a critical role in rehabilitation or living with a chronic disability. Such individuals commonly demonstrate the focus, stability, and overall positive attitudes (Livneh & Martz, 2015).

Giffin has not demonstrated any issues with behavior or attitude. He is continuously at work, striving to better himself and inspire others. He creates a significantly positive image for public relations. The comfort level with this athlete would be 90/100.

References

Arora, R. & Adhikari, B. (2013). A study on personality as a predictor of dedication component of work engagement. International Journal of Development and Social Research, 2(1), 53-60. Web.

Baker, J., Schorer, J., & Wattie, N. (2017). Compromising talent: Issues in identifying and selecting talent in sport. Quest, 70(1), 48–63. Web.

Baskin, B. (2018). Face of the NFL? Saquon Barkley has a plan. Sports Illustrated. Web.

Cimini, R. (2018). Inside the key issues in Sam Darnold contract dispute with Jets. ESPN. Web.

Davis, S. (2018). NFL executives are offering increasingly scathing takes on Josh Rosen, the most polarizing quarterback in the draft. Business Insider. Web.

Hangst, A. (2018). Social media to be a mainstay of Baker Mayfield’s marketing plan. Web.

Harris, L., Lee, V. K., Thompson, E. H., & Kranton, R. (2015). Exploring the generalization process from past behavior to predicting future behavior. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 29(4), 419-436. Web.

Kirshner, A. (2018). Baker Mayfield reportedly aced a modernized version of the Wonderlic. SB Nation. Web.

Livneh, H., & Martz, E. (2015). Psychosocial adaptation to disability within the context of positive psychology: Philosophical aspects and historical roots. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 26(1), 13–19. Web.

Martinelli, M. R. (2018). Baker Mayfield opens up on controversial attitude. USA Today. Web.

McMahan, I. (2018). Shaquem Griffin: Can a one-handed college star make it in the NFL?The Guardian. Web.

Pesca, M. (2018). The ‘off-field issues’ Of Josh Rosen. NPR. Web.

Post, J. (2018). Can football’s Wonderlic test predict overall job performance?Business News Daily. Web.

Raanan, J. (2018). Saquon Barkley to wear cleats supporting his niece with rare illness. ESPN. Web.

Teshale, S. M., & Lachman, M. E. (2016). Managing daily happiness: The relationship between selection, optimization, and compensation strategies and well-being in adulthood. Psychology and Aging, 31(7), 687-692. Web.

Trotter, J. (2017). Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield arrested in Arkansas. ESPN. Web.

Walker, J. (2017). Social scouting: How NFL teams track prospects online. ESPN. Web.

Weinstein, A. (2018). Sam Darnold on avoiding social media: ‘I do not have a Twitter account’. Web.

The Study

The purpose of this study is to examine how and why constant hits to the head or concussions cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy in retired NFL players. It is assumed that repetitive brain impacts in the NFL sport are the sign of the clinical symptoms observed in CTE (Gavett, Stern, & McKee, 2011).

Research Method

The study design was a cross-sectional, control case study. A cross-sectional study would examine the relationship between concussions and CTE in retired NFL players. The data collected about concussion will be used to determine what happens to players only after retirement.

Sampling

In this cross-sectional study, a sample of participants will be randomly obtained among the retired NFL players. The retired NFL athletes shall be recruited from local centers. The NFL association local chapter would be requested to inform retired NFL players about the study. To get a reasonable number of retired NFL players for the study, recently 50 retired players aged between 41 to 65 years would be recruited.

The institutional review board will have to approve the study to ensure that it adheres to the required ethical standards on human participation. All respondents will have to provide written informed consent to take part in the study.

All players will undergo a standardized assessment by a certified psychiatrist. The assessment will focus on current activities (life after retirement), medical condition, and psychiatric history, as well as any family history involving neuropsychiatric conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. All information about retired NFL players’ history of concussion would be collected from any official register of the NFL Injury Surveillance System (if available) and self-report. They will also complete the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D). Participants would undergo laboratory screening assessments and structural imaging scans, either MRI or CT (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography) to identify other possible causes of mental conditions, such as tumors and stroke.

Control participants would also be recruited using advertisements targeted at the locals. The screening will be conducted to ensure a stable health condition. Any control participants with cases of concussions would not be included in the study, as well as any other control participants who have a history of engaging in contact sports with hard blows, such as wrestling, boxing, college football, reported neurologic or psychiatric conditions and cognitive challenges. Once healthy control participants have been identified, they would be matched on various parameters, including age, educational achievements, and IQ to the sampled retired NFL players who have taken neuroimaging assessments and included in the final sample for the study. Further, control participants would be excluded based on substance use, traumatic brain injury, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Instrumentation

The main goal of the survey questionnaire would be to collect data to answer the research question. Also, the data would demonstrate how the retired NFL players’ cases of concussion and ECT differ from the control participants. There are general symptoms, such as back pain, headache, seizures, nausea, and syncope. Thus, the questionnaire would be designed to assess specific signs related to mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion to demonstrate how they differ from the rest of the population of similar ages.

Neurocognitive tests will assess general intelligence; attention and cognitive flexibility; language; visuospatial skills; memory; and mood.

A professional neuropsychological technician or neuropsychologist would conduct all these tests. Further, a cognitive neurologist will perform clinical assessment after assessment of participants’ medical history, neurologic assessment, and behavior review.

The data collection instrument will also be used to collect data for FDDNP- positron emission tomography (PET) to assess tau tangle and amyloid plague mass in participants’ brains. The FDDNP signals are used to identify Alzheimer’s disease from MCI and general aging and forecast potential cognitive degeneration in people without demented cases. Some past studies have tested different tau tracers in human brain tissue sections and determined that FDDNP is the only suitable PET assessment of tau. All PET scans would be conducted for the region of interest (ROI) for further analyses using a suitable clinical instrument.

Overall, the instrument will assess concussion history, neurocognitive health, and physical health, as well as sociodemographic characteristics of participants of the retired NFL players who would qualify for the study. The study instrument will be pilot-tested on a given number of samples to ensure that it meets reliability and validity requirements. This process will require assessments of other attributes to ensure instrument precision and accuracy, and critical attributes will be determined if they offer a good measurement of the study interest. Any changes in the wording of the instrument will be conducted based on the outcome of the pilot test to ensure that it is understandable and acceptable to participants.

Data Collection

After incorporating findings from the pilot study, data will be collected using a survey questionnaire. The research will administer the questionnaire to a sample of the targeted retired NFL players. Any interviewers who may be involved in data collection will have the necessary skills to collect technical data. Interviewers will review all research questions and understand the study to ensure that they comprehend its contents and objective to enhance the collection of accurate, reliable data. Interviewers will ask consistent questions and offer any assistance about interpretation. All processes of the interview will be consistent from one respondent to another.

Data Analysis

It is anticipated that a small number of respondents may be found to participate in this study. Hence, non-parametric tests, such as the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation, and Kruskal-Wallis test would be considered for data analysis. Further, the two-sample Wilcoxon test will be used for depression measure, cognitive scores, and FDDNP binding levels. The FDDNP binding levels will also be used to explore potential concussions in retired NFL players when compared with the control subjects (Small et al., 2013). Further analysis will involve a t-test to determine to mean score differences in cognitive variations between the participants and the control group. The control subjects would be identified and matched to minimize potential bias and strive for similarity with the retired NFL players. Participants and control subjects will be matched based on age, body mass index (BMI), education, and any existing mental conditions. Descriptive statistics will be computed for the retired NFL players and control subjects (Casson, Viano, Haacke, Kou, & Kou, 2014). To ensure that concussions are effectively understood, every case will be analyzed independently, and summary measures presented with 95% confidence intervals. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS.

Limitations

Some studies have demonstrated that responses among retired NFL players tend to be low (Kerr et al., 2014; Coughlin et al., 2017). Hence, the findings of this study may not be generalized to include other retired NFL players who will not take part in the study. Besides, the sample may represent a small percentage of all retired NFL players in the US. This study also recognizes the possibility of selection bias, which can be demonstrated when reliable clinical correlation with pathological results would not be attained (Ban, Madden, Bailes, Batjer, & Lonser, 2016). Nonetheless, the findings will demonstrate the outcomes of data obtained from diverse participants. This study will be cross-sectional. However, retired athletes should be observed for longer periods to determine changes in their conditions.

A longitudinal study should follow this study to provide conclusive results, especially where retired athletes use medications. This study may also possibly face information bias limitations. Athletes may experience biased effect estimates of the present conditions in self-reporting. Finally, retired NFL players may also experience normal cognitive degeneration because of aging, leading to differential recall bias. Consequently, some respondents may focus on their health and wrongly attribute such cognitive developments to concussions. Additionally, it is also imperative to recognize that the NFL has enhanced its concussion management based on available scientific data. Hence, recently retired NFL players could have perhaps enjoyed better medical care from more experienced staff who have expertise in managing concussions when they happen.

Delimitation

This study appreciates that CTE can only be conclusively diagnosed at autopsy, as previous findings have demonstrated (Ban et al., 2016). This study, however, will not focus on post-mortem analyses of NFL players’ brains. The study will also not focus on a controversial, subjective case of whether sub concussion can result in CTE due to a lack of measurable and reproducible limits, which often cause difficulties in identifying the most suitable study subjects.

References

Ban, V. S., Madden, C. J., Bailes, J. E., Batjer, H. H., & Lonser, R. R. (2016). The science and questions surrounding chronic traumatic. Neurosurgical Focus, 40(4), 1-10. Web.

Casson, I. R., Viano, D. C., Haacke, E. M., Kou, Z., & Kou, Z. (2014). Is there chronic brain damage in retired NFL players? Neuroradiology, neuropsychology, and neurology examinations of 45 retired players. Sports Health, 6(5), 384–395. Web.

Coughlin, J. M., Wang, Y., Minn, I., Bienko, N., Ambinde, E. B., Peters, M. E.,… Pomper, M. G. (2017). Imaging of glial cell activation and white matter integrity in brains of active and recently retired National Football League players. JAMA Neurology, 74(1), 67-74. Web.

Gavett, B. E., Stern, R. A., & McKee, A. C. (2011). Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: a potential late effect of sport-related concussive and subconcussive head trauma. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 30(1), 179–xi. Web.

Kerr, Z. Y., Evenson, K. R., Rosamond, W. D., Mihalik, J. P., Guskiewicz, K. M., & Marshall, S. W. (2014). Association between concussion and mental health in former collegiate athletes. Injury Epidemiology, 1, 28. Web.

Small, G. W., Kepe, V., Siddarth, P., Ercoli, L. M., Merrill, D. A., Donoghue, N.,… Barrio, J. R. (2013). PET scanning of brain tau in retired National Football League players: Preliminary findings. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(2), 138-144. Web.

Introducing the Event Depicted in the Cartoon

The cartoon under consideration provides a picture of the horrible disaster happened to Japanese people who lost everything. The tragedy has taken thousands of lives away and has deprived thousands of people of home.

In the cartoon, the artist tries to depict the reaction of other people to this tragedy and show how trifle other problems are comparing to the sufferings experienced by the Japanese people. While comparing tsunami disaster and NFL fans’ concerns, Tornoe has managed to render the scale of disaster as well as unconcern of other people with the problem (n. p.).

The cartoon is based on the event that happened on March 11, 2011 when about 30 000 people died and got to the list of the missing. Full devastation and natural disaster appears to be one of the horrible events in the history of mankind. But what is more terrifying is people’s indifference to this tragedy and reluctance to help and understand other people’s sufferings unless this tragedy affects them.

Tornoe chooses a tricky approach to conveying a satirical character of the cartoon. In particular, while introducing different contexts within an image and correlating two completely different events in terms of meaning and importance, the artist intends to fully disclose the essence of people’s attitude towards the tragedy as well as the measures they take to help. In addition, Tornoe also makes use of irony while comparing two different interpretations of “tragedy” for the Japanese and for the American.

Information about Title, Artist, and Subject of the Cartoon

Providing a Detailed Description and Analytical Summary

The cartoon under consideration is called NFL tragedy whose author is Rob Tornoe, an outstanding political cartoonist. The picture unveils his personal vision of the events happened in Japan and the way the global community reacted to this disaster and expressed its unwillingness to be involved into rescue operations and measures eliminating the consequences of the tragedy.

While taking the first look at the cartoon, one can see two figures, one representing the Japanese people and another from the United States. The first person looks desperate and helpless because he lost his home and land because everything was destroyed by the earthquake.

The second figure is an American standing near Japanese, but is little concerned with what is going on around him. He seems not to care much about the house burning as well as about heaps of ruins he is standing on. With some beverage in his left hand and a “Fun Number One” glove in his right hand, the American seems to be more anxious about other problems.

His appearance, nevertheless, demonstrates that the NFL fan does not even realize the degree of devastations and disruptions; all he wants to know is whether his favorite team is going to play next season. Number 7 on the fan’s T-shirt is another important detail that cannot be left without attention. The number only highlights that neither the Japanese nor the American is lucky in his own manner, which places a satirical accent on the cartoon.

Details surrounding people matter much as well because they underscore the reaction of the figures to the tragedy. The house burning in the left corner, the broken computer lying within the debris – these are all things that surround the Japanese and the American. There is not a thing that is not affected by tsunami, except for the fan.

While looking at the NFL fan, the question concerning what is really important comes to the forth. Fan’s involvement into the problems of the League does not only indicate NFL policies of the owners and players, but show how important fans are for both sides to gain financial benefits.

Explaining Quotations

The quotes explain how each person understands the meaning of the word “tragedy”. Hence, the Japanese, the victim of the earthquake, says “Tsunami destroyed everything I owned. It’s a tragedy”. In contrast to this response, NFL fan says, “Speaking about tragedy, did you know there might be not any NFL games next season?”. Both statements indicate what a tragedy means to each person.

These contrastive reactions to the problem make the viewers understand different degrees of tragedy as well as how insignificant NFL tragedy is compared to the disaster happened to the Japanese people. It also indicates that the fan does not care about the suffering and pains experienced by the Japan because he has never dealt with losing his home and land. Would he care much about his favorite team if his house was destroyed? Lack of this experience prevents “Number 7” from realizing the actual scales of the disaster.

The Thesis and the Main Idea of the Cartoon

The artist’s Thesis

In the cartoon, the author renders the idea of people’s indifference to the tragedy happened as well as passiveness and reluctance of people to help the Japanese people overcome the ecological disaster and understand the actual meaning of tragedy.

Interpreting the Details of the Cartoon to Explain the Thesis

Particular attention should be paid to the persons’ anxiety and concerned expressed and the way they understand tragedy and hopelessness. The house burning and the ruins surrounding the fan do not affect him; he is still involved in their problems and concerns with the next season of NFL games. At the same time, one can see the desperateness and shock of the Japanese who is at a loss and who does not know what can be done to solve his problem.

Providing Supporting Evidence for Supplementing the Artist’s Evidence

In fact, abhorrent images of the disaster and horrible experience of the Japanese people is unspeakable and incomparable with other insignificances and routines of life.

Indeed, the picture displays one part of the problem and it is not difficult to imagine what consequences this disaster has had for humanity and natural environment. McCurry reflects on horrible outcomes that the earthquake can have, including groundwater contamination, spread of poisonous waist, and aggravation of the already critical ecological situation (837).

The author talks about the Indian Ocean tsunamis happened years before the tsunami in Japan. It was less disastrous, but the damages it brought are still tangible.

In this respect, one cannot imagine what harm has been done by the earthquake in tsunami. The nuclear plant breakdown is not only concern of the Japanese government, but the concern of the world organizations, as the outcomes are now being experienced by many countries in the world.

Impossibility to understand the actual scales of the disruptions can also be explained by people’s lack of involvement into this tragedy. Tedjasukmana provides the readers with a real picture of tsunami earthquakes as well as the threats they constitute to humanity (23). The author also emphasizes the necessity to express more concerns with everything taking place in the world because it can sooner or later affect them in future.

As a result, ignorance generates more ignorance, but people should not wait until the problem influences them. People should also realize that disasters are not just spectacles or shows to watch. Living in the era of television and media, society is able to keep abreast of everything that happens in the world, but this awareness does not contribute to its overall welfare.

In this respect, people should revaluate their view on the role of TV; they should understand that it serves not as a source for entertaining and shocking performances while disclosing horrible disasters, heroic rescues and houses burning and tearing apart (Mutter 693).

On the contrary, they should use television take corresponding measures for eliminating the outcomes of the tragedy and remaining human in critical situations. Indifference to what is going on in the world is also brightly illustrated in the cartoon under analysis.

It fully reflects people’s ignorance, coldness, and unconcern with other people’s problems. In this respect, one can conclude that globalization encourages egocentrism and provides more incentives for self-centered strategies. Disaster in Japan, therefore, should not be considered as an event as presented by media channels, but a process, a tragedy, and a bulk of horrible consequences for society.

While continuing the theme of media and its role in delivering information to society, Sandomir’s article discloses information about NFL network as well as the way it is impacted by TV channels (n. p.).

False information and wrong interpretation of facts can have a critical impact on society, particularly on its perception of the events happening in the world. Increasing attention to certain events and details make people put aside other more significant facts. Being educated by the media, people are not able to realize the actual problems and disasters until they experience it.

In addition, Sandomir underscores the negative consequences for people who blindly follow the false messages delivered by the media channels. Distorting and corrupting the reality, media seeks to attract more viewers and increase rating, but not convey and inform people about real facts.

Presenting Personal Thesis Statement

Evaluating the above-disclosed evidence supporting the main idea of the cartoon, it can be stated that Tornoe has managed to fully deliver the world’s attitude to the earthquake in Japan.

Partially because of the media activities, partially because of growing tendency in self-centered orientation and increasing competition, government is reluctant to help Japan eliminate the outcomes of the disaster. The cartoon also underscores people’s misconception concerning the extent of the tragedy because people cannot evaluate the actual scales of disaster.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cartoon under analysis represents the author’s multidimensional view on the problem existing in the globalized community as well as people’s relations and attitudes to each other. Grounding on the evidence presented in the paper, the cartoon proves to be quite realistic in depicting the world reaction to the tragedy. In desperate quest of sensation, mass media strives to capture the abhorrent pictures of people’s sufferings and pains instead of providing help to the Japanese people.

Unwillingness to help prevents people from building a strong and multicultural society where each person is more concerned with the overall welfare but only with their insignificant problems. Tornoe has managed to convey the main problems as well as the main vices of the contemporary society with the help of one cartoon depicting people’s inability to understand the actual consequences of tragedy.

Works Cited

J.Tedjasukmana, et al. “Sea of Sorrow. (Cover story).” Time 165.2 (2005): 22-39. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web.

McCurry, J. “Cleaning up after the tsunamis.” Lancet 365.9462 (2005): 835-836. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web.

Mutter, John C. “Preconditions of Disaster: Premonitions of Tragedy.” Social Research. 75.3 (2008): 691-724. Print.

Sandomir, R. “In Lockout, a Close Eye Falls on the NFL Network.” New York Times 17 Mar. 2011: 14. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web.

Tornoe, R. “NFL Tragedy.” The Cagle Post. Cagle Post, Web.