What’s Wrong With WWE?

 

When thinking of the audience that would attend a WWE event, what comes to mind in terms of socioeconomic status would be a majority lower class fan base. WWE caters to their particular social group in a variety of ways, however the negative stigma of a WWE fan often wards off those of a higher socioeconomic rank. WWE builds persona’s to go with their wrestlers, or performers. This persona comes with a backstory that usually involves some outrageous explanation as to why the wrestler became a wrestler. In addition to these performers, the storyline is usually equally outrageous. Before their fights, the wrestlers will often go on for an extended period of time explaining why they are about to take on their opposition. This speech usually includes something about how their paths crossed once before, or how the opponent stole their woman, something along these lines. WWE imposes this habitus on it’s viewers by portraying the performers as real-life superheroes almost. By doing this, the younger viewers idolize these wrestlers, and and appreciate the high-flying theatrics in order to materialize the concept of a real-life superhero, something that most, if not all kids have at one time or another dreamed about. By maintaining this appreciation for the performers and the nature of WWE into their older years where they just watch it for the entertainment, these same people probably instill the same appreciation in their children, and the cycle repeats. In terms of cultural capital, an appreciation of WWE does not really yield any positive or negative social mobility. Personally, I know people on both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum that appreciate WWE for the entertainment. Perhaps WWE is a way to connect with each other, and the social capital lies in just another way to relate to a fellow person.

 

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