All opinions expressed in the blog are mine. Don't blame anyone else.
"Nature or nurture" is a universal question that intrudes into our understanding of sports. Where might we begin research?
Here's a ChatGPT comment on anthropologist Margaret Mead's take on the impact of culture on behavior. Highlights are mine. Mead did extensive study of other 'tribes' seeking understanding of the link between culture and behavior.
"Margaret Mead, a cultural anthropologist, believed that culture profoundly shapes human behavior, influencing everything from gender roles to social norms. She would likely argue that behavior cannot be understood solely through biology or individual psychology; instead, it must be examined in the context of the cultural systems that guide it.
Mead's studies, like those in Coming of Age in Samoa (1928), demonstrated how cultural values and practices create different behavioral expectations. For example, she showed that Samoan adolescents experienced less turmoil during puberty than their Western counterparts, attributing this difference to the more relaxed attitudes toward sexuality and community in Samoan society.
In essence, Mead would assert that much of what we consider "human nature" is, in fact, culturally constructed. She'd emphasize that culture provides the blueprint for how people learn to think, act, and interact, and by studying diverse societies, we can understand the fluidity of human behavior and challenge assumptions about what is "natural" or universal."
Years ago, 60 Minutes contrasted discipline between American and Japanese early education. In the US, teachers enforced discipline. In Japan, it was students. Students refused to play with the bully in Japan. To become accepted, the bully had to change. Culture shaped behavior.
How does MVB culture shape performance and behavior?
Over the past three decades, MVB enjoyed a state championship (2012), ten sectional championships, and sixteen consecutive league titles. Why? Culture is the sum of resources that define a program.
Hard work and sacrifice. Players and families sacrifice time and resources with offseason volleyball, strength and conditioning, and summer league play.
Leadership continuity. Coach Scott Celli has overseen MVB since the early 2000s. Few programs enjoy similar consistency.
Scheduling. A better winning percentage takes a back seat to competition. The non-league schedule usually includes multiple state championship winners and/or contenders. "To be the best you must beat the best." The league schedule will be up and down, but the quality of the nonleague opponents is chosen.
Positivity. You cannot forge a positive life with a negative attitude. While some programs shrink, the interest in volleyball has never been higher nationally or locally. Players love to play and practice.
Community. The community supports volleyball with passionate fans. Supporters travel to see the team play superior competition. Families of former players often continue to follow the team.
A casteless system. Virtually every season, team members come from each of the four high school classes. Upperclassmen indoctrinate young players into the system, even as they compete for court time and roles. Upperclassmen still value and want the minutes, roles, and recognition. To their credit, they put team culture first. At the same time, young players earn the opportunity to play and to earn respect from their teammates.
Rituals. Every program has its rituals. Pasta parties, pregame lollipops for fans, snacks on the bus, Who Let the Dogs Out?, the Banquet, and other traditions shape the culture. I'm sure there are others we don't know.
"Tradition never graduates." Great players graduate. This year Melrose graduates nine seniors. 19 MVB players have earned MAVCA All-State honors. Many also earned recognition as All-Scholastics, league MVPs, and All-League players. With excellent players returning and others in training, it's cause for optimism.
Lagniappe. Repost. "Become someone that handles hard better."
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