Final answer:
People in crowds may engage in uncharacteristic behavior due to deindividuation, which reduces self-awareness. College football fandom is influenced by geographical loyalty, with fans usually supporting their state's teams. Super Bowl Sunday exemplifies the communal aspect of sports fandom, reinforcing societal values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept described in the student's question relates to how people in crowds can exhibit behaviors that they might not display individually. This observed phenomenon is often explained by the psychological theory of deindividuation, which posits that when individuals are part of a crowd, they may experience a reduction of self-awareness, personal accountability, and inhibitions, leading to actions that they wouldn't ordinarily perform. Factors such as anonymity, group unity, and the arousal of the crowd contribute to this behavior.
In terms of sports fandom, factors like geographical loyalty and state borders play a significant role in the pattern of college football fandom, where fans are more likely to support their state's teams or teams from neighboring states. This can be attributed to regional pride, cultural similarities, and the influence of local media. The intensity of fandom is often heightened by the success of the teams and the absence of other major sports teams or entertainment sources in the region.
Events like Super Bowl Sunday contribute to the sense of community and shared experience among fans, reinforcing societal values such as competition and consumption.