Structuralism of a Champion

Ferdinand de Saussure has intensely built the term of Structuralism through terms of linguistics. Linguistics has built the image of whatever is popular within the society we live in. With all the accessible technology, our society has not built images of greatness (and poorness) through writing and words but through images posted on either the internet or expanded on television. An example would be that of Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar is both a light weight and mid weight boxing champion who besides making million on both his loses and many many victories, has invested in a large boxing institution in which prospective boxing champions are given the opportunity to emerge hence the nickname “The Golden Boy.”

In the picture posted, we see Oscar looking intently at the viewer through a mirror, shirtless, confident, handsome and strong. Such words to describe Oscar have increased his popularity and reputation. The mere image of him, without the gloves, without the bruises on his face, simply himself in a clean shot depicts such words in many people who know about Oscar. “Language is a system of signs that express ideas…” (Saussure 77). Oscar De La Hoya, the name itself has increased so much in popularity that immediately the image of his face is placed in one’s mind as well as the description of him i.e. champion, loser, etc. “Some people regard language, when reduced to its element, as a naming process only- a list of words, each corresponding to the thing that it names” (Saussure 77). This is true. Whether you believe Oscar De La Hoya is a wussie for allowing Manny Pacquiao an easy victory or a hero for obtaining his millions regardless if he won or lost a fight, nothing takes away the effect De La Hoya’s name has due to popularity and the contribution our society makes to increase the image of him and many other celebrities.

Works Cited

Saussure, Ferdinand de. "Course in General Linguistics." Ryan, Julie Rivkin and Michael. Literary THeory: An Anthology. Berlin: Blackwell Publishing, 1998.