Selective Attention

In one of my classes we discuss the ideology of sport and I noticed when we even discuss sport, it seems as if football and basketball are the main American domineering sports in America, even though I feel and believe baseball should be included as well because it is America's past time and the game and games can be fun if we choose to make it fun. That is a fact! :) So I’ve noticed whenever we discuss sports such as football and certain players I have not heard of that much but all the rest of the class seems to be aware and excited about, I tend to in a way tune out that information because I rather be talking about baseball or at least not have football be the dominating sport. Hockey is a growing sport as well and we are in Sharks territory so that could be brought up more as well, same with soccer which we discuss from time to time as well. This all relates to selective attention because the process I go through stated above is selection attention. Some reasons for selective attention as stated in our text on page 115 is that, "some things are more important than others, we are more likely to listen when the content supports our point of view, expertise or understanding can decrease interest in other viewpoints..." (Harris & Sherblom, 115). I not only agree with reasons because I have experienced each of them throughout my life and also have seen others go through it as well. How I think I can overcome it, for example going back to my personal story/example of selective attention, I can try to pay attention to the sport(s) being discussed more so I can be able to relate to my other classmates enjoyment of it and why my Professor discusses it because they know everyone else can be able to relate, not everyone but the majority of the class. So I feel even when I do not feel hearing about something, I should try to think more open-minded and listen to what and why others have to say on a certain topic I may not either be into as much or am not aware of and be willing to be open about it.