Confronting a Miracle: How Americans adapted a hockey victory into a symbol of national pride

Abstract

This thesis provides an in-depth analysis of the cultural phenomenon known as the Miracle on Ice. The research covers the period from the team's selection in the summer of 1979 to the present-day utilization of their story by those within various culturally significant American institutions. While the game is often remembered as a historic sporting event that profoundly impacted those living during the American Cold War era, this project examines the narrative development of the Miracle, its evolution into a myth, and the diverse ways in which individuals in different contexts have invoked it to meet their needs and interests. By defeating the formidable Soviet hockey team, the young American players not only revitalized a sense of American exceptionalism following a time of disappointment but also established a lasting self-legitimizing myth. As we move further away from 1980, the significance of this victory remains relevant, shaping a nationalistic mythology that continues to resonate with the public.