John J. MacAloon with Amy August: A Curated Reflection and Ongoing Conversation

Abstract

A few years ago, Doug Hartmann and I were talking about what a profound influence John J. MacAloon had had on each of our careers and research interests, and noting that our mutual mentor was nearing retirement, we felt that he deserved to be recognized for the groundwork he laid not just for his students but for the field of Olympic studies as a whole. We suspected that many of his other students, colleagues, and collaborators, like ourselves, would also want Professor MacAloon, great teacher and field-shaping thinker that he is, to put his contributions in context, to reflect on what he has accomplished and what important work remains for the future, in order for us to more resourcefully take up the torch. So, we devised a plan for a conclusion to this volume that would let him have the last word.This conclusion is a text compiled from a variety of sources: several informal conversations between MacAloon and me over the past few years; an extended formal, transcribed interview, and his written responses to the questions that arose from these dialogues. It also draws on his works and makes reference to his Masters of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) lectures. Topically, it focuses on his understanding of methods, disciplines, communitas, and the future of the Olympic Movement. I hope and trust it is a fitting conclusion to this volume and will serve as a springboard and resource for others in the years to come.