Summary Of The Spartan Phalanx By John Becker

The Spartan Phalanx is a powerful painting created by John Becker depicting the 2011 Michigan State football players as warriors and as Spartans. In its description, John Becker explains that he wanted to create a picture showing the Michigan State football players as a phalanx in Greek marching formation. Long ago, the Greeks used that attack formation to strike fear into their opponents and to show off their organization and stature. I think that Becker was able to create that image by contrasting the vibrant green to the bland white of their pants which in effect, showed off the players’ extensively built bodies and contributed to their formidability. Not only do the colors add to this menacing effect that Becker creates, but the Greek formation
that the players are in contributes as well. It was interesting how Becker was able to convey the materialistic objects in the form of human bodies. For example, the bodies up front look like shields with the hands of some players acting as spears poking out of the crevices of the shields, and the intimidating shadow in the heat of daylight all add up to one thing that proud MSU fans feel: Spartan pride. Looking at this picture reminded me that a 0-38 game against Alabama should not and would not hinder my Spartan pride. As a Spartan fan, I realize that this program has come a long way and under Mark Dantonio’s lead, has become a championship caliber team. But after this blowout, one has to wonder what all those years of preparation have come to. However, looking at this picture gave me hope. That maybe one day, MSU will get another number eight once again, will land a five star recruit for once, and will someday win a championship in the College Football Playoffs. Being a Spartan fan means more than just being a supporter of the team and having Spartan pride. Being a Spartan means that one’s love for the MSU football program and players should be undeniably strong. Sadly, loving this team is a difficult endeavor. After struggling with Kirk Cousin’s departure, we had to wait and hope that Dantonio would pull something off. In 2013, we finally won the Rose Bowl with Connor Cook in the lead. Now with Connor Cook gone, we are left with the same situation that we were in in 2013. However, being a Spartan means fighting through the hindrances that get in our way and finding a way to overcome, and in Becker’s artwork, I believe that it symbolizes why we go through so many ordeals to stick with this team. The determination, pride, and love that is in this football team is why one day, the Michigan State Spartans will prevail.