Spectator sports are for us what the gladiatorial games were for the ancient Romans. They keep us occupied and more or less content with our lot. They give us something to focus our emotions on other than overthrowing our pointy-headed leaders. Spectator sports came into existence for the same reason that the gladiatorial games came to be -- because too many people in society had too little necessary work and too much free time. Human beings who are fully engaged in a healthy society have little time or interest in spectator sports.
Yes, they are there to distract us only and to quell thoughts of rebellion against the state. If you research the Roman gladiator games you will find that many were against their brutality. They were not the celebrated activity portrayed in movies. But sports can also be good in that they serve as a rite of passage for fathers and sons.
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ardvarcus ago
Spectator sports are for us what the gladiatorial games were for the ancient Romans. They keep us occupied and more or less content with our lot. They give us something to focus our emotions on other than overthrowing our pointy-headed leaders. Spectator sports came into existence for the same reason that the gladiatorial games came to be -- because too many people in society had too little necessary work and too much free time. Human beings who are fully engaged in a healthy society have little time or interest in spectator sports.
NakedWarrior ago
Yes, they are there to distract us only and to quell thoughts of rebellion against the state. If you research the Roman gladiator games you will find that many were against their brutality. They were not the celebrated activity portrayed in movies. But sports can also be good in that they serve as a rite of passage for fathers and sons.
bushka ago
I've always thought of watching sports as trying to live vicariously.