Can someone give me information on the topic aggression in sports is necessary to a certain extent ?

Question

It can be either for the motion or against the motion as I have to write a debate on it.

Answer 1

There are a number of differing views one can take on the inherent value of sports. Of course, there is the common argument that sports are a vital part of society – an important step in the process of socialization. After all, sports can teach participants some useful lessons. Playing sports allows an athlete to discover the importance of teamwork, the spirit of competition, and the factor of self-esteem.

Yet, there are other arguments that point out the more negative aspects of sports. These tend to focus on how sports can induce aggressive or violent behavior, by both the players and the spectators. An example of such brutality would include riots and/or conflicts that have ensued following a sporting event. Thus, to better understand these and other societal perceptions of sports, a clear definition of aggression is in order.

Essentially, there are two popular philosophies of aggression in sports: the instinct (or catharsis) theory and the frustration-aggression hypothesis. The two theories primarily differ in their definition of aggression. Aside from these theories, and for our purposes, aggression can be defined as “angry violent behavior with intent to hurt a person or cause damage to property” (Frankl 1).

Some important considerations follow from this basic definition. First, it assumes that aggression is an act, rather than a state of being. It also supposes that aggression is intentional, where the intent is to injure. The explanation includes both physical and emotional harm (for a person). Finally, in this definition, deliberate harm to property is also considered to be an aggressive act. Clearly, an alternative interpretation of aggression will presume some assumptions other than these.

The first popular theory, termed instinct or catharsis, differs from the previous definition in its treatment of aggression. The instinct theory is based on the infamous works of Sigmund Freud, who argued that aggression is “an inborn drive similar to sex or hunger” (Frankl 2). Thus, according to Freud, aggression comprises an important part of what makes us human.

The word catharsis is actually Greek, and essentially means “to cleanse” (Frankl 2). Thus, the instinct and/or cathartic theory maintains that aggression, as a natural instinct, should be expressed. Its proponents, therefore, support the release of such inborn aggression in a controlled environment, i.e. a football game. Konrad Lorenz, who later extended Freud’s original hypothesis, even posited that discharging instinctual aggression in positive societal contexts (such as sporting events) satisfies a basic human need.

The frustration-aggression (FA) hypothesis, developed by five theorists in 1939, also disagrees with the more conventional definition of aggression. The FA hypothesis argues that aggression is simply a generic response to frustration (hence the theory’s name). The theory’s premise focuses on the cyclic nature of frustration and aggression. In this respect, frustration leads to some expression of aggression, while acts of aggression are the direct result of frustration.

In instinct theory, aggression is viewed as the consequence of biological instincts; in the frustration-aggression hypothesis, on the other hand, aggression is believed to result from instigation. A current interpretation of the FA model asserts that once an individual acts out his/her aggression, he/she is more likely to act out aggression in the future. So, if an athlete’s aggressive behavior is ignored (or, more dangerously, rewarded), that athlete is more inclined to repeat the conduct in a like situation.

In the end, it is undeniable that aggression is somehow related to sports. The definitive nature of this relationship, however, has yet to be determined. Whether aggression is an innate emotion or a simple reaction to provocation, its mere existence will continue to affect our perceptions of sports and their apparent value to society.

Answer 2

merely excellent frisbee or football. yet i also like tennis, golfing, football, basketball, music, chess, curling, pool, snowboarding, snowboarding, skateboarding, rugby and extra. truly any sport that isnt baseball.