Is Sport hysteria encouraged by governments to take the general public's mind off the terrible wars and injustices perpertrated by callous and greedy governments? (George Orwell predicted this in 1984)
2006-07-25 23:36:11 · 24 answers · asked by simon2blues 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Of course there is an large element of manipulation, sport of every kind is over publicised, and the sportsmen become much more famous than those who save live or invent useful things.
It's much older than Orwell, the Romans called it Bread and Circuses. It happened in the last stages of the Roman Empire.
It does keep people from making a nuisance of themselves as far as the authorities are concerned, but it takes the guts out of society. If people don't participate or have a stake in society, it is on its way out.
2006-07-27 05:16:03 · answer #1 · answered by comfasinga 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Men don't cry for children maimed because we aren't betting on the outcome.
No sports do not take people's minds off of world affairs anymore than other forms of entertainment. Men like sports for 2 reasons. 1) It's entertaining, 2) Men tend to be competitive by nature, and sports satisfies some of the competitve urges. You are giving governments to much credit, frankly they just aren't original enough for something like what you or Orwell suggest.
2006-07-25 23:45:30 · answer #2 · answered by Bryan 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't cry at either. I'm dissappointed when my favorite team loses because of something I can see was wrong or silly (armchair QB-I know I know). I'm angry at seeing how people treat each other and at myself for feeling so powerless to do anything about it. I can't think of a way to get people to stop. This world has been groomed to be the haves and have nots. This occurs by varying methods-killing,maiming,exploiting seem to be the most effetive methods.
2006-07-26 01:50:18 · answer #3 · answered by frofus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some men (and a few women) get too caught up in supporting their teams but I do think that you are over-simplifying this. Does anyone cry every time they see footage of maimed children? Do women cry more at the death of a fictional character in the soaps than they do at the news.
As for the 2nd question: No.
2006-07-25 23:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by Stammerman! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't lump me into that category. I hate football, but even if I did, I would feel sad at hearing about children being maimed.
2006-07-26 04:36:18 · answer #5 · answered by Michael M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it is more masculine to cry over a ball game!
Yes, I agree, about the George Orwell prediction.
I find it nearly intolerable that our government (USA) has taken us into war! War is never the right answer. It is only a weak response to a failed policy.
Unless, we are literally being attacked, and need to defend ourselves, I do not agree with any war. Or, according to our agreements in the world, we will go to the aid of our allies...
So, war goes on, and on, and on.
What if we threw a party to celebrate world peace, instead?
2006-07-26 00:09:46 · answer #6 · answered by Ro40rd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give me a freakin' break. I'll bet you're even wearing a Packers jersey right now, aren't you? Like you're on the team or something. Are you one of those people who decorates their Christmas tree in their team's colors? And has their team's fight song as the ringtone on their phone? Ridiculous. By the way... I love you! ;-)
2016-03-16 05:36:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats Life
2006-07-25 23:40:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is ridiculous and rather frightening. Our priorities are all wrong. I personally think that a good amount of the huge piles of money that these bl**dy sportsmen get should go to those poor children and other needy causes. The amount they have is obscene!
2006-07-25 23:42:36 · answer #9 · answered by peggy*moo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question, i dont understand how it's ok but it seems to be ok with them!
The complicated way a mans mind works is something i'll never understand!
hehehe
2006-07-25 23:58:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋