America’s Unhealthy Sports Obsession
January 4th, 2006
Make no mistake about it, the United States is obsessed with
sports. It may well be one of our biggest industries:
- We have multiple sports networks on television and radio.
- We publish magazines and books about sports, sporting
events, and athletes. - We manufacture clothing,
toys, appliances, food items, and anything else we can think of with
sports themes, sports team logos, and athletes’ photographs. - Our state and local governments sponsor the creation of giant
sports arenas for professional teams to play in. - People talk about sports on a regular basis. For many,
it’s the bulk of their conversations. - We idolize athletes,
paying them a lot of money to endorse our products and services. - Athletes get scholarships to college, stipends and
other compensation while in college, and special treatment by teachers,
professors, and others. - We create video games to
simulate playing and coaching sporting events. - There is an entire industry of “fantasy” sports
leagues for sports fans to engage in. - People can
bet on various aspects of sporting events and sports-related activities,
legally and illegally.
That’s just what I came up
with quickly off the top of my head. On the one hand, it can be
argued that this is all just harmless fun. No one is
“required” to participate in or watch sports. Some
athletes contribute time and money to worthwhile causes. Sports
teams bring lots of money into local economies and/or schools.
It’s entertainment. Where’s the harm?