Why do we love sports? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Why do we love sports?

You have a favorite, but do you know why?

13
Why do we love sports?

In the workplace, at a social gathering, in the cafeteria, at the gym, on the couch at boyfriend’s house, or on T.V. sets flashing at restaurants, sports hold a crucial part of our entertainment routine. But what is with this phenomenon? Why are we gaga over this ritual of physical activity?


Since the Greco-Roman times, physical heroism has been exemplified in the many types of athletic activities like the Olympic and gladiator games where all males regardless of rank would compete for the reward. Winning something would render recognition and dominance in terms of power, potency, and even god-like attribution. But that has changed since – or has it? We are appalled at how the ancients held spectacular circuses wherein death was certain. It was okay for some to die for the amusements of others. We don’t necessarily do that anymore, but are we not overly enthused by our favorite teams and players when they score? Do we still not idolize the best players in the team? Do we not ill-talk the opponents when they smear failure over our beloved sportsfolk?

We have just become civilized barbarians. Oxymoron, right?

My point is not to criticize our society as cultured sport fanatics or that our predecessors were better or worse. My aim is to question the zealotry surrounding sports. The fundamental question, then, is not why should we enjoy sport; rather, it is why do we enjoy sport? Where sports are entertaining to watch and stimulating to participate in, I do not know what explains our deep, long-standing attachment to it.

Do you know what drives you to watch? What drives you to play? Or are you joining the crowd who knows not what they are actually cheering for? (The person? or team? or nation? or sport? or innate embodiments of heroism? Or historical celebration of ritual?)

We all have our favorites and people dedicate entire lives to it and for it. They simply state they ‘love’ their sport, but never dig deep to find out why. So if you are an athlete or simply a sports fan, ask yourself the big WHY. Sometimes, knowing answers to trite questions can be like soul-discovery. Maybe then, you will gear direction and more passion towards something you truly know about.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180928
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7857
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452949
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23568
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments