This year at the Rio Olympics the United States claimed more medals than any other country. This is not abnormal as the United States has been a powerhouse in the games for the past hundred years. One of the main reasons why the US does so well is that sports are part of its public school curriculum. People usually have sports for their high school and not some kind of third party club, like is common in the rest of the world. Sports are Americans' ticket to a college education, unlike most major countries which provide their students with free tuition. In many ways, athletics represent a model for the American Dream; with hard work and determination success can be achieved. In my opinion, sports appear to be more important to American society and culture than almost any other country. Sports were not always a part of public schools. The decision to add them was done in the wake of World War I and II. The reasoning behind it was military readiness. When the government needed to, they did not want to draft overweight and out of shape people. They had to find a fun way for people to willingly exercise on a consistent basis. Sports was their solution and it worked wonders.
Sports are now a huge part of millions of American's lives. We value them far more than they should be. The important thing to keep in mind with sports is that the majority of the time it is just a game. Sometimes sporting events cross over into the political and moral realms, like with segregation back in the sixties. Athletics also have a huge economic impact and are responsible for millions of jobs. Scholarships are also available for top athletes. Sports are a passion and sports are fun. Beyond at though, the accomplishments we achieve in athletic events are virtually worthless. Going back to the Olympics, winning an Olympic medal is a huge personal achievement but it is not life or world altering in any way. Athletics have to potential to teach the participants moral lessons, like teamwork and perseverance, or do the opposite if the coaching staff behaves in a negative way. Although they should be, sports are not inherently good which is unfortunate because that is the main quality that they have going for them. The work of doctors, soldiers, and firefighters saves lives. The work of engineers helps us travel farther, repair quicker, and run more efficiently. The work of business men and women runs our economy. The work of scientists makes it all possible. The work of politicians has the potential to incorporate all of the above. The work of professional and amateur athletes entertains us and may contain a positive moral message. I feel like because of this sports are one of the least important aspects of modern society. Most people would probably agree considering that several of the Olympics have been canceled due to World War I and II.
Someone winning a basketball game and someone who draws a comic sketch are essentially doing the same thing, entertaining and possibly educating. Sports have been propped up more by others though because they are more directly competitive and make better soldiers. They are not changing the world by any great extant. I love sports and they are an important part of our society that should not go anywhere. Although, we have to take the blinders off and see athletic events for what they really are. They are not as valuable to our society as the vast majority of other professions. We need to stop idolizing athletes and making them larger than life because in reality, they just play a game. So the next time you see a teenager win a gold medal and think about how much more they have accomplished than you, just remember that on the grand scale of life, they really have not.
