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My interpretation of the debate is: what good are the skills acquired via playing competitive sports?
Originally posted by: K.Universe.My interpretation of the debate is: what good are the skills acquired via playing competitive sports?
Originally posted by: Angel-likeDevil
From what I understand, not everything has a practical purpose in the universe 😛
Originally posted by: _Angie_^^ To express and to experience itself. How's that for a purpose?
Originally posted by: _Angie_In fact its the other way round, Several defense personnel have done well in competitive sports because they got the opportunity and support to excel in these fields. The army has taken up the responsibility of grooming their personnel for these events. We have the outcome before us in the field of shooting, wrestling, rowing , archery and weightlifting. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, Gurpreet, Omkar Singh, Dattu Baban Bhokanal are few of the army men who stand testimony to their success.The option of joining the defense or police after the sportspersons have proved themselves in national or international events seems to be less practical.
Originally posted by: _Angie_The glorification is not based on the practical use of the skill developed but on what went into reaching a desired goal. The discipline, dedication, will power and grit that goes into reaching these heights is what is appreciated and glorified . What inpires is the way these people overcame all odds and obstacles to come out winners. I am not aware about people being forced to spend their money to support them. From what I know its being done by willing organisations, govt or non-govt.
Originally posted by: _Angie_I can relate to what you are saying here especially about people going crazy about the games, matches, bouts or any other entertainment for that matter , be it an obsession for watching the first show first day of their favourite actor or going gaga over their favourite pop singer. But that could be because I don't share their interests. They may find some of my activities equally wasteful or eccentric. Overhyped , true but isnt it upto people to decide how they wish to spend their money or time?.
Originally posted by: _Angie_Not all people who are bored would turn destructive but there some who do. Things are fine as long as its done in moderation. Obsession with entertainment does seem wasteful but then there are others who stand to gain from that obsession. Travel, tourism, food, advertising, manufacturing ...and many other industries gain because of the obsessed people's willingness to part with their time and money on such events. It all depends on how we take it. We cannot expect people to stop entertaining or limit their entertainment habits but it could always be put to some good use if we so desire. For instance, lets say you have a group of new recruits from different backgrounds- group activities can be used as an ice breaker. It also helps in team bonding.
Another example - The Kashmiri youth enjoy watching cricket but they tend to watch and cheer the Pakistani team at present. They know they don't stand a chance of being on the P- team. If they are encouraged and given opportunity to be a part of our national or the Ranji teams or the IPL teams, I am positive that we could soon get to see some interesting results. Its not always about winning a match. The greater goal would be the team building or the sense of integration it brings.
Spending time and money on science, research or so many other different things, is going to get us more sustainable growth and development than what the media created hype can bring through sports. Yet, how much attention is paid to scientists or social reformers or people who do great things that directly benefit the society?
Originally posted by: K.Universe.
That would be like me first inventing a game, say cricket, then making up my own rules, then being the batsman, bowler, wicket-keeper, umpire, other fielders, spectators, press, sponsors and TV audience, then playing it for 5 days, and then at the end of 5 days celebrating that I won and feeling sad that I lost.
Sick! Pointless!
I ve observed a lot of kids do it . They don't look sick to me. They seem to enjoy their multiple role playing and inventing their own games and gadgets. Winning or losing doesn't seem to bother them much. Watching them at play could be as interesting as watching a competitive sports if not more. You never know whats coming next. A lone child can often be observed to be role playing a teacher, student, classmates, parents or role playing opposite teams all by herself/himself. . Its about the enjoyment they derive from the different situations and outcome they seem to spontaneously conjure. Wonder if sometimes they come up with a character that seems pretty much disgruntled with everything. It could be their way of exploring those aspects too. Expressing and experiencing different aspects of themselves.
"If a person shows discipline, dedication, will power to master the art of climbing the tallest coconut trees, will people glorify you? He will at least bring down coconuts for you. Or is all the adulation reserved for sports promoted by the media however useless those might be?...
...Somehow all that understanding leaves us when it comes to sport. It is unproductive and watching it hampers productivity, yet going overboard about sports is encouraged.
...Spending time and money on science, research or so many other different things, is going to get us more sustainable growth and development than what the media created hype can bring through sports. Yet, how much attention is paid to scientists or social reformers or people who do great things that directly benefit the society?"
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Lets look at some of the reasons why people love watching sports. Watching the star sportspersons who break world records could feel like watching history in the making. Some of the Olympians achieve physiological feats (useful or not) that 99.999 % of humanity hasn't achieved yet. Some fans tend to ride on the success of their idols. Eg If a gymnast wins a gold medal the Americans can now somehow claim that they are the best as the winner is an American. The most popular spectator sports tend to be the ones we grew up playing . Its nostalgia and feel good factor. Cheering for a common team , booing a common opponent sharing the excitement brings a sort of camaraderie that feels relaxing and comforting.. The outcome of any sporting event is potentially unpredictable. The suspense adds to its appeal. Sharing knowledge or data about a common interest can be a binding force. Spectators feel connected to each other and share the exhilaration of the players. It's a healthy escape from the humdrum of everyday life. The hours spent at the game may not be directly productive but helps the person to temporarily escape an otherwise mundane or stressful life and get back to work with better productivity. There would be many spectators who are leading a productive life at other times and only taking a few hours off . Excitement and depression both can be contagious thus affecting a much larger group than limiting to the spectators themselves. Come to think of it, what exactly are we trying to achieve by a productive life aimed towards growth and development if not a life of happiness and joy! Depriving people of harmless activities that brings joy or happiness in the pursuit of development at some future time doesn't seem justified.. Striking a healthy balance would be preferable IMO.
What about virtual games like Pokmon Go? Overrated or overhyped the tiny bugs have taken over!
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