Televised Sports and Lack of Understanding

Sports are on TV a lot. The networks totally devoted to sports are at times like news stations with the panel discussions and expert opinions. I do not get it. Why do so many people love to watch sports on TV so much? At times I feel like I must be missing something but then as I try to spend time watching a football or baseball game, I lose interest immediately.

It is not that I hate sports because I like to play golf, basketball, football, softball, soccer and bowling. I have played racquetball, tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes, etc. but when it comes to watching sports, forget it. It seems to be a total waste of time.

To explore this deeper: why do so many become engrossed in a pro football, basketball or baseball team? The team is usually representative of a city and of course most of the fans are also from that city. Do these fans project themselves as winners if their team wins? Are they losers if the team is unsuccessful? Why do the fans become so excited with a good play or when they are triumphant?

Here is another question. What is it with NASCAR or for that matter any car race? Why do fans become energized when their favorite driver maneuvers their car better than others? A car race is simply cars going around and around isn’t it? It is beyond my reasoning to understand how that can relate to such elation and devotion by so many people.

I realize this is my problem about this topic. A single article is not going to change anyone’s mind but I would like to understand it. Perhaps it has to do with men and their difficulty to communicate. Sports are an easy and safe issue to talk about that creates friendships, comradeship, and avoids talking about real feelings. Sure the discussion can bring in emotions such as loving or hating a player, coach, play, etc but that is still safe. It is an opinion that really does not have negative side to it.

These feelings of mine come out more often at this time of the year. There are the championship games in baseball that end with the World Series. College football is really big right now and even my Alma Mater, the University of Illinois, is creating a lot of excitement.

The place where I get my hair cut has a TV for each chair and a big screen in the waiting area. They are always on the sports channels. Today a father and son were talking about a Michigan State game and had it all analyzed. I had to wonder if I was missing something since I could care less. I wondered if this family ever got down to talking about serious matters.

So the question then becomes: what are the serious matters? Is there really a good answer? I think so. We should be concerned about other people more than about sports. We should be respecting others, caring for others’ feelings and expressing our own thoughts so there are no doubts in the minds of those we love and who love us. I confess to being very quick with the list of what is important but could improve my communication skills with loved ones.

How about questions dealing with the spiritual side of our existence? Many would say there is no spiritual side. I disagree and probably should address that subject in a separate piece. This year there are many economic issues to understand. Are we caring about what is happening in our country and with the upcoming election?

I would like to understand the draw to sports viewing. Perhaps I can be shown what I have been missing but I really believe those that spend many hours watching TV and the internet for sports action are the ones really missing out on life. At least the viewers are providing an excellent lifestyle to a bunch of professional athletes.