Non-ignorant athlete/sports fan here- please read

[Sergey]

I guess he left. I always get what I want.

[Earl]

I guess he left. I always get what I want.

But heâ??ll be back next weekend, if not sooner.

A bit of fatherly advice ( which I feel qualified to give, since Iâ??ve raised two teenagers): Sergey and SportsGuy92, I sense that there may be personal animosity between the two of you. Iâ??m sure both of you like to argue, and thereâ??s nothing wrong with a heated debate. But Iâ??m beginning to think that this might have become personal. Why donâ??t you two declare a temporary truce and try to get to know each other? As dopey as this may sound, Iâ??m serious. Why not? Think of it as a learning experience. Your argument over sports and video games is almost pointless. You each have your own preference. Thereâ??s no point arguing over oneâ??s preference. The two of you might discover that you have some other interests in common. Please give my suggestion serious consideration.

You can send e-mails to each other or use the PM (private message) feature of the forum. That way, you wonâ??t be writing for an audience. This website provides an excellent opportunity to find new friends. Since I started posting at this website in February, both Ray (who e-mailed me first) and Fat Man have become friends of mine. I would say close friends. This is a great opportunity to find a new friend. You might be surprised.

Sergey, I know how you feel about â??jocksâ? because I felt the same way when I was your age. I especially resented football players. I felt so strongly about it that I wouldnâ??t attend the University of Texas in Austin with my best friend because I couldnâ??t stand â??big-timeâ? college football. For years I felt like football players had nothing in common with me. But when I was in my early 20s, I discovered there were some who shared my political views. One of my political heroes was a state legislator who had played college football. When he ran for Congress in 1976, I drove over to his law office and gave him a monetary contribution. He actually came out to greet me (not that I expected him to) and later mailed me a handwritten letter thanking me for my contribution. Most politicians will send out form letters instead. In 1981 I came across an article written by a sociology professor who had also played football at the university he attended. In his article he expressed views that indicated that he was not a mindless sports fan. I gave him a long-distance call to talk to him about the anthology of sociological essays that he had co-authored with another writer. I continued to call him. When I told him that I was prejudiced against football players, he said, â??I can understand why.â? We have been friends ever since. He has helped expose corruption in some university football programs. The point Iâ??m trying to make is that I started looking for individual players who did not fit the negative stereotype that I believed in. SportsGuy92 is a far cry from others whose names I wonâ??t mention. You say that every athlete youâ??ve met is an idiot. Iâ??m sure youâ??ve met some real jerks. But if both you and SportsGuy92 are willing to have a civil conversation in private, you might discover that heâ??s not an idiot.

Of course, I may have just succeeded in irritating you both.

[Sergey]

We know each other now.

[Earl]

But perhaps not as much as you think. I think both of you are feeling defensive. He has indicated that there is more to him than just his participation in sports. I know he started off being a little cross with you because he felt like he was being insulted by this website. I can see why he would. If he doesn't feel like he needs to defend himself for liking sports, he might meet you half way. Perhaps I am wrong, but I could be right. I just don't think you two really know each other, any more than I know any of the other members of this forum (besides Ray and Fat Man).

[SportsGuy92]

I guess he left. I always get what I want.

But heâ??ll be back next weekend, if not sooner.

A bit of fatherly advice ( which I feel qualified to give, since Iâ??ve raised two teenagers): Sergey and SportsGuy92, I sense that there may be personal animosity between the two of you. Iâ??m sure both of you like to argue, and thereâ??s nothing wrong with a heated debate. But Iâ??m beginning to think that this might have become personal. Why donâ??t you two declare a temporary truce and try to get to know each other? As dopey as this may sound, Iâ??m serious. Why not? Think of it as a learning experience. Your argument over sports and video games is almost pointless. You each have your own preference. Thereâ??s no point arguing over oneâ??s preference. The two of you might discover that you have some other interests in common. Please give my suggestion serious consideration.

You can send e-mails to each other or use the PM (private message) feature of the forum. That way, you wonâ??t be writing for an audience. This website provides an excellent opportunity to find new friends. Since I started posting at this website in February, both Ray (who e-mailed me first) and Fat Man have become friends of mine. I would say close friends. This is a great opportunity to find a new friend. You might be surprised.

Sergey, I know how you feel about â??jocksâ? because I felt the same way when I was your age. I especially resented football players. I felt so strongly about it that I wouldnâ??t attend the University of Texas in Austin with my best friend because I couldnâ??t stand â??big-timeâ? college football. For years I felt like football players had nothing in common with me. But when I was in my early 20s, I discovered there were some who shared my political views. One of my political heroes was a state legislator who had played college football. When he ran for Congress in 1976, I drove over to his law office and gave him a monetary contribution. He actually came out to greet me (not that I expected him to) and later mailed me a handwritten letter thanking me for my contribution. Most politicians will send out form letters instead. In 1981 I came across an article written by a sociology professor who had also played football at the university he attended. In his article he expressed views that indicated that he was not a mindless sports fan. I gave him a long-distance call to talk to him about the anthology of sociological essays that he had co-authored with another writer. I continued to call him. When I told him that I was prejudiced against football players, he said, â??I can understand why.â? We have been friends ever since. He has helped expose corruption in some university football programs. The point Iâ??m trying to make is that I started looking for individual players who did not fit the negative stereotype that I believed in. SportsGuy92 is a far cry from others whose names I wonâ??t mention. You say that every athlete youâ??ve met is an idiot. Iâ??m sure youâ??ve met some real jerks. But if both you and SportsGuy92 are willing to have a civil conversation in private, you might discover that heâ??s not an idiot.

Of course, I may have just succeeded in irritating you both.

I like video games too, and I have nothing against people who are into sci-fi, anime, etc., I just find it ridiculous that anyone would think those are more worthwhile activities to play or watch than sports.

[SportsGuy92]

I'd like to rephrase what I said, because it sounded more offensive than I meant it to be. There is nothing wrong with being into sci-fi, anime, or fantasy type of stuff. There is also nothing wrong with being disinterested in sports. There is something wrong, however, when you can't understand why people enjoy sports and believe it has no benefits to society; and there is certainly something wrong when you can't at least appreciate what an athlete has to go through to make it to the top.

[greencom]

I'd like to rephrase what I said, because it sounded more offensive than I meant it to be. There is nothing wrong with being into sci-fi, anime, or fantasy type of stuff. There is also nothing wrong with being disinterested in sports. There is something wrong, however, when you can't understand why people enjoy sports and believe it has no benefits to society; and there is certainly something wrong when you can't at least appreciate what an athlete has to go through to make it to the top.

SportsGuy92,
Everybody has to go through a lot to make it to the top, what makes an athelete so special? When a doctor makes it to the top lives are saved, when a detective makes it to the top crimes are solved, when a scientist makes it to the top wonderous new technology is developed etc..etc. When an athlete makes it to the top who benefits, himself, his bank account and the team's owner, so screw them all, they are worthless to society as a whole. Oh yeah, many times the athlete's drug supplier also benefits. In short, I don't care what an athlete goes through to make it to the top and I cannot figure out why any body does, I've tried but I can't.
Greencom



Greencom

[Earl]

Even though I'm not a sports fan, I can appreciate what an athlete has to go through to make it to the top (just as I would hope that some sports fans wouldn't be so dismissive of "nerds" in those areas in which they excel). As far as I can tell, it's a combination of self-discipline and good genes. As to the question of who benefits when an athlete makes it to the top, that depends upon the individual athlete. Some squander their wealth or keep it all to themselves (except for taxes they have to pay) while others contribute to or even set up charities that benefit others. Please don't anyone misunderstand. I'm not about to become a sports fan. I'm still a critic of the sports culture, and will never want to watch any spectator sports. As the tired cliche goes, to each his own.

[Earl]

I'd like to rephrase what I said, because it sounded more offensive than I meant it to be. There is nothing wrong with being into sci-fi, anime, or fantasy type of stuff. There is also nothing wrong with being disinterested in sports.

SportsGuy92, without meaning to sound dumb, I appreciate the effort you make to be considerate of the feelings of those who are not interested in sports.

[Sergey]

*Yawn* well I've decided I'll get Starcraft 2. I'm also getting Red Faction Guerrilla. I want money for playing those games!

[SportsGuy92]

SportsGuy92,
Everybody has to go through a lot to make it to the top, what makes an athelete so special? When a doctor makes it to the top lives are saved, when a detective makes it to the top crimes are solved, when a scientist makes it to the top wonderous new technology is developed etc..etc. When an athlete makes it to the top who benefits, himself, his bank account and the team's owner, so screw them all, they are worthless to society as a whole. Oh yeah, many times the athlete's drug supplier also benefits. In short, I don't care what an athlete goes through to make it to the top and I cannot figure out why any body does, I've tried but I can't.
Greencom



Greencom

1. I meant no disrespect to doctors, detectives, scientists, or anyone else.

2. Even if you don't like sports, you have to admit that becoming one of the best at anything is quite an accomplishment.

3. You stereotyped all top athletes as being rich, and they're not. At least in America, there are only 4 major sports leagues: MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL. What about swimming, track, gymnastics, and the numerous other Olympic sports where athletes are strictly amateurs?

4. If you go back to my first post, I did say that as a whole, pro athletes are paid far too much.

5. "screw them all, they are worthless to society as a whole." Do you have any idea how many athletes are involved in giving back to the community? An equal amount, if not more, than other kinds of celebrities.

6. "Many times an athlete's drug supplier also benefits." This is an even more ridiculous stereotype than the "all athletes are rich" one you used. Most athletes don't, never have, and never will use performance enhancing drugs.

[Sergey]

SportsGuy92,
Everybody has to go through a lot to make it to the top, what makes an athelete so special? When a doctor makes it to the top lives are saved, when a detective makes it to the top crimes are solved, when a scientist makes it to the top wonderous new technology is developed etc..etc. When an athlete makes it to the top who benefits, himself, his bank account and the team's owner, so screw them all, they are worthless to society as a whole. Oh yeah, many times the athlete's drug supplier also benefits. In short, I don't care what an athlete goes through to make it to the top and I cannot figure out why any body does, I've tried but I can't.
Greencom



Greencom

5. "screw them all, they are worthless to society as a whole." Do you have any idea how many athletes are involved in giving back to the community? An equal amount, if not more, than other kinds of celebrities.

Bill Gates...

[greencom]

Sports Guy 92,
1) I would hope that you respect them, we need them

2) Again making it to the top is hard for anyone, sports is not special.

3) I'm mostly referring to the pro players, most are wealthy. The amateurs, even dumber to be an athlete with no money involved, double dumb, who benefits?

4) Agreed

5) No I don't know, how much do they contribute?

6) Pro athletes stereotype themselves, for such a tiny percentage of the public they generate an enormous amount of crime ( NFL and NBA mostly).

I don't think you realize how much damage pro sports has done to our society. A vast number of inner city kids think that they will be in the pros someday when you and I know that only a tiny fraction of them will. When reality sinks in for them they are left with a poor education, no real skills and headed for the slammer because they were never encouraged to pursue anything intellectual. It's not cool to be smart because sports is the only thing they target as a goal, it's not real and it's a trajedy that will destroy this country from within. You endlessly defend athletes and athletics as something noble, it isn't, it's stupid fluff. There are many people in my town alone that give to charities and worthwhile institutions some give more than they can afford and they are not athletes. What makes an athlete that gives some of his enormous wealth away any better than these people? Athletes should give ,they take so much away in dumbing down the public. They will never be able to give away enough to undo the damage they have done , and they continue to lower our standing in the world because sports fans continue to worship at the feet of athletes. The fans are just as much to blame as the pro players. Wise up kid, don't be a drone, think for yourself!

Greencom

[SportsGuy92]

Sports Guy 92,
1) I would hope that you respect them, we need them

2) Again making it to the top is hard for anyone, sports is not special.

3) I'm mostly referring to the pro players, most are wealthy. The amateurs, even dumber to be an athlete with no money involved, double dumb, who benefits?

4) Agreed

5) No I don't know, how much do they contribute?

6) Pro athletes stereotype themselves, for such a tiny percentage of the public they generate an enormous amount of crime ( NFL and NBA mostly).

I don't think you realize how much damage pro sports has done to our society. A vast number of inner city kids think that they will be in the pros someday when you and I know that only a tiny fraction of them will. When reality sinks in for them they are left with a poor education, no real skills and headed for the slammer because they were never encouraged to pursue anything intellectual. It's not cool to be smart because sports is the only thing they target as a goal, it's not real and it's a trajedy that will destroy this country from within. You endlessly defend athletes and athletics as something noble, it isn't, it's stupid fluff. There are many people in my town alone that give to charities and worthwhile institutions some give more than they can afford and they are not athletes. What makes an athlete that gives some of his enormous wealth away any better than these people? Athletes should give ,they take so much away in dumbing down the public. They will never be able to give away enough to undo the damage they have done , and they continue to lower our standing in the world because sports fans continue to worship at the feet of athletes. The fans are just as much to blame as the pro players. Wise up kid, don't be a drone, think for yourself!

Greencom

As far as amateur athletes go, they play sports for the love of the game, and a chance to represent their country in the Olympic Games. I cannot think of any other single event that has done more to promote global unity than the Olympics. Yes, there have been some political boycotts over the years, but the Olympics have been able to bring people from all over the world together through sports and remind us we're not as different as we sometimes think we are.

You said that pro athletes stereotype themselves when it comes to steroid use. Well, just because it's a scandalous behavior that receives great media publicity for the shock factor, doesn't mean it's something you should assume all athletes are involved in. The same goes for politicians and their many sexual infidelity scandals, as well as the Catholic priest child abuse scandal. It sounds like you're the one who needs to think for himself, and stop buying into stereotypes.

Sports have allowed many inner city kids to make a better life for themselves, however I do agree that far too many see it as the only way out. But this has nothing to do with sports themselves, it has to do with much greater problems with the anti-intellectual inner city culture. Many of these children grow up without a father and/or a positive role model for them.

What kind of damage have athletes done that "they will never be able to give away enough to undo"? Yes there are jerks in sports but must of them are decent, upstanding citizens who realize they are lucky to be in their situation. You make it sound like they are some kind of terrorists or people who commit genocide. Yes a small minority of sports fans take it too seriously, but for most it is just another form of entertainment, like movies, music, or TV. Liking sports does not dumb anyone down, and if you honestly believe that you need to get over yourself and quit it with your snobbery.

Finally, DON'T YOU EVER ACCUSE ME OF BEING A DRONE just because I like sports. Nobody ever forced me into liking sports, and the same goes for all other sports fans. Quit thinking you're above any of us just because your interests happen to be "unpopular". If what you or I enjoy is considered "popular" or "unpopular", than so be it. Neither of us is making those choices against our will.

[Sergey]

I prefer video games over P.E. and sports alike. I hate physical activity.