What Role Do Sports Play In Our Society?

People like sports. Whether you play them yourself, or watch your favorite team or athlete, there is probably some sports in your life.

Certainly, there is no denying the popularity. The Super Bowl is consistently one of the highest rated television moments each year. Professional sports are billion dollar enterprises. You may have a jersey or a cap in your closet.

However, other than simple popularity, where do they fit in our society? Is it simple entertainment? Is the identity of a city or a community defined by professional athletes playing a game?

In addition, what sort of responsibility do athletes have to a community? Should they get involved in political issues, or should they simply play the game they are paid for?

Some communities believe that a professional sports franchise is an economic engine, producing jobs and bringing fans with disposable income to a downtown area. Others might describe a team as a financial burden, often extracting tax breaks from a city or county and keeping the majority of income generated for itself. Can both be true?

Sports are important to fans around the world. Some of the most powerful multi-national organizations are sports teams or leagues, and individual athletes are are some of the most recognizable people on the planet.

Ultimately, what is it that these teams provide to us? What role do sports play in our society?

Related questions: What is your favorite sport? Why is it better to watch a sporting event live rather than recorded? Why do people like games? What makes a community?

Simple Or Complex?

Do you believe things are simple, or are they complex? What about the universe as a whole? Do you prefer simplicity or complexity?

Share why if you wish.

Simple Or Complex?

What Trait Is Most Missing From Our Society?

I often hear people lamenting some trait that has gone missing from our society. If we want to go back to happier, more productive days (so the theory goes) we need to return a particular behavior to our national discourse.

For example, some say we need civility. Others might suggest we have a lack of honesty. Or respect, compromise, empathy, or even a willingness to listen.

Is there a particular trait or behavior that we seem to be missing? Which ones do you think are most important to a healthy society?

Related questions: Why are we so antagonistic? What makes a community? Why do we hate? How important is respect? Where is society failing?

Pride Or Humility?

Pride is one of the seven deadly sins; humility one of the seven virtues. But it isn’t bad to have pride in the work that you do, is it? Certainly false humility can’t be good. Which one fits you best?

Pride Or Humility?