2008 Woodie Awards
Alumni Column
Sports as an Integral Part of Society
Neil Abbott
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Commentary
As the holidays recede into the rearview mirror and the Chenango Valley unleashes its annual blast of winter, a majority of the Colgate population, along with a majority of the American population, will turn their attention to an event that has become an iconic part of American Culture. February 3, 2008. The Super Bowl.
The game itself will be irrelevant to many who watch and participate socially. Even Americans who do not watch football regularly will likely be watching. With the exception of the fans of the two teams actually playing (and gamblers), the outcome of the game is not a concern. However, a vast majority of the populace will feel the need and desire to be part of something that has become an important element of the American social fabric. Colgate students will gather in dorms, fraternities and sororities and private parties to do what sports fans do; drink, (no alcohol under 21!), eat and watch a sporting contest.
Similarly, the attention of the world will be focused on the Beijing Olympics next August and the Soccer World Cup in 2008.
What fuels the passions and the attention of so many people?
Is this focus on athletic competitions in the countries of the world a consequence of the global explosion of media and the Internet Age?
Archaeological studies of ancient societies have revealed the existence of competitions amongst their citizens since the beginning of recorded history.
The ancient Mayan, for example, had a ball competition in a walled court that featured a form of lacrosse/basketball with the idea of stuffing a ball or some other round object (some scholars theorize it may have been an opponent's head) into circular holes located at each end of the court.
The recovered evidence indicates the losing team in such competitions may have suffered the ultimate penalty for losing: death, with the bodies thrown into a water filled pit. One such site in Mexico had the pit drained and multiple skeletal remains were found. It is safe to assume the coaches of squads involved in such competitions had little trouble motivating the players to try their best.
The game itself will be irrelevant to many who watch and participate socially. Even Americans who do not watch football regularly will likely be watching. With the exception of the fans of the two teams actually playing (and gamblers), the outcome of the game is not a concern. However, a vast majority of the populace will feel the need and desire to be part of something that has become an important element of the American social fabric. Colgate students will gather in dorms, fraternities and sororities and private parties to do what sports fans do; drink, (no alcohol under 21!), eat and watch a sporting contest.
Similarly, the attention of the world will be focused on the Beijing Olympics next August and the Soccer World Cup in 2008.
What fuels the passions and the attention of so many people?
Is this focus on athletic competitions in the countries of the world a consequence of the global explosion of media and the Internet Age?
Archaeological studies of ancient societies have revealed the existence of competitions amongst their citizens since the beginning of recorded history.
The ancient Mayan, for example, had a ball competition in a walled court that featured a form of lacrosse/basketball with the idea of stuffing a ball or some other round object (some scholars theorize it may have been an opponent's head) into circular holes located at each end of the court.
The recovered evidence indicates the losing team in such competitions may have suffered the ultimate penalty for losing: death, with the bodies thrown into a water filled pit. One such site in Mexico had the pit drained and multiple skeletal remains were found. It is safe to assume the coaches of squads involved in such competitions had little trouble motivating the players to try their best.
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