Sports in Our Society

[PerpetualImperfexion]

Am I the only one that feels that sports have been put on this pedestal where people think they are like ten times more important than they actually are? For instance I hear my study hall teacher say: "I know a lot of you do sports after school, so it would benefit you to use this time wisely." Since when are sports more important than any other activity done outside of school? I would never hear my teacher say "I know a lot of you play video games after school....", but I fail to see what makes sports more important than, for instance, video games. I understand why people like sports, but I don't understand why people who play them are thought of as gods. Statistically, very few, if any, people in my class, or even my school, are going to be able to use sports as a source of income. If anything the academics of the school should be given recognition for their accomplishments. An education is going get someone so much further in life than them playing a sport.

I'd like to hear other's opinions.

[LouBerry]

I agree. I mean, if people want to waste their time and money on sports, go ahead. But I think it's dumb that someone can be paid 5 million dollars or whatever a season, just for being lucky, yah know?

[Sir Suomi]

As an athlete myself, I try to shy away from the Jock stereotype. I know that Academics are the most important thing for me in the future, although that doesn't keep me from loving sports. Why I think your teachers are singling out athletes is due to the fact that we are taught to represent our school, whether it's inside the classroom, outside of school, or on the field, court, mat, etc. I know it may sound odd, but we're put into a higher standard. Now does that make someone who participates in sports any more important than someone who, as in your example, just plays video games? Hell no.

[workingatperfect]

To be fair, if you're a on a school sport, that's an obligation that you've made, just as any other club would be, or a job. Video games is not.

Also, while I do think education is more important, sports help teach the value of team work, help students to make friends, have been proven to aid in the development of the sense of self in young children, and they promote healthy, friendly competition. It's also a great way to stay active which is important health wise. It also gives kids incentive to maintain their grades. I know football players who, if not for football, would ahve been failing. But in order to keep playing they maintained their grades.

What does bother me though, is when schools spend too much of their budget on their athletic department when it could be used much more wisely. My old school was guilty of that. They focused too much on sports. However, my school not only had the most successful athletic teams, but was number one in the tri-county area as far test scores.

[TheBigUnit]

Am I the only one that feels that sports have been put on this pedestal where people think they are like ten times more important than they actually are? For instance I hear my study hall teacher say: "I know a lot of you do sports after school, so it would benefit you to use this time wisely." Since when are sports more important than any other activity done outside of school? I would never hear my teacher say "I know a lot of you play video games after school....", but I fail to see what makes sports more important than, for instance, video games. I understand why people like sports, but I don't understand why people who play them are thought of as gods. Statistically, very few, if any, people in my class, or even my school, are going to be able to use sports as a source of income. If anything the academics of the school should be given recognition for their accomplishments. An education is going get someone so much further in life than them playing a sport.

I'd like to hear other's opinions.

In all honesty video games are a waste of time (I play lots) some may argue that sports are a waste of time too, but what sports basically is, is that it triggers the innate competitive quality we human beings have, video games do the same thing but it doesn't give you a six-pack nor does give you better social skill nor it help your health in any way unless u do intense exercise with the kinect or wii but who really does that? Your ability to defy the odds on the field is more entertaining than with your thumbs in you basement,I feel sports is much, much more rewarding than any video game, sports make you really fit and healthly looking and generally why people from girls to adults respect that, how many people makes income from video games?

I don't get what your point was with the education part, educations awards and comptetions are out there ,


colleges are more willing to accept athlete either for financial reasons or that it looks good in their transcript, distinguishing themselves from other scholars for their ability to do sports and stay commited and yet ace school, I don't expect anyone to say they say they play video games all the time in their transcripts unless they are applying to RIT or a college like that


That being said are athletes diffrent than anyone else really? Nope



What does bother me though, is when schools spend too much of their budget on their athletic department when it could be used much more wisely. My old school was guilty of that. They focused too much on sports.

That's true, happens here too, tht doesn't help a club I lead

[PerpetualImperfexion]

I agree. I mean, if people want to waste their time and money on sports, go ahead. But I think it's dumb that someone can be paid 5 million dollars or whatever a season, just for being lucky, yah know?

This is where I disagree with you. There is a legitimate demand for skilld athletes, as some people enjoy watching the play. If the demand is so high that people can afford to pay them 5 million dollars, so be it.

As an athlete myself, I try to shy away from the Jock stereotype. I know that Academics are the most important thing for me in the future, although that doesn't keep me from loving sports. Why I think your teachers are singling out athletes is due to the fact that we are taught to represent our school, whether it's inside the classroom, outside of school, or on the field, court, mat, etc. I know it may sound odd, but we're put into a higher standard. Now does that make someone who participates in sports any more important than someone who, as in your example, just plays video games? Hell no.

When I'm in a situation where I can represent my school I try to be on my best behavior, although that's typically the case anyways. It just doesn't make sense that people would assume that people who do sports should be put into a higher standard, even if they do have more chances to represent their school. If that's the case, opportunities should be created for people like me who have no interest in sports.

It also just bugs me how when I say something negative about sports people just hate on me. Its just sad that people think that sports is all that matters. Phrases like "sports are my life" make me cringe. We were legitimately discussing as a class what we couldn't survive without and sports was apparently an acceptable answer. Its just ridiculous.

In all honesty video games are a waste of time (I play lots) some may argue that sports are a waste of time too, but what sports basically is, is that it triggers the innate competitive quality we human beings have, video games do the same thing but it doesn't give you a six-pack nor does give you better social skill nor it help your health in any way unless u do intense exercise with the kinect or wii but who really does that? Your ability to defy the odds on the field is more entertaining than with your thumbs in you basement,I feel sports is much, much more rewarding than any video game, sports make you really fit and health looking and that's generally why people from girls to adults respect that, how many people makes income from video games?


Why are sports regarded as the only way to stay fit? What about generic workouts? Do you know anything about the social aspects of video gaming? I've met people from all around the world through video gaming communities. If anything that variation that comes from a person from a place you know nothing about improves your social skills ten fold. I've noticed that it isn't just that someone does sports either it has to be an in sport. Our wrestling program received almost no recognition compared to the football, basketball, or even the tennis team.

Also, video games were just an example. There are more noble things I could have used as an example that are still regarded as less than sports.

[PinkFloyd]

You make an obligation to your team when you join. Playing video games --- no.

[workingatperfect]

It just doesn't make sense that people would assume that people who do sports should be put into a higher standard, even if they do have more chances to represent their school. If that's the case, opportunities should be created for people like me who have no interest in sports.

I kind of disagree. If your sports teams are respectful and laid back, it's going to reflect well on the entire school. That's what people see - the sports teams, the drama club, etc. People that do things in public forums, as a student of the school, should be put to higher expectations as far as behavior. Students who don't perform or compete aren't in the public eye in their team's uniform, representing the school.

And, opportunities should be provided for you. Science clubs, English Festival, math teams, choir, band, drama. Those are all things that have you in public or interacting with other schools and as a part of those, you're held to the same standard as an athlete.

[Sir Suomi]

If that's the case, opportunities should be created for people like me who have no interest in sports.



Drama Club, Debate Club, Science Fairs, Student Council, Choir, Band, etc. I've a relatively small school, and even we have these things you can become involved with. I'm sure there is much more out there that someone could enjoy. If you can't find any way to represent your school or community, you've obviously not looked hard enough.

[TheBigUnit]

Why are sports regarded as the only way to stay fit? What about generic workouts? Do you know anything about the social aspects of video gaming? I've met people from all around the world through video gaming communities. If anything that variation that comes from a person from a place you know nothing about improves your social skills ten fold. I've noticed that it isn't just that someone does sports either it has to be an in sport. Our wrestling program received almost no recognition compared to the football, basketball, or even the tennis team.

Also, video games were just an example. There are more noble things I could have used as an example that are still regarded as less than sports.

Exercise still can be in the branch of sports,


I know what your talking about but that doesn't help your social skills at all, no offence to anyone in this site but the more "talkative" people here tend to be the most socially awkward,

I do get what you mean though but sports tend to be the more respectable positions,

[Cicero]

I agree. I mean, if people want to waste their time and money on sports, go ahead. But I think it's dumb that someone can be paid 5 million dollars or whatever a season, just for being lucky, yah know?

It's more than just luck, it takes hard work and dedication. Especially football.


Those sport teams are not only representing the school, but the state. If a school is known for being crappy at sports, it would actually damage it's reputation. There is a Catholic School where I live and they are known nation wide to be a top high school football team, many people go to that school just to play football. Football is what they're known for. A schools sports team is something that a whole city can rally behind. Video games don't require hardwork and dedication.

[LouBerry]

I just think it's dumb that I'm going to be a lawyer someday, and in my entire life, I won't make half of what they do in one good season. I know that those people work hard, but they're just celebrities. I mean, I also don't think that actors and entertainers should make what they do. You have people like teachers that pave the way for kids to grow up and do all these things, and they can barely get by. I don't think it's right.

[randomnessqueen]

sports are the only form of entertainment that people are so fanatic about, that if something happens they dont like, they will go on a rampage, destroying property and acting as violent as they do.
its just a game guys

[TheDeepestDepths]

I think the importance of sports developed over the centuries. In the old days sports was one of the few ways poor people could get free entertainment and social interaction, e.g. blowing up a pigs bladder to make a football. Costs nearly nothing and you can get hours upon hours of enjoyment out of it with other people. Poor people wouldn't be able to go the the theater on a regular basis or ever, even going to the pub costs money for drink, and even then the only entertainment you're getting is the social interaction. Because of all this, sports are loved by people all over the world of all generations. Video games don't have the benefit of a long history.

Another reason people involved in sports are so commended is due to the current fear of the younger generations lack of exercise. The reason sports in schools are so advertised is to try and coax children and teenagers into finding exercise is both important and enjoyable. However, every now and then it goes overboard and sports start being more important than anything else. I don't agree that academics should be more important than sports, however. What is someone is a fantastic athlete, but is terrible at academics? Does that make them and their abilities less important then a grade-A student? Of course not, but that doesn't mean that someone obsessive over sports is better than a studious person either.

I believe that people should keep fit and healthy as well as trying their best in school, but should focus and place the most importance on their own personal strengths. Then hopefully society will catch up and realise that neither is more important than the other.

[xmojox]

Could the fact that sports generate a revenue have anything to do with it?

[Human]

If people have special talents, like sports, why should they not be allowed to use them?
Sports keep you healthy, confident and they're fun.

[Bethany]

Sports have an elevated, unnecessary role in our society. They're obsessed over to an extent.

However, they unite people, give them exercise, and inspire them. Plus, watching and participating sports is more beneficial than, well, drugs or crime. Even though it's stupid, going to a baseball game is fun.

[Ballboy]

I agree. I love playing sports but there's way too much attention paid.
I mean sports are for playing. Alright if you like watching but don't keep going on about it like it was life or death. Guys talk and argue about professional football for ages. I don't get it.

[chezhans]

I agree. I love playing sports but there's way too much attention paid.
I mean sports are for playing. Alright if you like watching but don't keep going on about it like it was life or death. Guys talk and argue about professional football for ages. I don't get it.

I absolutely god-send agree with you. That should be a basis for our debating argument this week..oh that's right, no computers allowed! Haha!

[chrisf55]

Am I the only one that feels that sports have been put on this pedestal where people think they are like ten times more important than they actually are? For instance I hear my study hall teacher say: "I know a lot of you do sports after school, so it would benefit you to use this time wisely." Since when are sports more important than any other activity done outside of school? I would never hear my teacher say "I know a lot of you play video games after school....", but I fail to see what makes sports more important than, for instance, video games. I understand why people like sports, but I don't understand why people who play them are thought of as gods. Statistically, very few, if any, people in my class, or even my school, are going to be able to use sports as a source of income. If anything the academics of the school should be given recognition for their accomplishments. An education is going get someone so much further in life than them playing a sport.

I'd like to hear other's opinions.

I fail to see your logic here. Taking sports after school is a legitimate reason to not be able to do homework or have less time to do it. Video games is not something that you have to do, or will get kicked off of if you don't show up for a day. For example, I take football after school, practice takes up 3.5 hours,so naturally, I have less time to study and do homework. But I also like to play video games, so maybe I have a lot of homework one night and don't get to play video games. Nothing will happen, because nobody is expecting you on a video game, and it isn't required to do. But if I miss practice more than one time and i'm not sick or injured, I get kicked off of the team, so it's something that, essentially, is required of me.

[Synyster Shadows]

If you're referring to after-school stuff - it helps with time management, it's good exercise

If you're referring to pro sports - I think it's BS. I'm sure it's all fixed. I don't see why people like pro sports so much. Besides, what good things are they gonna do with 20+ million dollars?

[jayyy-lmao]

Am I the only one that feels that sports have been put on this pedestal where people think they are like ten times more important than they actually are? For instance I hear my study hall teacher say: "I know a lot of you do sports after school, so it would benefit you to use this time wisely." Since when are sports more important than any other activity done outside of school? I would never hear my teacher say "I know a lot of you play video games after school....", but I fail to see what makes sports more important than, for instance, video games. I understand why people like sports, but I don't understand why people who play them are thought of as gods. Statistically, very few, if any, people in my class, or even my school, are going to be able to use sports as a source of income. If anything the academics of the school should be given recognition for their accomplishments. An education is going get someone so much further in life than them playing a sport.

I'd like to hear other's opinions.

I feel this is true in school. The sports players in school a popular, while those of us winning awards for the school in music, or academia, get no recognition.

[Camazotz]

Participating any team/club after school requires active attendance and hard work; it takes up a lot of time. I don't see why teachers' comments of time management is demeaning to those who aren't engaged in obligations. Athletes, workers, club members, etc. all deserve credit for being engaged in community or school functions.

Sports can be a healthy medium for balancing a healthy lifestyle with an activity that is fun to be involved with. Most people don't play high-school sports with the intentions of going pro; it's a dream, but nothing more than something to be involved in. They teach important life lessons that can be useful for a person's future. Other than being over-valued sometimes, sports are, for the most part, a positive thing.