I think all the examples given to the contrary are telling. its all about exalting handfuls of people who 'got lucky' or just 'have good genes' so they get to b

I think all the examples given to the contrary are telling. its all about exalting handfuls of people who 'got lucky' or just 'have good genes' so they get to be the modern equivalent of gladiators. They are there to distract the average joe, and its very effective. All while, Intellectuals as a group rake in huge amounts of money and power by hooking each other up. We all 'know' that people with college educations have more credibility, respect and influence. The figures thrown around about athletes are pennies, and the token media coverage is meaningless. As I said above athletes and musicians are the modern equivalent to gladiators. Are/were they popular? sure. But they essentially function as a distraction.