4 ms·

> We actually do celebrate athletes' physical sacrifices. I'm not certain that's quite accurate. It seems that what's celebrated are their accomplishments and

by mmt 8y ago

> We actually do celebrate athletes' physical sacrifices. I'm not certain that's quite accurate. It seems that what's celebrated are their accomplishments and "sacrifices" in the sense of effort and self-denial, but not injuries. The sentiment around brain injuries that professional boxers (and, more recently, American Football players) suffer from isn't what I would characterize as celebratory, for example. Even temporary injuries can be met with disdain by fans of team sports, as it could take the whole team out of the running for that entire season. However, I'm far from intimately familiar with athletics, so I'd genuinely welcome being shown counter-examples.

darkerside 8y ago
That concussion sentiment is very, very recent. Hard hits in football and boxing were absolutely celebrated as a show of dominance. They still are, just with obligatory lip service paid to hoping the player is ok. I don't think disdain is the right word. Disappointment can certainly come into play, but look at any serious injury on the court or the field. What happens when the player is able to limp off, or is even carried off? Applause, sometimes a standing ovation, for the player's physical sacrifice. I believe this is tied into the same primal urges that make us love a compelling war movie (we used to celebrate war much more than we now do as well), or want to work 16 hour days for the chance at striking it rich.
- mmt 8y ago
  > lip service paid to hoping the player is ok. If we're talking about "celebrating", lip service is all I can think of that fits the bill. People enjoying it in the privacy of their own thoughts isn't the same thing. > look at any serious injury on the court or the field. That's why I was asking for counter-example. I don't have this experience. I was hoping for, possibly, media coverage or maybe fan blog posts or videos. > Applause, sometimes a standing ovation, for the player's physical sacrifice. If I were to witness this from afar, I would have no idea what the applause is for, so, again, I'm looking for that evidence. A more charitable interpretation would be that the applause is due to relief that the injury could be walked away from or even gesture of support in recovery.

by mmt 8y ago

darkerside 8y ago

That concussion sentiment is very, very recent. Hard hits in football and boxing were absolutely celebrated as a show of dominance. They still are, just with obligatory lip service paid to hoping the player is ok. I don't think disdain is the right word. Disappointment can certainly come into play, but look at any serious injury on the court or the field. What happens when the player is able to limp off, or is even carried off? Applause, sometimes a standing ovation, for the player's physical sacrifice. I believe this is tied into the same primal urges that make us love a compelling war movie (we used to celebrate war much more than we now do as well), or want to work 16 hour days for the chance at striking it rich.

mmt 8y ago
> lip service paid to hoping the player is ok. If we're talking about "celebrating", lip service is all I can think of that fits the bill. People enjoying it in the privacy of their own thoughts isn't the same thing. > look at any serious injury on the court or the field. That's why I was asking for counter-example. I don't have this experience. I was hoping for, possibly, media coverage or maybe fan blog posts or videos. > Applause, sometimes a standing ovation, for the player's physical sacrifice. If I were to witness this from afar, I would have no idea what the applause is for, so, again, I'm looking for that evidence. A more charitable interpretation would be that the applause is due to relief that the injury could be walked away from or even gesture of support in recovery.