The Wiener Process

I once read an interview with a prominent intellectual wherein he referred to spectator sports as “training in irrational jingoism.”  The accusation struck me, in part because it is a shocking and seemingly incisive observation, but also because it is an observation that only a huge nerd would make.  I’m fairly certain that when a bunch of homo erectus started kicking melons around, they paid little thought to the potential for inculcation.

The statement “irrational jingoism” also has a pejorative ring that I take exception to.  I would argue that those susceptible to jingoism of sports are made better by distraction (and might benefit from training of any kind). It’s true that professional sports encourage a rainbow of distasteful effects: chief among them the poisonous role models with their celebrity scandals and criminal propensities such as the corruption of steroids – we might enjoy the spectacle of warring gorillas if any of the virtues of athleticism were preserved.

Nevertheless, I reckon spectator sports are a net positive: when we seriously consider the disposition of our race it’s a relief that we have something pacifying to hold our interest.  Moreover, the criticism is ignorant of the curative effects of sports: Israeli/Palestinian football teams or Indian and Pakistani cricket tours spring to mind, and the stage provided to the likes of Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali and Jesse Owens, demonstrating against the ‘irrational jingoism’ of their day.

All this is not to excuse the mindlessness of a life dedicated to spectating, unless one is a worker drone in which case I can think of no better avocation.  As for those with the potential for independent thought, consider the mind only needs to relax and watch sports if it is at other times vigorous.  And, take heed: there is some truth to the “training in irrational jingoism” side of spectator sports, but we can still enjoy them if we are conscious of it, and vigilant.

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