this is sports news

2 Questions & Seasonal Chamelonhood (0.00 / 0)

1) Why no politics during sports (I mean other than the obvious)? Does the special, stupid American discussion make you crazy?

(I similarly have to assiduously avoid certain websites and especially the "comments" section otherwise I will not sleep or think of anything else but stupid responses to already stupid responses...)

2) How ya gonna tour the VC material? Or is that not a concern?

3) The only thing I like about organized sports is that it syncs with the seasons, and football in the background of autumn feels alright, and maybe keeps these pig-skin minded joes and jills in tune with bigger rhythms...I wish I "got" it (and y'know, I can watch basketball, and boxing, with some interest) - if for no other reason than it automatically gives you some thing in common with 73% of the rest of the nation - something over and above biological commonalities - and that's cool!

---

by: gsmoss @ Wed Jan 27, 2010 at 16:16:15 PM CST

qa (0.00 / 0)

1. the hosts always have to take this "independent" attitude so they don't alienate viewers, like the left/right sides are equally X or Y-- so it's irritating. They do a great job avoiding politics but when they absolutely can't it is really painful. I have switched to sports for the reasons outlined in your parenthetical, so when it comes up it is almost traumatic to me.

2. I have been thinking about that. Originally, I didn't think of it that way but as I've gotten into the 3rd revision or so it is developing into something that could be played on stage, with a couple narrators (like Peter and the Wolf.)

3. luckily my dad was a sports fan and handed it down to me, so it definitely is my one fortunate touchstone in social reality.

---

by: hhex65 @ Thu Jan 28, 2010 at 00:48:00 AM CST

[ Parent ]

well, (3.00 / 1)

I was watching PTI today and they covered a story about about Johnny Weir removing fox fur from his figure skating costume due to pressure/threats from animal rights activists. Apparently this change was not spurred by enlightenment or a change in philosophical policy but a desire not to have the issue at the forefront to the point of distraction.

"I do not want something as silly as my costume disrupting my second Olympic experience and my chance at a medal, a dream I have had since I was a kid," Weir said.

Weir added that he hadn't used the genuine fur out of ignorance, but out of choice, despite "years of torment from several anti-fur groups in America and abroad."

"I hope these activists can understand that my decision to change my costume is in no way a victory for them, but a draw," Weir said.

Wilbon was openly scornful of the agenda of the activists, and went as far as to make a face or two. I've been thinking about the idea of separating sports from politics and whether that is possible or even a good idea. While I certainly don't begrudge anyone an escape in contests w/o greater consequence (just games), I can't reconcile the idea that sports is somehow separate from politics with the fact the Vikings/Packers game drew 57.9 million viewers. It does seems incredibly strange that even though the sociopolitical is almost a constant undercurrent in sports, coupled with a contemporary 24/7 news cycle that just devours content, that the media typically distances themselves from any sort of divisive position if for any other reason than just to have something to fill all that open air. The mainstream sports media approached the discussion of the Rooney Rule's reappearance via the Carroll hiring with the enthusiasm typically reserved for approaching a wounded badger. While the awkward squirming was terrific it seems so far away from the take an angle and run with it approach utilized in the political round tables and the actual games. Perhaps it's in some ways penance for the martyrdom of Jimmy The Greek and Rush Limbaugh at the altar of the unpopular opinion? Either way it was hard for me not to interpret this quiet as progress. That maybe hiring practices have improved to the point that any open lament would be outside the realm of absolute certainty or overwhelming majority. In that sense the lack of coverage became political.  

---

by: proj(t)ectz @ Tue Feb 02, 2010 at 23:00:54 PM CST

it's ALL political, i think (0.00 / 0)

it ends up that way given as you mention the ratings for the Vikes/NO game: it's a powerful platform-- I just appreciate the fine line they try and walk. I heard that Weir story too, and it only made me interested in finding out more about the guy, the little dig at animal rights activists didn't bother me too much; it's like the occasional Clinton reference you'll hear or whatever.

When they were talking about Mike Vick I thought of a good line, I wondered if you could get away it:

I think Mike Vick could be a stronger QB this time around since he won't be a two-sport athlete.

---

by: hhex65 @ Wed Feb 03, 2010 at 00:28:36 AM CST

[ Parent ]