My brother and sister-in-law are visiting this week. So I am experiencing something that is a rarity in my home. Football games!
I take it from the amount of activity and the bits and pieces that I hear that it is an important time in the season… Leading to the big game of the year or season. Since I’m not really following any of it, we decided to go out for dinner and then for drinks. In both the first place we went and then the second; the game was on. In fact the second place it was full-on sport fans, cheering and a bar full of patrons absorbed in the game. So of course we left! 🙂
But it got me thinking about how people rally around sports. How much money is spent on them… Fans buying tickets, clothing, and memorabilia. The owners and players and their salaries. Plus television networks and all the commercials. It is huge business.
Just because I am not interested in football, doesn’t mean I am anti-football. To each his own! However, for the last 24 hours I have been thinking about how amazing it would be if we followed, supported, spent money on and talk about all the positive uplifting things that are happening around the world – in the same way we do sports and entertainment.
If we bought jerseys to support people who are changing their communities; improving the lives of their neighbors, reducing pollution, improving access to water, growing organic sustainable food. Bought tickets to hear people talk about community outreach programs, or to celebrate teachers who are making a difference in the lives of the kids in their classroom.
What if we filled stadiums to cheer on everyday people who are helping or serving others. Not necessarily instead of a sport… But in addition to. More and more kids go hungry in this country everyday… Yet billions of dollars are being spent on a number of different sports. It seems like we could divert a little of our attention and resources to improving the lives of people in this country.
Of course this is not the only area of our lives where money and resources seem distorted or out-of-alignment with our own good. Heck we even use taxpayer funds to finance or as incentives for many of these organizations, some of which are considered ‘non-profit’.., like the NFL. Somehow, this just doesn’t seem to make sense.
And yet, this is the norm. In fact I am sure that those of us who don’t follow any professional sports, are part of a minority. As a part of this minority, who has had a small glimpse into this world this weekend… Personally I would love to see humans direct as much money, resources and attention to quality of life for all and health of the planet, as they do to football. One can dream! Right!?!
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Charles, you are right on, in my humble opinion. I’m not a football fan and intuitively I always knew why, but only recently has the NFL “partially” acknowledged the head injuries and their effect on brain health. The football field is the ONLY place in society EVER that one is allowed, encouraged, rewarded for behavior that would land you in jail if displayed anywhere else. And some people say, “well, they know what they are signing up for….” Well, hey, I don’t believe that football watchers are ever told the number of players who develop brain injury leading to dementia, etc., and use up ALL their money and end up on the public doll. Maybe there is a part of you that knows with natural wisdom and compassion that football is a ridiculous display of brutality. Oh, did I say humble opinion? Well, maybe not so humble.
I had not thought about the tramatic head injuries Darla. Although now that you mention it, seems sad, especially for the young guy who just wants to play the game. Thanks for sharing your humble/not-so-humble opinion and everything in between!
I am in the minority with you Charles. I followed sports when I was younger and drinking alcohol. The two seem to go hand and hand. As far as football is concerned it reminds me of the roman gladiator days when all gathered in a colosseum to watch someone kill the other. In modern times it is acceptable to hurt their opponent. I hate to see anyone get hurt and football, hockey and boxing seem to be a place for the people to take their anger out on the other guys, their whipping post so to speak. It becomes a game of winner vs looser. I personally think that if you made it into the Pros you are already a winner. We need more events to watch where it is a win-win situation. I don’t approve of the NFL being non-profit, they have found a way to hoodwink the Government. Who’s palms are they greasing?
Going in for the win-win! Thanks for sharing Mary!
I love this thought! You are truly onto something here. I, too, would love to see more humans direct their time, money and energy in being of service to others. What a way to lift the vibration in the world! I personally do not dislike sports at all . . . but I do not follow them as I prefer to spend my time feeding my mind and soul with something much more substantial. You are right, we are a minority, which leads me to believe I am definitely on the right path!
I am like you Carri… I don’t dislike them.., they just don’t interest me. I have sisters (hi MJ and Cheri!) who obsessed with Football and Baseball… And they thoroughly enjoy them. Yay… I wish I could say I was spending my time raising the vibration of the planet… But really most of the time I am just not aware these things are happening! So I am being oblivious! 🙂
Beautiful Charles! I am in! I will join. Imagine if we had teams like “Team Feed the Hungry” or “Team Help the Homeless” . I dream if a time when more news outlets devote hours to telling the stories of people making a difference instead of some feel good sound bite once a week. Thanks for the inspiration!
I could think of a few teams too Carol! I like it!
I loved your comments, but I will admit that I do not have the neutrality about sports that you have. The violence that occurs with some sports leaves me a bit of a cynic, and alas I must admit that I am therefore judgmental. It would be grand indeed to see resources, time and attention focused on the ways you described. Yet I wonder why so many Americans seem to relish/accept or take in stride the violence and temper tantrums that are acted out? And why is it that the perpetrators of violence in sports settings are not permanently removed from playing again? This says much about our society, and what it is saying is not, to me, a pretty picture.
All good points Victoria! Thanks for sharing.
SO TRUE I AGREE WITH THIU
Love your comments! So true.
Love it Love it Love it !!!!! Spot right on Charles, Not a foot ball fan either. Whatever your team Charles, I’m on it, count me in.
Yay! Love the camaraderie Jane! Go team!
Such beautiful insight, wisdom and vision! Yes!!!!!
Ah thanks! I feel so supported!