Sports Fans

[b.k. barunt]

I seem to be missing that crucial element of the human psyche that causes inordinate fascination with watching someone else play a game. WTF? Am i the only one? Is no one else out there dumbfounded by this incredibly boring social phenomenon?


Honibaz

[jonesthecurl]

Never understood the attraction either.

[b.k. barunt]

I have a family member who was a star football player for LSU. He liked my nonsportsfan attitude and referred to the rabid LSU fans as "jock sniffers". LOL.


Honibaz

[Lootifer]

Physical activity is just the manifestation. Competition is the key element.

[muy_thaiguy]

Simple entertainment and another reason to get wasted?

[Crazyirishman]

I think that part of it is watching somebody do something that you yourself cannot do, or do it much better than you ever could is appealing. I mean you can see that type of situation play out with children, some like watching others play the game instead of playing it themselves. Possessing a certain level of apathy can exclude you from this I guess. I agree some people take it too far when they paint themselves and dress up and shit like that, but not everybody falls into that category.

[b.k. barunt]

Physical activity is just the manifestation. Competition is the key element.

I prefer to compete myself, rather than watch someone else compete. I'm unable to play football now or any sport that involves running, but hell, any game - cards, risk, etc. - is better than watching someone else play, unless unless of course i know one or more of the players personally. As far as another excuse to have a good time or party, as MTG said, i'd much rather have a good time doing something with my friends like the poker tournament we had last night. Getting vicarious thrills from someone else's achievements is boring and shallow when it becomes a more than occasional pastime. Just sayin . . .


Honibaz

[jonesthecurl]

I can watch a certain amount of poker on tv - when you can see all the hands, it's quite the learning experience.

[b.k. barunt]

Actually thats the one game i do enjoy watching. As you said, it's a learning experience and anyone else i know that watches it does so for the learning experience. It improves your own game. Quite different from the jock sniffers and their fascination with televised sports.


Honibaz

[Funkyterrance]

It's all about attaching one's ego to a team/player. Most sports fans played the sports themselves at some point(or were at least actively involved) but when they turn into slobs there's only one way to fill the void(see: first sentence of this post).

[Army of GOD]

I'm drunk so this probably won't be as intelligent or decipherable as I want it to be, but what-the-fuck-ever:

I watch it because of the homoeroticism

I don't know brah. I've played sports my whole life and just enjoy watching the best of the best do their job at it. I imagine it's like an aspiring artist look at a Picasso painting.

[Army of GOD]

Actually thats the one game i do enjoy watching. As you said, it's a learning experience and anyone else i know that watches it does so for the learning experience. It improves your own game. Quite different from the jock sniffers and their fascination with televised sports.


Honibaz

This is arguably true for me too though.

I play rugby in college at the moment but still play soccer, football and basketball either in leagues or informally. I pick up things I learn from these sports and use them.

In the end (I hate to say it) but FT is right, it does feed my ego one way or another. But seriously, if you're a guy and not trying to feed your own ego, you're a piece of shit liar. Or a Prussian.


Seriously, f*ck the Prussians.

[Funkyterrance]

I don't know brah. I've played sports my whole life and just enjoy watching the best of the best do their job at it. I imagine it's like an aspiring artist look at a Picasso painting.

Yeah, sucking at sports may be another motivator to attaching your ego to a pro sports team.

[BigBallinStalin]

For many, it's a superior substitute to religion, and it compliments those good 'ol nationalist sentiments.

For some, it's a great way to fall asleep.

[b.k. barunt]

For many, it's a superior substitute to religion,

Interesting observation. I'd have to substitute "church" for "religion" though - the parallels there would be much more consistent and the variables much less.


Honibaz