Equality In Competiton Too?

[honedright]

I wonder how many of those who support "equality for all", as in equal outcomes in life, are also fans of athletics? Many here advocate a society where everyone is brought up (or some brought down?) to an equal level; given the same advantages as everyone else regardless of work ethic, ability, or merit. In fact, life itself, just being here, is all the merit that is required for some.

Athletic competition, where there is always a winner, and always a loser, is the absolute antithesis of that view point. It's survival of the fittest, literally. The "Darwinian Society" glorified. I mean, if you are one of those who want everyone to have just as much as everyone else, how can you even stand to watch, let alone financially support through buying tickets, sporting events which epitomize inequality? Wouldn't it be hypocritical to cheer on the winners at the expense of the losers? Especially when the losers may experience real life disadvantage as a consequence of losing?

Consider the real advantages gained by the winners. Especially Olympic athletes and professional sports figures. What with the big endorsement deals, etc. that make them incredibly wealthy and famous, and allows them to buy big houses, fancy cars, luxury vacations. What about all those other athletes who train just as hard, but just don't quite cut it? No money, no fame. Totally unfair isn't it? Do you find it offensive?

Can you stand it? Are your convictions that strong? And do you boycott sporting events?

[gugi]

I'm pretty sure you'll have hard time finding the "equality for all" hypocrites you're looking for. But good luck on your quest and keep the holly hand grenade handy.

[honedright]

I'm pretty sure you'll have hard time finding the "equality for all" hypocrites you're looking for. But good luck on your quest and keep the holly hand grenade handy.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And thanks for your good wishes.

Holly hand grenade - is that a Christmas time party favor or something? It does sound like something Santa's elves might keep on hand.

[Birnando]

Well I guess I'm in for a hand grenade.
'cause I believe in equality, I believe in giving everyone the same advantages in life. I pay my taxes(all 45% of them) happily, knowing that others are benefitting from that money more than I myself do (at least for the time being).
If for some reason people are left behind in this rat race called life, I'm delighted to help out the best way I can.
Even, as you mention in your post, the lazy ones.( but most people falling off of the rat race are not lazy, it's a plethora of reasons for that. Sickness, abuse, unfortunate events beyond their own control. etc.)
Do I want to help get them a Mercedes, a big house, two boats and a 60" flat-screen? No, but a decent, worthy life, yessir.

And yet I love sports. I even do sports myself. participating at a national level even. (well, before this thing called age got to me)
I go watch it all the time.
But I don't see what you are getting at? Are you equalling life to a game of football?
Can one not love sports, and appreciate and admire the achievements by others even if you want whats best for all mankind?

[Blade Wielder]

IMany here advocate a society where everyone is brought up (or some brought down?) to an equal level; given the same advantages as everyone else regardless of work ethic, ability, or merit.

Where is "here"? On this message board? Are you addressing anyone in particular?

Athletic competition, where there is always a winner, and always a loser, is the absolute antithesis of that view point.

No offense, but you clearly have a very simplistic understanding of "that viewpoint" if all you're able to interpret is this black and white little vision. Even the most popular Utopian fantasies (and yes, they are fantasies, for the most part) do not assert that everyone is on a completely equal playing field; that every game of chess has to end in a stalemate, followed by a handshake and a cup of tea.

It's survival of the fittest, literally. The "Darwinian Society" glorified. I mean, if you are one of those who want everyone to have just as much as everyone else, how can you even stand to watch, let alone financially support through buying tickets, sporting events which epitomize inequality?

Quite embarrassingly, you're confusing the notion that we as a people have certain basic and inalienable human rights with Darwin's notion that physical prowess and adaptability is tantamount to long-term survival.

Consider the real advantages gained by the winners. Especially Olympic athletes and professional sports figures. What with the big endorsement deals, etc. that make them incredibly wealthy and famous, and allows them to buy big houses, fancy cars, luxury vacations. What about all those other athletes who train just as hard, but just don't quite cut it? No money, no fame. Totally unfair isn't it? Do you find it offensive?

Can you stand it? Are your convictions that strong? And do you boycott sporting events?

I don't find it offensive. I'd love to be a filthy rich athlete with multi-million dollar endorsement deals, and maybe even a hot viking-woman of a wife. And then, just for fun, I'd probably cheat on her with as many hussies as I could find, cause a big scandal, and then, just when everybody thought all was lost, I'd use my superior athletic skills to wow everyone once again, and I'd reclaim my throne!

[AussiePostie]

Hate to disapoint you Honedright, but there is equality in sports,it is called grading. Let us use Fomula 1 racing as an example, sure there are winners and losers but because these are the best at what they do, that gap is actually small. Sure the winner makes a mighty fine salary, but even the losers are doing pretty darn well in the salary department.

[BAMARACING8]

funny you mention boxing look how big the following for the UFC is....talk about two people whooping the hell out of each other....i wouldnt be surprised if there is some human rights organization condeming that....

[AnarchoPhil]

funny you mention boxing look how big the following for the UFC is....talk about two people whooping the hell out of each other....i wouldnt be surprised if there is some human rights organization condeming that....

I think John McCain tried to do something about UFC type events... maybe I'm wrong though but someone in government did.

[JimmyHAD]

When I was a kid I lived near, and frequented , a gym where famous pro boxers trained. Growing up and, years later, seeing the damage that was done to them, I can't enjoy watching two men fight it out. It is the purest sport IMO but the price the practitioners pay is too high AFAIC,

[Desdinova]

funny you mention boxing look how big the following for the UFC is....talk about two people whooping the hell out of each other....i wouldnt be surprised if there is some human rights organization condeming that....

I would think the UFC is less damaging to participants.

Most fights end on a submission. Fights are short and sweet.

Boxing can go on for some time with repeated head blows. UFC has far fewer head shots than boxing. Most strikes are against the legs.