For the “most part” and in general practice I have no qualms with sports. Nor the athletes who play them, events, fans, franchises, merchandising or films with sporty themes. It is understandable and acceptable if you enjoy them, whether from the bleachers or field perspective. As long as you understand and accept from your spectating or playing P.O.V. that some of us do not care. So go watch and play your games and we’ll go over here and do whatever it is we do.
“They’re not games, they’re sports!”- retorts a sports fanatic. Ah, now there’s a common misconception of reality. First of all, what part of not caring do you not comprehend? Secondly- yes, they are games. True, a game becomes acknowledged as a sport when it involves physical exertion and skill, competition, and is governed by a set of rules. But still, it’s just a game. One that is considered sport by popular demand and majority consensus.
But whether game, sport or skidamarink a dinky doo is irrelevant (3rd time- don’t care). In the grand scheme of things, it is truly a matter of perspective opinion. What is relevant is that sect that falls on the outer limits of the previously mentioned “most part”. Because a problem does arise when you encounter obsessive individuals who consider sport to be the deciding structure for all life’s endeavors. Those who believe that constant consuming competition is the major meaningful merit of men.
Many moons ago I suffered an encounter with such an individual in the workplace.10 years my junior, arrogant, egomaniacal, racist and dead set on incorporating his competitive nature into our situation. My perspective was that we were supposed to be on the same team, maybe become friends. Yet he persisted that we must compete to establish superiority.
His constant challenge was to – pick a sport… pick any sport, and I will beat you! After much persistence and boredom of repetition on my part I submitted. Archery? Target shooting? Bowling? He declined all these as sports. Really? Tell that to any archer, bowler or firearm aficionado when armed with the tools of their game.
The fact of the matter was he was admittedly athletically gifted in a select set of sports, primarily team ones. But looking around I pointed out I had no team on hand. Besides he seemed the type whose definition of competitive is- We’ll play till I win! Yeah… screw that noise.
So, his need for self-gratification went unanswered. But his persistence did not and proved to have deeper roots. Challenges turning to proclamations of how- African Americans and Hispanics were more athletic than Caucasians. Seriously, I won’t play with you so now you’re baiting me into a sports related racial argument? Noise screwed once again.
Persistence does not always pay off, but if his goal was to piss off- achievement reached. Was I upset because he could (by my forfeit) beat me in sports stuff? Nope! Was it because other races were better at sports stuff? Nope! Was it because he wouldn’t shut the f*** up and would definitively lose if we played the quiet game? Bingo! How else can you say- I don’t care! Fortunately, the company went bankrupt, we went our separate ways, and the constant harassment ended.
Over time most of his competitive hate has been lost to memory. But one sideways insult he quoted on the regular has lingered due to its implicated hilarity. “If you come in second place it only means you’re the first loser.” Surely this was originally said by some arrogant a-hole on the threshold of victory, but when you think about it is it really so bad?
So, what you’re saying is I won? Came in first at something? That of all the losers behind us I’m numero uno and thus their leader by default? Ergo, I can lead them to the parking lot where we’ll promptly beat the s*** out of you and take your trophy? Then we can all go play another game just for fun because that’s what games were made for in the first place- fun!
So, if somebody calls you a loser, or if you just happen to be one, don’t take it too hard. You’re not alone- there are a lot more of us than there are of them.
I welcome almost all questions, comments via Focus, or E-mail me at wanderingchainsaw@gmail.com. Hope to hear from ya, until then try and stay focused! See ya.
