Great piece, thanks. I often feel this uncomfortable relationship with sports, and agree that the financial aspects of professional and collegiate sports leave a bad taste in my mouth. For example, I am a life-long Nuggets fan and have been following the team especially closely over the past 5 year as Jokic emerged. I'm ecstatic about the championship and am able to share and connect with a diverse group of people about it. There is a lot of comradery and community built around teams, but the main beneficiaries of it all are Stan and Josh Kroenke, Walmart heirs (by marriage) who are simply in the position to write the checks and make decisions based on inheriting unlimited wealth. My view is that sports, art, creativity, games or whatever brings humans together, have enormous social benefit and value. The majority of the financial value of sports being controlled by a few individuals is just another market failure.
I totally agree. I was at the Nuggets championship parade, and I don't think there's anything quite like it — an entire city, with residents from all walks of life, coming together to celebrate. People converse with each other, hug, high five, and more. Nothing else foments community like that, at least that I aware of. I totally understand why people want to write off sports as "bro culture" and "billionaire play things" but I think that's a mistake.
Imagine what we could build with that commitment to community!
Yes, definitely, there could really just be a bit more work on the part of leagues and owners to invest in communities beyond what is performative and self-serving. But, it's also amazing that people build a lot of culture and community on their own. The people at DNVR are doing a good job of building community around sports in Denver.
As a person who does sports (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and someone who has been in punk bands, I've lived this paradox for more than 30 years now. It's a weird tightrope to walk, and society has often thrown the baby out with the bathwater.
Likewise! If you find yourself in the Richmond, VA area, please feel free to stop by one of my gyms (Revolution BJJ, Richmond BJJ, Revolution BJJ Ashland). Small world!
I love Jiu Jitsu! I find it especially hard to navigate the benefits and cons of the sport, considering it has a very martial, macho culture, which has created some real problems.
"A tightrope" is a good way to put this. After all, music, sports, entertainment, etc. are all great things that we should seek to promote in society, but our current iterations are corrupted by money and other factors.
Can I ask how you have found a good way to balance? I imagine its tough in punk bands.
Joe, it was all part of what made me who I am. I think punk rock opened my eyes to a lot of issues confronting society, like wealth inequality and conforming mindlessly to senseless norms, and so on.
Jiu jitsu is absolutely a macho wasteland at the highest levels, and I've been privy to a great deal of shenanigans, to put things mildly. I've been training since 1997! I need a nap, I feel old.
Great piece, thanks. I often feel this uncomfortable relationship with sports, and agree that the financial aspects of professional and collegiate sports leave a bad taste in my mouth. For example, I am a life-long Nuggets fan and have been following the team especially closely over the past 5 year as Jokic emerged. I'm ecstatic about the championship and am able to share and connect with a diverse group of people about it. There is a lot of comradery and community built around teams, but the main beneficiaries of it all are Stan and Josh Kroenke, Walmart heirs (by marriage) who are simply in the position to write the checks and make decisions based on inheriting unlimited wealth. My view is that sports, art, creativity, games or whatever brings humans together, have enormous social benefit and value. The majority of the financial value of sports being controlled by a few individuals is just another market failure.
I totally agree. I was at the Nuggets championship parade, and I don't think there's anything quite like it — an entire city, with residents from all walks of life, coming together to celebrate. People converse with each other, hug, high five, and more. Nothing else foments community like that, at least that I aware of. I totally understand why people want to write off sports as "bro culture" and "billionaire play things" but I think that's a mistake.
Imagine what we could build with that commitment to community!
Nice! I didn't make the parade due to meetings :(
Yes, definitely, there could really just be a bit more work on the part of leagues and owners to invest in communities beyond what is performative and self-serving. But, it's also amazing that people build a lot of culture and community on their own. The people at DNVR are doing a good job of building community around sports in Denver.
I haven't been there, but it's on my list! I'll check it out soon.
As a person who does sports (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and someone who has been in punk bands, I've lived this paradox for more than 30 years now. It's a weird tightrope to walk, and society has often thrown the baby out with the bathwater.
Also, hit me up if you're ever in Denver and want to train jiu jitsu!
Likewise! If you find yourself in the Richmond, VA area, please feel free to stop by one of my gyms (Revolution BJJ, Richmond BJJ, Revolution BJJ Ashland). Small world!
Will do!
I love Jiu Jitsu! I find it especially hard to navigate the benefits and cons of the sport, considering it has a very martial, macho culture, which has created some real problems.
"A tightrope" is a good way to put this. After all, music, sports, entertainment, etc. are all great things that we should seek to promote in society, but our current iterations are corrupted by money and other factors.
Can I ask how you have found a good way to balance? I imagine its tough in punk bands.
Joe, it was all part of what made me who I am. I think punk rock opened my eyes to a lot of issues confronting society, like wealth inequality and conforming mindlessly to senseless norms, and so on.
Jiu jitsu is absolutely a macho wasteland at the highest levels, and I've been privy to a great deal of shenanigans, to put things mildly. I've been training since 1997! I need a nap, I feel old.
lol, well said!