Why Are We So Obsessed with Sports?

There is a trend and debate right now about paying college athletes. The arguments are long and make sense—these college athletes are raking in the dough for their universities, and not seeing a dime they, and others, think they are “earning.” Many of the colleges have caved and decided it’s a good idea. After all, these players are working so hard around the clock to practice and play their games, they don’t have time to hold jobs. Without them, many argue, the institutions wouldn’t be making the money they are, so shouldn’t the players see some of it? Some colleges are saying yes. What say you?

The real issue lies in how much emphasis we put on sports in my opinion. And money. If that is what we, as a society, value, sports and money, it seems we’re lost. These athletes get free rides to education, including housing and food. Is that not enough? They say no, because they don’t have time to work, and their “fame” and popularity is what is driving the revenue.

But what about everyone else? What about the music or art or writing or dance student with no financial aid, who works minimum wage, and leaves in debt, because sports isn’t their thing? Many of the "arts" programs have very little in the way of scholarships. You don’t think their auditions and practices and performances are grueling outside of the classroom too? Okay. Maybe they’re not gonna literally “break a leg”  like an "athlete" might, but—yeah—sports isn’t so great on the body--or the head--for that matter. And if it's about the injury or the grueling hours that allow for no job outside that, then there are a helluva lot more students that should be getting paid. Dancers or actors or performers who get accepted into these BFA programs work their asses off too. And a dancer just might, indeed, break a leg. Not a sport, you say? Then you're clearly not a dancer. Yes. There are merit scholarships and need-based loans for others, but the real issue for me is how much people spend on sporting events and paraphernalia. How much sports, above other forms of entertainment, are valued. People won’t even go to college art show unless it’s free, and college drama or performances? Ticket sales are hardly expensive in the grand scheme. What people value. What they’re willing to spend their money on. That is what has me head scratching. We are a society that puts a game above everything else it seems, and certainly education. After all, if you're making money, you're a success.

Many argue that sports is a team-building endeavor. It builds camaraderie and loyalty to teammates. But a group of theatre students isn't? How is it any different? If money is the only driving force behind any passion, at what point does passion stop and greed reign? 

How about, instead, we value all kinds of student passion, level some of the playing fields, and put college education first, where it should be? Never gonna happen you say? You’re absolutely right, because money and success are the new passion. Or perhaps, it's never been anything more...and I’m just late…to the game.