banned, or not

[elkoholic]

Just a thinking post, brought on by watching softball tournaments with every other commercial touting UFC events or updates on the fights from the hockey playoffs.  I do not expect this post to get much traction (nothing does anymore) but maybe it will cause a thought wave before it is brushed aside. 

It has been debated for decades whether or not boxing should be banned.  It is basically aggravated assault and has little, if any, positive affect on society.  The only pro I can see in the pro vs con argument is that it instills discipline and physical conditioning in the individuals participating, both of which may be gained through less violent pursuits.  The resulting physical and mental damage offsets that.  The thought that it reduces street fighting is not statically borne out and merely moves the locale of the fight.  If anything, people emulating what they see in the ring have caused an increase in street violence as it is perceived to be the way one should behave.  The rise in the UFC and MMA shows that boxing isn't violent enough and there is very little limit to societies quest for violence.

Many people watch hockey for the fights and Nascar for the wrecks, and gather around to watch if a fight breaks out anywhere.  What is wrong with us?  These "sports" (if beating on each other is a sport) generate a lot of money and consume a gross amount of other resources that could be well spent on more important issues.  You could feed a lot of hungry children instead of showing them violence is the way to settle things.  I will not touch on the violence in movies and video games, but taken as a whole we are deluged with barbarity to the point where many have become jaded.

It is hard to legislate moral and ethical values as they are fluid, depending on ones cultural upbringing.  The sad thing being how easily societal norms can be manipulated by those who care only of money and prestige.  Ban it and it will go underground, but at least then any sponsors will not be paying millions in advertising and the cost of your beer might go down.

[Ravin R10 man]

Violence is being pushed in so many ways which you have touched on. Mass shootings, Road Rage, protesting and looting/burning has become an epidemic. LACK OF RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY, Resisting arrest, Sadly it's only gonna get worse.

Not sure what was expected by taking God out of school. This is where it took us.  

Judgement is often the result.

[wtnhunt]

Brutality and barbarism has existed forever.  The ways mankind has treated other men for whatever the reason, it is nothing new. Just looking at the stories in the bible and the horrific treatment that often was in the name of religion.  

I just choose now not to watch most "sporting" events these days.

[elkoholic]

28 minutes ago, wtnhunt said:

Brutality and barbarism has existed forever.

That is undeniable.  I still believe that making it "mainstream" and actively promoting it has the tendency to make violence more acceptable as an interaction with other humans.  As we grow and mature the end product is what we see along the way.  It is a shame that violent intimidation has become a societal norm.  Making it even worst is the winners of the physical battles are usually not the ones we want controlling the future of mankind.

18 hours ago, Ravin R10 man said:

Not sure what was expected by taking God out of school. This is where it took us. 

I seriously doubt the impact of removing religious activities on violent behavior.  Religious affiliation of some sort often comes into play around violent events and many who take part praise God for their success.  From the batter who just hit a homer to the pitcher who throws at the batter"s head the next trip to the plate, or the UFC fighter who just beat his opponent bloody, they thank God.  I do believe that schools should teach tolerance instead of being "offended" at every little thing, but in reality that should all begin at home with the parents and family. 

[fly]

Have thought this very thing many times.

 

[Ultradog]

Shucks Elkoholic,

Boxing is the Only kind of sport I like to watch. Am not into the MMA stuff at all but give me an Ali, Frazier, Forman or especially a Mike Tyson type bout and I will watch it - again and again.                 Watching any sporting event requires a TV of course and as I have no doubt mentioned before, I don't own one. Haven't for at least 20 years. And yes, I am proud of that.       I will catch a few bouts on youtube now and then tho.                                                           As for violence and cruelty, yeah, it's part of our nature.  But I can't say if violent sports incites violence in society or if it fissures off some of that violence and makes us gentler. I think a pretty good case can be made both ways. Hollywood, one of the biggest purveyors of violence on the planet, goes to great lengths to argue the latter view.                I guess my biggest gripe about sports in general is how it is such a huge waste of the national mind. Ask the "man on the street" to name his 3 elected representatives at the national level and you'll often get a blank stare. But ask him to name the starting  line-up of his favorite team and he'll rattle off most of them.            To me that is a greater tragedy than a few fighters or football players  who are permanently punch drunk.                        

[Ultradog]

Elkoholic,

Interesting book review/article about this topic in the WSJ that might interest you.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/damage-review-boxings-moral-quandary-11623007254

[elkoholic]

16 hours ago, Ultradog said:

Interesting book review/article about this topic in the WSJ that might interest you.

Interesting article.  Indisputable proof that, although we have made amazing technological advances, we have not progressed psychologically.  When will we ever realize that just because we can, maybe, we really shouldn't.  There are consequences.  Violence towards each other, whether partaking or observing, says a lot and is just the beginning as it carries over to many aspects of life.  Throw in some drugs (alcohol is a drug) and it gets worse.

Should we figure in the waste of resources?  I guess not, as it is doubtful anyone really cares.  Just give me a good fight we chant.  Why?