Ever notice how much sports are glorified in American society?
If someone in a Patriots jersey encounters someone in a Jets jersey on game day, all Hell could break loose.
People are hated or loved for which team they support. Fantasy leagues are created from professional leagues, and it gets really competitive. During football season, Sunday is basically a Holiday. "No I'm not free today, the game's on at 1."
If someone asks, "What's your favorite sport to watch?" and the reply is, "I don't watch sports," that person is often met with a confused or indifferent look.
It's rare to meet someone in America that says they have never played a sport in their life. Almost everyone can say they played on a recreational soccer league when they were at least five years old.
Personally, I tune out when the conversation turns to "Did you see Tom Brady score that touch down?" or "Guess who just got traded to the Lakers?" I find Super Bowl commercials and the halftime show more entertaining than the actual game.
Why?
Sports just aren't my thing, and that's okay.
Coming from a large family that plays sports competitively, I felt I had to do the same.
I played basketball and soccer up until the 8th grade and ran track in high school. Most of the time, I would dread when I would have to get ready to go off to practice or a game.
It wasn't my passion.
Freshman year of high school, I tried out for the volleyball team and didn't make it. I felt devastated, feeling like it was the end of the world. Most kids get extremely upset when they don't make a team. This is partly because of the hard work they've put in but also partly because being athletic can sometimes be attributed to self worth in America.
Some people view not making a team as unfortunate or embarrassing, like I did, but there is so much more out there than sports. Looking back, it was silly for me to be that upset.
My parents, cousins, aunts and uncles played sports. The fact that I gave up on them made me feel less important. When meeting a new person, it is often asked if one plays sports or not. I would feel uninteresting to say, "No I don't play any sports."
I have since moved passed all these negative feelings. I realized it does not truly matter. As the old saying goes, "those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Do what makes you happy.
Athletics seem to be prioritized over other activities in our society. Why are sports put on a higher pedestal than other activities requiring talent such as music, literature, and the visual arts?
Those who play sports gain more privileges. My high school decided to install a new turf field instead of air conditioning. It wasn't fun sitting in class in May during 90 degree weather.
According to Huffingtonpost.com, FSU protected one of their star football players, Jameis Winston, from rape reports because they needed him on the team. They prioritized their football team over the safety of two women.
I understand why sports are loved and entertaining to many. I don't understand why athletes and sports get privileges over other things in our society. I also don't understand the vicious competitiveness that can incite violence as a result of which team one supports.
It's okay if you're into sports, and it's okay if you're not. However, no one in society should be made to feel lesser just because they are not into them. It's easy to accept how glorified sports are without taking a closer look at why they're that way.
Life is all about pursuing your passion. Do whatever it is you desire.
