What, among the media industry, attracts attention most in our society? Action? Love? Conflict? Resolution? In my experience, people are drawn to anything that moves their emotions. While this is incredibly multifaceted, the conceptual theme is more or less the same. Stories gain public attention when they are labeled as moving, exciting, powerful, important, etc.
What’s more, when stories are honest, i.e. not sensationalized, this is seen as the gold standard for garnering attention, because it does so truthfully and solely through its content. Emotions moved by real events stick with me long after I’ve experienced them. When I watch a critically acclaimed film, I may feel extremes of emotion during and for a short time after, but there’s something special about feeling those highs in response to genuine events rather than a dramatized narrative. This category of storytelling is, I’ll admit, rarer than fiction, but by no means nonexistent. Sports, in my mind, is the perfect manifestation of this form, and, in turn, is a unifying and palpable source of energy to those involved.
Sports are unapologetically real. During any game, those involved are faking none of their passion for their respective sport. The intensity with which devoted athletes strain to achieve a goal is nothing short of extraordinary. The intensity with which devoted fans support their teams and communities is eminently respectable. The intensity with which devoted coaches and trainers work for their team to succeed, too, is admirable. The intensity with which sports can influence a struggling or thriving community cannot be understated.
The unabashed reality with which sports are conducted is spectacularly simple. Two sides. Two enemies. One goal. That’s a theme that transcends sports, but one that can be addressed and experienced in a controlled environment. It’s an instinctual and almost archaic form of competition, and, by that same token, one that’s survived over millennia. The Mayans pioneered Pitz, a Mesoamerican ballgame that was basically a cross between lacrosse and basketball, the ancient Greeks founded the Olympic games, and First Nations People birthed lacrosse. So why has such a simple concept persevered through the majority of human existence? Simple. Sports are exciting and impactful. They’re an outlet, a goal, an ego-booster, a fandom, and most importantly, a means of unification.
Sports mean so much to those involved. The athletes, coaches, owners and fans; everyone. They bring communities together. In Texas, the high school football championship game draws over twice the crowds as some college football bowl games. In underprivileged communities, sports are seen as a ticket to a better life; an end goal and a means of improvement. Building off of that, communities rally around their prized athlete as she or he grows up. That individual creates a sense of pride in some communities that struggle to find it day in and day out.
Benji Wilson was a high school phenom and nationally ranked basketball player from 1980s gang-divided Chicago. He was nicknamed “Magic Johnson with a jump shot,” which is incredibly high praise, even today. Benji’s games would pack gyms as a teen and, for a few moments, would grant the city a sense of peace and unity while marveling at his talent. The lines to see him compete would stretch down the street. The city immensely appreciated what Benji provided for them; an escape. Benji had the potential to be one of the all-time greats, until he was murdered in a senseless shooting. Community members were quoted saying, “In a gang-divided city, his death changed the way we looked at each other. We started looking at each other like brothers instead of enemies.” If that’s not athletics as a social justice, I don’t know what is.
Tragically, we live in an incredibly polarized America. Agreement across party lines is consistently difficult to reach. Beautifully, sports have the ability to cut through those differences regardless of severity. Say you and a family member have very conflicting views. Reunions can be a challenge, as griping often ensues. But, differences aside, you’re both diehard Green Bay Packer fans. That shared passion overrides any differences you’ve had historically and, even for a split second, you share a moment. That’s incredible.
Globally, sports bridge cultural gaps like nothing I’ve ever seen. Traveling to Nicaragua, I spoke shaky Spanish, and carrying a conversation was difficult. But I played soccer, and that was enough to connect with someone where language came up short. Shared appreciation and passion seem lost in the modern world. Division and conflict have reigned supreme, and if sports can make us smile with one another every so often, I think that’s pretty spectacular.
Sports access our rawest emotions effortlessly because of their implications. Unity, camaraderie, teamwork, tireless effort, rivalry, triumph, ecstasy, defeat, despair, all of these are accessible emotions through the glorious gift that is sports. Anything that can unite entire communities, bridge cultural gaps, become a societal icebreaker among new acquaintances, and move our emotions to tears has to be important. And that’s what sports are above all else: important.
Lucas is a freshman intending to major in journalism. How have sports impacted your life? Do you agree they bridge cultural gaps? Please send all comments, questions and concerns to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
