Paradoks George Orwell’s ideas on sports create a noteworthy dimension when compared to contemporary sports. Orwell had negative views about the sports industry. His thoughts on this topic are based on his 1945 essay “The Sporting Spirit.” In the essay, Orwell argues that modern sports promote national rivalry and hostility.
While the benefits of playing sports impact the human body, unlike the sports industry, they harm all of humanity. Today, sports appear as an industry that fosters nationalism through international competitions in various sports branches and increases hostility towards other nations, while internally, nationalism is used by powers to maintain their strength.
Sports and Nationalism
Orwell believed that sports fueled nationalist sentiments and increased hostility in international relations. He argued that sports competitions created tension among participating countries and fostered hostile feelings. According to him, sports competition polarized people into “us” and “them.”
Sports and Violence
Orwell thought that sports encouraged physical and emotional violence. He observed that in situations where competition intensified, both players and fans exhibited aggressive behaviors. He argued that sports not only promoted physical performance but also the desire to defeat opponents, justifying any means to achieve this goal.
The Commercial Aspect of Sports
Orwell critically viewed the commercial and economic aspects of sports. He believed that professional sports were largely conducted for profit, causing sports to deviate from its essence. According to him, the commercialization of sports corrupted both athletes and spectators.
The Social Impact of Sports
Orwell argued that sports promoted division rather than social cohesion. He believed that sports events could create tension among different segments of society and therefore harm social peace.
In summary, a segment of opinion holds that modern sports reveal the negative aspects of human nature and promote conflict and hostility in social relations. These views generally align with criticisms of nationalism and totalitarianism.
References:
George Orwell – The Sporting Spirit, 1945
