Skip to main content

Why do we care?



The question that one may ask while reading or viewing the tabloids on the recent scandal involving a famous athlete or coach is the same one that this post is titled after.  What is so interesting about the lives, or perhaps the seemingly hidden lives of those that we see running, jumping, and swimming on the biggest stages in their respective realms?

For those who study communication, it is common knowledge that social interaction is one of mankind's basic needs.  This is how we develop our own perception of self, especially when we are exposed to what the media and "insiders" of the game portray as perfect.  This is called framing.  When just a piece of an artifact is isolated and magnified to alter the image.  Framing can go both ways, and so can our reasoning for paying attention to the blunders of athletic wonders.


Individuals enjoy sifting through the many stories of the decisions and consequences that their favorite athletes.  People like seeing others mess up, it makes them laugh.  Another need is met as one may feel validated when a "perfect" athlete comes forward and confesses, or is caught in some sort of social or legal transgression.  "Well, if they are doing that then I shouldn't feel to bad about myself", the critic or fan may say.  Focusing on personal needs that are met through this framing process reveals why the media produces the stories that it does.  "Supply and demand", and the more the consumers consume, the more the producers produce.

For example, there were supposed death threats directed toward a college basketball referee after a game in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.  A few conclusions that a hungry fan may draw is that perhaps they are not as crazy as those fans!  Another is a possible confirmation that referees are the spawn of Satan, and deserve every bad thing they get.  The list can go on, but when it comes down to it - it's Just a Game.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Miller-Time in Parowan

Much can be said about small-town spirit, and even more can be said about small-town pride.   These two things were key components in bringing some seriously needed talent to Parowan, UT. Carter Miller, former offensive coordinator for the Canyon View High School Falcons football team, has recently been hired to be the head coach and Physical Education teacher at Parowan High School.   The unspoken dilemma surrounding the new coach was not what offense to run, who to have help, who should play quarterback or anything related to any decision that he, himself, needed to make.   The biggest decision that was going to be made was where his two sons, Porter and Hutch, were going to attend school. Porter Miller was a running back and linebacker for the Falcons last year. He ended the season in 2 nd place for total tackles in all of Utah High School Football, and led 3AA in tackles by a large margin, and was a key ingredient to the Falcons’ success in the upcoming season. Hutch Mil
Post a Comment
Read more

Southern Utah Rivals

The Kanab Cowboys and Parowan Rams have been playing against each other since the beginning of time, it seems.  There is something that is very unique about this so called "rivalry", and it is definitely worth noting.  It has been nearly 70 years since the Rams have outscored the Cowboys in a gridiron grind-out.  Yes, nearly 70 years since the Rams have beaten the Cowboys.  But, there is something stirring in the water this football season that just might become an even more interesting situation.  The new Parowan Football Head Coach, Carter Miller, played college football with Kanab Football Head Coach, Bucky Orton.  Bucky reportedly texted Carter upon hearing about his new job in Parowan with an explicit version of, "Oh, shoot!"  With the implication that the near 70 year streak Kanab has over the Rams may be in jeopardy, especially when it is taken into account that some of the best talent around was part of that Miller-package for the Rams. Things will alw
Post a Comment
Read more

Baseline!

Walking into Parowan High School's gym, you will see what seems to be about a million different lines in all sorts of widths and colors. There are a couple lines that I became very  well acquainted with during my time playing under the reign of Coach Lance Stubbs -- a firm believer in the fact that physical conditioning breeds mental toughness, as well as physical stamina.  At the end of each practice, the whole team would see a small glimmer in his eye and the whistle slowly raise to his lips as the time for sprints was upon us.  With a voice that needed no added effort to resonate through the nearly-empty gym, he piped the word, "baseline".  A few suppressed sighs later, the entire team was line up on the baseline, ready to hear what Coach Stubbs had in mind.  He would either say "sprint" or "ladder".  With one of the team managers on the clock to make sure every teammate was finished in the allotted time, away we went on the blow of the whistle.  Re
Post a Comment
Read more