Once again, I am reminded that countries without venues for an organized expulsion of male aggression, become warlike and violent. What I mean by venues, are large-scaled, well promoted organized sports. My theory may have some holes in it, I am only working it out. In war torn countries, sports has fallen away; most games on Pakistanti soil are on hold due to threats by terrorists against anyone enjoying themselves.
Hearing today that the SriLankan National Cricket team was attacked by Pakistani terrorists with rifles, grenades and rocket launchers, wounding 7 players, killing the driver and 6 policeman. This was the worst terrorist attack against athletes since Palestinian militants killed 11 Israeli athletes in Munich, 1972. My Southeast Asian friends are obsessed with Cricket. It is a national obsession, surpassing that of Baseball, Football or Hockey here in North America.
Cities and villages will come to a stop during tournaments; over 200 countries and more than 1/3 of the Earth's population will watch. Grandmothers will be able to cite stats, scores and winners from years past. Games will last for days at a time. Friends of mine who follow the sport will rise at 3 in the morning to watch live feed via sattelite or internet. Their passion surpases anything I have seen.
The connection between sports and war is something I have been thinking of for years. When I listen to any sports broadcast or read coverage, I cannot help but notice the language that links the two. Games are called 'battles.' There is 'shooting, spearing, slashing and long bombs.'
Those who argue that children who play sports will "learn" aggresive behavior make me very nervous. Sports is an outlet for energy and aggression. It is a place to contain or focus aggression present in all of us. When my dog lies dormant all day, he is very cranky, not to mention out of shape.
I wonder what it would be like to throw a soccer ball into a Taliban training camp. They would probably shoot it, but you get my point.
I don't think that any sports leagues in Afghanistan are on hold while war tears through its land. Where are the professional sports players in war-torn Africa? This is not a western-centric point of view, but a humanistic one. There has to be something that binds us all. It is not going to be religion or politics, but it could be sports if we tried. There are rules, there is team and fan solidarity and as much aggression as the rules allow. Wave your flag, nibble on your national junk food and beverage, but have fun. I know this is hopeless idealism, but it is only a theory.
1.3.09
Confessions
I sometimes steal my neighbor's newpaper. It is usually not until the afternoon that I make my move. I live in a condo and one of the neighbors is not always there, as he has other dwellings. If his cleaner doesn't come by, the paper just lays there. What a waste. That is when I make my move, my dog as my accomplice; he, happy and excited, me, guilty and excited. Being a slow reader, it takes me a day or two to get through (it is a weekend edition) so by the time I am finished reading, it is already Monday and a new delivery has occurred (one that I resist) so I do my part and simply re-cycle the hot pages from the weekend.
Discipline
I am attempting something new. Posting on a site that no one really reads, but appears to be public, may encourage a more disciplined approach to writing. Having numerous projects on the go may be more of a distraction but it is difficult to break old patterns. However, desperate measures are now required. The ego will have to be controlled so no heaving occurs during postations. New words will arise, old concepts must fall away.
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