Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Freakanomics Says its OK to Be a Fan
This is an interesting look at the opportunity costs associated with participating in, or watching sports. This is the only quote I quibble with: "You could argue that watching sports is a good social lubricant, it’s relaxing..." I find watching sports, specifically when its one of my team(s)) to the anything BUT relaxing. There are games (win or lose) where (either while it's happening, or after the fact) I find myself in a state of absolute anguish. And based on the comments, I know I'm not alone.
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4 comments:
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Relaxing? What is this guy talking about. I get so stressed out I can't sleep after losses. I left my apartment during the USC game on Saturday without my phone and went to the movies because I could not stand the stress of watching another loss.
Oh brother. If Vandy losses in a stupid way, I just want to hide under the covers. For Federer - Nadal matches, I wait until I know who won before watching my DVD recording- otherwise i am pacing the whole time. TMF! And the absolute worst - wait until you have children playing sports - argh! I might be smiling on the outside but heavens my insides are going crazy.
He must be speaking of general sports fandom, rather than the intense fandom of a person for an alma mater or professional "birth right" team (one you were born into due to geographical proximity/family, rather than chose to root for later in life). The latter two are gut-wrenching. However, if, like me, you used the Super Bowl as an excuse to get some friends together, eat way too much food, and as an excuse to party on a Sunday, it makes a lot of sense. The author just needs to distinguish between the two realms of fandom.
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