A radio show about sport is called 'The Herd'. This is a pun on the presenter's name and also on the word, 'heard'. Such a pun is appropriate in this context because the show is about sport and that is at least to some extent about being in the herd.
The paradox that is inherent in most sport is that it is about both conflict and peace. Teams are groups with the common purpose of defeating opponents. This creates a bond between team members based on the common purpose of defeating opponents. Without the competitive edge games lose the zest which makes them enjoyable.
In 1945 a point was reached where most intelligent people realized that all out war had reached a point of insanity. Since the dropping of the Atomic Bomb politicians have drawn back from wars that involve taking on enemies of equal size.
Except in the case of few games like rugby most sports involve players who are in no danger of physical harm. Even motor cyclists seem to be entirely protected by protective gear. There are elements of war in sport. Even chess has as its aim the death of the King.
The benefit is that warlike attitudes are only fictitious. The competitive spirit is rationalized so that there is a balance between the reason and emotion. Checkmating an opponent is deeply satisfying but not damaging at all. One has only killed a plastic piece that has never been really alive, and cannot really think or feel. After winning a player may feel tranquil for a deep need to win has been satisfied without any real harm being done.
Herds often demonstrate balance, or harmony. Harmony is almost tangible in a herd of cattle, resting in the grass, enjoying the sun and chewing the cud. Each animal knows its place in the hierarchy and when this is not contested there is balance and perfect peace. However, the potential to upset the status quo is always present, and only quiescent when individuals are not contesting or being molested.
There is probably much that can be learned from herd animals about survival. Antelope are weak and defenseless when born within easy reach of vicious and greedy predators. Sports coaches could possible learn something about team selection by studying animal behavior. It appears that individuals with potential are unerringly identified and protected until they can contribute to the good of the group while those who have passed their best are dropped in the interests of the team.
In the twenty-first century sport is just as important as it was two thousand years ago. If television channels are unable to present a weekly tournament or test match one feels betrayed. At international contests immense crowds gather. Faces are painted, costumes donned and dances performed as part of the exhibition. People wave placards and hold up flags for television cameras to gaze at. Not only final victory, but also special moments are celebrated as men hug and kiss each other either in feigned, affected or even real real emotion. It seems that there is something that is perhaps primitive yet very exciting about being in the herd.
The paradox that is inherent in most sport is that it is about both conflict and peace. Teams are groups with the common purpose of defeating opponents. This creates a bond between team members based on the common purpose of defeating opponents. Without the competitive edge games lose the zest which makes them enjoyable.
In 1945 a point was reached where most intelligent people realized that all out war had reached a point of insanity. Since the dropping of the Atomic Bomb politicians have drawn back from wars that involve taking on enemies of equal size.
Except in the case of few games like rugby most sports involve players who are in no danger of physical harm. Even motor cyclists seem to be entirely protected by protective gear. There are elements of war in sport. Even chess has as its aim the death of the King.
The benefit is that warlike attitudes are only fictitious. The competitive spirit is rationalized so that there is a balance between the reason and emotion. Checkmating an opponent is deeply satisfying but not damaging at all. One has only killed a plastic piece that has never been really alive, and cannot really think or feel. After winning a player may feel tranquil for a deep need to win has been satisfied without any real harm being done.
Herds often demonstrate balance, or harmony. Harmony is almost tangible in a herd of cattle, resting in the grass, enjoying the sun and chewing the cud. Each animal knows its place in the hierarchy and when this is not contested there is balance and perfect peace. However, the potential to upset the status quo is always present, and only quiescent when individuals are not contesting or being molested.
There is probably much that can be learned from herd animals about survival. Antelope are weak and defenseless when born within easy reach of vicious and greedy predators. Sports coaches could possible learn something about team selection by studying animal behavior. It appears that individuals with potential are unerringly identified and protected until they can contribute to the good of the group while those who have passed their best are dropped in the interests of the team.
In the twenty-first century sport is just as important as it was two thousand years ago. If television channels are unable to present a weekly tournament or test match one feels betrayed. At international contests immense crowds gather. Faces are painted, costumes donned and dances performed as part of the exhibition. People wave placards and hold up flags for television cameras to gaze at. Not only final victory, but also special moments are celebrated as men hug and kiss each other either in feigned, affected or even real real emotion. It seems that there is something that is perhaps primitive yet very exciting about being in the herd.
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