An ancient Roman adage goes, “Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt,” referencing the servility caused by mass distractions in society. The purpose of the quote is to highlight the fickle nature of the human mind, suggesting that once a public’s basic needs have been met, their secondary needs, such as entertainment, must be met to obtain their obedience fully.
In contemporary usage, the quote has become rather derogatory, primarily used by people critical of sports culture. What it means to suggest is that sports fans are ignorant of the precarious situations affecting society and, rather, fall for the meaningless entertainment meant to distract from the actions of the oppressors.
This outlook, however, is itself ignorant. Sports are among the most vital aspects of culture today, playing an immense role in the unity and progress of a group. The emotional and mental investments that sports demand worldwide have long grown beyond the trivialization offered by the Roman view.
From an outsider’s perspective, these sporting events people value may indeed seem like circuses, but, as with anything, an outsider’s perspective is hardly ever representative. For those involved, ranging from players, participants, and investors to fans, the success of a team or an individual matters more than mere entertainment.
For Brazil, soccer is a vital component of its identity. They have produced some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, primarily because of the social value of succeeding. For the players born in the infamous favelas, soccer is not just another play for children. It offers an escape from danger and an opportunity to rise beyond their circumstances, representing something more than themselves.
In this way, the sport has acquired a divine aura, reflecting honor and sacredness. It is this importance that convinces the nation to baptize the plane carrying their team to the World Cup. For Brazil, success will not just be another trophy to add to the cabinet. It will be a symbol of their devotion to soccer.
There is a saying among Italian Formula 1 fans: “There are two religions in Italy: There is the Catholic Church, and there is Ferrari.” This sentiment is evident at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where seas of red and yellow memorabilia fill the horizon. Ferrari, being the most successful team in Formula 1 history, has brought unprecedented prestige and fame to Italy and its automotive industry.
In today’s day and age, Ferrari, the car manufacturer and not the Formula 1 team, is hardly the greatest, often being beaten out by competitors in performance, prices, and sales. Yet, the institution behind the iconic red livery attracts wealthy suitors from across the globe for simply the experience of owning a Ferrari. Such everlasting impact on the fabric of one of the most ancient civilizations can hardly be overstated. Ferrari represents the Italian desire to be first through sweat and blood. For them, it is truly something divine to be compatriots of Ferrari.
New York City has recently found success in its sporting endeavors. The New York Knicks find themselves in the finals after 27 years. That is before many of us were born. In fact, 2.3 billion people on Earth have not seen the Knicks in the finals. Leading the series, the Knicks will likely soon find themselves winning the title, ideally at home.
The impact can already be seen on social media. Amongst the buzz, in an act of accidental renaissance, a quote has emerged. “My mayor is Muslim, my bagel is Jewish, my Christian’s Dior… Knicks in 4” is a comedic rhyme that represents more than just the emotional highs enchanting the city. Historically, New York has been one of the most diverse places on the planet. With recent political attacks on immigrants and diversity, such havens have been brought to an uneasy state of mistrust. Yet the success of a sporting team has helped the city realize that what makes New York special is the very thing they have been fighting against.
In chanting “Knicks in 4,” there are no religious affiliations or racial tensions that might make cheering on harder. This unity and defiance in the face of right-wing sentiment will only grow stronger as more such successes are achieved.
With examples like these, amongst countless others across the world, one must ponder why sports hold such deep philosophical and political value in society and an emotional attachment in everyone’s heart. The answer is highly subjective, yet it provides an objective rebuttal of the ancient notion of relegating sport to mere circus.
From the kids who sneak out of home to catch glimpses of their favorite teams to the Juicy Wiggle in our own Jack Trice stadium, there is something more significant to sports than just entertainment. It is perhaps one of the most culturally vital parts of our society.
