I took advantage of the cooler weather last night and walked back to my apartment instead of taking the metro, and on my walk listened to one of the podcasts I check out regularly called Radiolab. The title of their most recent episode was “Games,” and it discussed what is it about games that we love so much, why we become fans, why we might root for an underdog, how we play with the rules, and why a game can be something we get so invested in. You can check it out here:
Fall is the time of year when baseball is winding down, football is gearing up, and for one reason or another, sports in general seem to be more on my mind than usual. I have to admit I was never a huge sports person growing up, possibly because I wasn’t ever very good at sports. In my twenties I’ve become much more of a sports fan, possibly because I’m not in danger of being the last one chosen at recess for a team. Regardless, these days I just love a good evening at the ballpark or crowding into a friend’s living room to watch a football game. My inner-artsy 13 year old’s jaw would most likely drop, but hey, its fun, and I'm not one to question what's fun.
Listening to the podcast last night got me thinking about the idea behind games. In the episode when asked why he believes “sports fandom” carries almost immeasurable value, guest Stephen Dubner very succinctly says:
“It’s a proxy for real life but better; you know, it renews itself; its constantly happening in real time; there are conflicts that seem to carry real consequences, but at the end of the day don’t; its war where nobody dies; it’s a proxy for all our emotions and desires and hopes; I mean heck, what’s not to like about sports?”
Really a lovely way to put it. I will also add, at least for myself, that I have some very fond memories of nights spent with my college friends drinking beer, eating chicken, and using sports metaphors to explain our love lives. I also love how sports are an occasion for friends and/or family to come together to hang out or play like they were kids again; an occasion to kick back and share a pitcher and wings while watching a game even if the company you are with is rooting for the opposing team. It's an occasion to have fun, and hey, if it's that alone that makes a game important to you, it's more than enough.
