The erudite Mr. Gebhart directs my attention to this fine essay on jock culture, which reminds me of the deep cultural reason I don't want to see our high school renovation swallowed up in another plan to build a new luxury gym. The Nation's Robert Lipsyte discusses the cultural differences between "Jocks" and "Pukes":
Understanding the differences and the commonalities between the two might be one of the keys to understanding, first, the myths of masculinity and power that pervade sports, and then why those myths are inescapable in everyday life. Boys—and more and more girls—who accept Jock Culture values often go on to flourish in a competitive sports environment that requires submission to authority, winning by any means necessary and group cohesion. They tend to grow up to become our political, military and financial leaders. The Pukes—those "others" typically shouldered aside by Jocks in high school hallways and, I imagine, a large percentage of those who are warily reading this special issue of The Nation—were often turned off or away from competitive sports (or settled for cross-country). They were also more likely to go on to question authority and seek ways of individual expression [Robert Lipsyte, "What Jock Culture Does to Pukes Like You," The Nation via Deadspin, 2011.08.05].
The last thing Madison needs is another grand gladiatorial arena whose architecture screams that sports is the biggest thing in town. Be a Puke: build a huge library.
In high school, I served as both a geek and a jock. I'm glad that we had a library. I'm glad we had a swimming pool. I'm glad that my chemistry and physics teachers let me use their labs after school. I'm glad we had a swim team. The lab time taught me scientific method. The sports taught me teamwork. Without them both, I reckon I'd have turned out to be half a man.
In sports someone always loses. In academics(sp) if everyone tries harder, all can win. That does not mean we all get perfect.
Sports like swimming, Tennis, golf are sports which most people can play or do for most of the rest of their lives. Swimming might even save their lives.
The rest of them which involve busing teams all over, seem less likely to be of much use.
Interesting distinction, Roger!
Stand and Doug, I agree there is value in sports. Heck, I just got back from an hour's run around Spearfish (beautiful morning!). All kids should get some training in physical activity to help them stay fit throughout their lives. Going for a bike ride or playing frisbee is a great family activity.
But those lifelong activities aren't the same as the "jock culture" Mr. Lipsyte discusses. The jock culture says in part, "Sit and watch these stars play. Praise them." I'm more interested in getting folks to do sport themselves rather than watching others do it.
Athletics teaches discipline. You only see the stars on the team. What about all of those who still participated in Middle School and High School sports that were not "jocks".
I'd kind of like to see some reliable statistical analysis of costs versus benefits for interschool/colleges athletics. Years ago, I stumbled onto a masters thesis at SUSD that tried hard to find such, but concluded it was not available.
Maybe more money from the sports industry has produced "better" results.