"I mean, we agree that 'sports' means nothing other than the production and consumption of a billion-dollar spectacle industry product called 'sports.' (Then, poof, we forget this distinction instantly.) Then, if the left comments upon the human energy/time/mindlessness absorbed in the production/consumption of this product, they are accused of being stalinists/joyless elitists who won't let the American people have their innocent baseball, basketball, etc."
What is wrong with enjoying watching pro athletes compete? They are the best of the best, and at times the beauty of their athleticism is beyond words. There's also the drama of (erp!) competition, esp b/w two good, evenly matched teams. Though it got off to a slow start, the World Series was exciting to watch as the Florida Marlins, a wild card team with a small payroll, knocked off the Yankees, which has a much larger payroll and an overwhelming mystique. Underdog beats Favorite -- a scenario best improvised on the field.
And what about the "human energy/time/mindlessness" of, say, watching movies? What is the real difference b/w that and watching sports? I know there are plenty of film buffs here, so I'd like to see if anyone can make a true distinction.
DP