16 OCT 2021 by ideonexus
Sports are Minimaxed to the Point of Boredom and Predicta...
Outcome maximalization across sports has created "smarter" games with less variety and more all-or-nothing play. The fixation with quantifiable success can lead to a collective flattening of the human experience. Perhaps we need to include more randomness in the game. Each home field or home court should have distinctive features, different playing surfaces, or outdoor elements. Think of how fun the wrigley field ivy is, or the boston green wall. Maybe put a dog or cat on the playing field. ...Basketball players only take 3-point and slamdunk shots based on science. Baseball players no longer steal bases. Science has made sports boring.
18 MAY 2011 by ideonexus
The Hypocrisy of Elitism
At the same time, children with special abilities and skills need to be nourished and encouraged. They are a national treasure. Challenging programmes for the 'gifted' are sometimes decried as 'elitism'. Why aren't intensive practice sessions for varsity football, baseball and basketball players and interschool competition deemed elitism? After all, only the most gifted athletes participate. There is a self-defeating double-standard at work here, nationwide.Why aren't sports considered elitist?