A radio show about sport is called 'The Herd'. This is a pun on the presenter's name and also on the word, 'heard'. Such a pun is appropriate in this context because the show is about sport and that is at least to some extent about being in the herd.
The paradox that is inherent in most sport is that it is about both conflict and peace. Teams are groups with the common purpose of defeating opponents. This creates a bond between team members based on the common purpose of defeating opponents. Without the competitive edge games lose the zest which makes them enjoyable.
Wars are also about conflict but humanity has perhaps fortunately advanced to the point where wars are now so dangerous to the survival of our species that they have been abandoned in more civilized parts of the planet. Nevertheless there is a dangerous allure in war and its attractiveness to powerful bully nations remains evident.
Except in the case of few games like rugby most sports involve players who are in no danger of physical harm. Even motor cyclists seem to be entirely protected by protective gear. There are elements of war in sport. Even chess has as its aim the death of the King.
Oriental philosophy takes balance as a fundamental tenet. Evil and negativity are taken as reality but when they are balanced by good and positivity a state of quiescence, or harmony is attained. This notion differs from some contemporary positions which choose to ignore negative notions and focus on what is positive. That may be characterized as not playing the game.
Herds often demonstrate balance, or harmony. Harmony is almost tangible in a herd of cattle, resting in the grass, enjoying the sun and chewing the cud. Each animal knows its place in the hierarchy and when this is not contested there is balance and perfect peace. However, the potential to upset the status quo is always present, and only quiescent when individuals are not contesting or being molested.
Within groups are individuals that survive by virtue of their membership of the group. When an antelope is born it is defenseless for some time in the face of fierce predation. In a sports team too there are often passengers who may not make any significant contribution for some time, although they are protected because they have some potential. Followers of a team will eventually call for the rejection of non performers. In the same way animals herds tolerate the young because they have potential and call for help. Old bulls are rejected and may be seen pathetically following their kind vulnerable until the day that they are taken by predators.
In the twenty-first century sport is just as important as it was two thousand years ago. If television channels are unable to present a weekly tournament or test match one feels betrayed. At international contests immense crowds gather. Faces are painted, costumes donned and dances performed as part of the exhibition. People wave placards and hold up flags for television cameras to gaze at. Not only final victory, but also special moments are celebrated as men hug and kiss each other either in feigned, affected or even real real emotion. It seems that there is something that is perhaps primitive yet very exciting about being in the herd.
The paradox that is inherent in most sport is that it is about both conflict and peace. Teams are groups with the common purpose of defeating opponents. This creates a bond between team members based on the common purpose of defeating opponents. Without the competitive edge games lose the zest which makes them enjoyable.
Wars are also about conflict but humanity has perhaps fortunately advanced to the point where wars are now so dangerous to the survival of our species that they have been abandoned in more civilized parts of the planet. Nevertheless there is a dangerous allure in war and its attractiveness to powerful bully nations remains evident.
Except in the case of few games like rugby most sports involve players who are in no danger of physical harm. Even motor cyclists seem to be entirely protected by protective gear. There are elements of war in sport. Even chess has as its aim the death of the King.
Oriental philosophy takes balance as a fundamental tenet. Evil and negativity are taken as reality but when they are balanced by good and positivity a state of quiescence, or harmony is attained. This notion differs from some contemporary positions which choose to ignore negative notions and focus on what is positive. That may be characterized as not playing the game.
Herds often demonstrate balance, or harmony. Harmony is almost tangible in a herd of cattle, resting in the grass, enjoying the sun and chewing the cud. Each animal knows its place in the hierarchy and when this is not contested there is balance and perfect peace. However, the potential to upset the status quo is always present, and only quiescent when individuals are not contesting or being molested.
Within groups are individuals that survive by virtue of their membership of the group. When an antelope is born it is defenseless for some time in the face of fierce predation. In a sports team too there are often passengers who may not make any significant contribution for some time, although they are protected because they have some potential. Followers of a team will eventually call for the rejection of non performers. In the same way animals herds tolerate the young because they have potential and call for help. Old bulls are rejected and may be seen pathetically following their kind vulnerable until the day that they are taken by predators.
In the twenty-first century sport is just as important as it was two thousand years ago. If television channels are unable to present a weekly tournament or test match one feels betrayed. At international contests immense crowds gather. Faces are painted, costumes donned and dances performed as part of the exhibition. People wave placards and hold up flags for television cameras to gaze at. Not only final victory, but also special moments are celebrated as men hug and kiss each other either in feigned, affected or even real real emotion. It seems that there is something that is perhaps primitive yet very exciting about being in the herd.
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