Sports & Aggression

[BuzzB]

I was just revising, and I came across this exam question..

‘The World Cup may bring out the worst in some football supporters, but it’s a whole lot better than a world war.’

Is it your view that major sports competitions provide an outlet for aggression, or that they give rise to it?

Not necessarily looking at football, but all sports, do you think its a good thing or a bad thing? Do you think theres things that can be implemented that could decrease hooliganism? Or just generally increase sportsman ship?

[incredible]

Key word 'WORLD' cup. a few reasons for it:
Alcohol - cheaper to buy alc abroad than u can buy a can of coke over here! it's the whole culture of trying to get pissed to have a good time! having way too much, can't handle the drink!
Youngesters! - again related to the drink! getting some cheap buzz of fighting etc! it's something this country has lost control over!

I blame alcahol.... don't drecrease the problem. Ban alcohol

[BuzzB]

I agree, alcohol is an aid to agression to most things.

When looking at the psychological aspect of it, Freud and Lorenz both said that you need something to channel your instincts. Sublimation. They said that our agressive instincts are something that can't be helped, therefore we need to do something to get rid of that energy, and that sports is a great way of doing that. Im not too sure though, I'd agree for the people playing, maybe not so much for the spectators though!

What do you think would happen if there wasn't sports though? If people didn't have that oppurtunity. Do you think it could lead to something as extreme as war?

[StyLeZ]

^^ maybe..

[Spider Pig]

I will get back to you on this after the game

[mani]

i feel sorry for england fans - they've got a shite rep when they go abroad.

back in the 80's they were THE fans to fight. now they've all been locked up and cant travel during footy games - the polish and eastern block still think that its the old skool crew and get into fights with them and the english come up worst

there's gonna b a whole lotta fighting in the next euro champs - poland/ukraine!!!

[Spider Pig]

Originally Posted by BuzzB I was just revising, and I came across this exam question.. ‘The World Cup may bring out the worst in some football supporters, but it’s a whole lot better than a world war.’ Is it your view that major sports competitions provide an outlet for aggression, or that they give rise to it? Not necessarily looking at football, but all sports, do you think its a good thing or a bad thing? Do you think theres things that can be implemented that could decrease hooliganism? Or just generally increase sportsman ship?

There have been many things implemented to prevent hooliganism, just look back at the 80's compared to now. Fans being banned, sentenced, many policing techniques such as gas and power soakers to split gangs up etc.

I wouldn't say just the World Cup but many league clubs have had trouble during European games i.e. deaths in Istanbul, Rome etc.

It's a culture clash, too much pride which has gone overboard, and this has carried on although not at the level it was many years ago.

Obviously the World Cup brings together so many different nationalities and cultures, who have different beliefs but all have a strong pride. Alcohol does create a problem but it isn't the main problem, the majority of people who get into fights are generally going there to get into a fight, although a lot just react to being provoked.

The policing is very high at World Cups now and they are bit more ruthless, having learnt from their mistakes in the past but the fact is there's so many people there if they all really wanted to fight then the police couldn't do jack all as they would be heavily outnumbered.

A lot of it is also to do with passion and history i.e. England vs Germany, it has football history as well as conflict between the nations so that's something you simply cannot change. Many English people still hate the Germans due to the war etc. so how could you change their mindset if they also happen to be football fans, regardless of where they see a German they will react the same.

If you put the same nationalities in the same place and take away football then there will still be conflict, maybe it won't be as quick to rise or as ruthless but there will always be differentiation and disagreements at some point which starts it.

[Guji-Ji]

Originally Posted by BuzzB I agree, alcohol is an aid to agression to most things. When looking at the psychological aspect of it, Freud and Lorenz both said that you need something to channel your instincts. Sublimation. They said that our agressive instincts are something that can't be helped, therefore we need to do something to get rid of that energy, and that sports is a great way of doing that. Im not too sure though, I'd agree for the people playing, maybe not so much for the spectators though! What do you think would happen if there wasn't sports though? If people didn't have that oppurtunity. Do you think it could lead to something as extreme as war?

I think to say that if we were stopped from playing sport it'd lead to war is a bit too far-fetched for my liking. While I get where the idea comes from with sublimation and all cause you'd think frustration would lead to conflict and all, but come on... sport isn't to release aggressive energy. It can I agree but I don't think that's the primary reason or why we're into sport. Plus Freud's a looney

[Spider Pig]

If there weren't sports, there wouldn't be any conflict in the first place because there would be no competition between nations, also sport has many positives that outweigh the negatives i.e. Has taken many 'bad' kids off the street, from crime into something they can channel their energy into. Has taught them discipline and respect i.e. you will see many fans appreciating talented foreign footballers etc.

If there wasn't any sports then a lot of kids would probably turn to crime in some sort of way, simply because of boredom and not having any opportunities to excel and prove themselves, so their energy would have to be channelled elsewhere.

For some people who watch it is just as important, it can make or break their day if their team wins or loses in football for example. If that wasn't there then maybe they would just concentrate on other things in life but who knows, it would depend on each individuals needs and circumstances.