Paralympics - Why?

[Steve R]

I am absolutely fascinated by this thing as a sociological phenomenon.

A sporting event is taking place in which the competitors are, by definition, no good at the sport. People are paying to watch it, and it is being televised all over the world.

I am fascinated by what would motivate someone who is not also disabled, and does not have a friend or relative who is taking part, to pay to watch this.

Granted we have a precedent in women's sport. Women aren't any good at sport - which is why they generally have to do it separately from men, of course - yet people pay to watch women's sport (although the clothing worn by the competitors might be a factor here). However, as they are able-bodied and can usually acquire a similar level of sheer skill to that of a man, it is often pretty good to watch. Indeed, in the football during the recent Olympic Games, I thought the women's games were more entertaining than the men's.

My guess is that people are paying to watch the Paralympics for a number of different reasons:

1] To get the type of warm feeling we are familiar with when we see any movie about a triumph over adversity - the indomitable human spirit and all that stuff.

2] Maybe it makes some able-bodied, yet largely unsuccessful, people feel better about their lot in life.

3] For its comedic value.

4] Able-bodied sportsmen who haven't quite had the success they had hoped for, and are thinking of 'accidentally' losing an arm or leg, weighing-up the competition.

I'd like to think that number one is the most likely, but I'm not terribly confident.

Unfortunately, I cannot imagine that anyone who is not also disabled, and does not have a friend or relative who is taking part, is paying to watch this purely on its merit as a sporting event.

I am also fascinated by the high level of television coverage of this thing, and the possible motives involved.

[David Johnson]

"A sporting event is taking place in which the competitors are, by definition, no good at the sport."

"Granted we have a precedent in women's sport. Women aren't any good at sport - which is why they generally have to do it separately from men, of course"

Ever thought of doing stand-up comedy on a regular basis?

[william]

Troll alert

[frankthring]

You are a brave man, Steve, to raise the topic they way you do. Also, I
must say, I largely agree with you, though David Johnson rightly points
out your comment about women in sport which is...well....rather extreme.
But your basic premise - that apart from those who tell us its all politically
correct and people who are basically missing arms, legs and what-have-you
should have not just have a chance to play sport, but their own Olympics -
does strike me as more than a tad bizarre.
I think its the equivalent of the karaoke night when people who often cannot
sing well are encouraged to sing out loud. All praise therefore to a man or
woman who has lost both legs to try their best at sport. God bless `em!
Same with the happy soul in a bar who wants to sing "My Way" but has a
flat voice. It gives a lot of pleasure to them....but are we supposed to take it
all seriously ?

[David Johnson]

A double act with Steve R perhaps? Too late for the Edinburgh festival, alas.

[Essex Lad]

It's not actually being televised all over the world but that apart, you have a point.

It is described in one book as either occupational therapy or a freak show but it's not sport because the talent pool is not big enough.

I think you are wrong on all four guesses and that (some) people are paying to watch simply because it's here and it's the Para Olympics but then a lot of people would pay to watch a hanging.

Women's sport - the majority of people aren't interested unless the competitors are wearing skimpy clothing. Yes, 80,000 watched the football final but I would wager that in the first week of the season attendances dropped to their usual few hundred. People watched because it was the Olympics. It's an event. Billions tune in to watch the Eurovision Song Contest - it's events-led.

The Para Olympics might inspire a few handicapped people to get involved in physical activity but I doubt many will find their lives changed.

[Jonone]

Someone like Tom Waits doesn't have a technically 'good' singing voice but he can affect a lot of people with his music and is taken seriously.

[Arginald Valleywater]

Funnily enough our fourball had this conversation of the course this morning. Not one of us was watching because, and I know this is the wrong choice of word, it is like a freakshow. I actually find it a tad voyeuristic and uncomfortable. I admire their talents and sheet bloody mindedness but can't bring myself to watching.

[Porn Baron]

Do you work for ATOS Heathcare on PR?

Some of us enjoy the tale of triumph overcoming adversity. Of strength and persistence transcending misfortune. People who work hard and try their best. These people are good role models for kids.

[JamesW]

Essex Lad wrote:

> Billions tune in to watch the Eurovision Song Contest


120 million tune in (according to the European Broadcasting Union).