The Rise of Violence with Fighting Sports
In my last blog post I talked about sports fans and a small
part of why they identify themselves so enthusiastically with certain UFC/MMA
athletes. This was mainly about the social connection that’s shared among the
people, but there are many more factors that should be recognized. Most fans go
to professional sporting events to feel the rush as the last second shot goes
up, to escape life for a few hours, or to appreciate the natural beauty of the
game. However, in the world of fighting and its spectators, I feel there are
more animalistic reasons of attendance involved as well.
Almost as far back as 300 BC gladiators would fight in to the
death, renewing the meaning of “going all in” in modern sports terms. The bloodiest
source of entertainment available would attract 50,000 spectators at a time, an
impressive crowd regardless of what century you’re in. For years movies would
portray violence as admirable and manly, but outside of boxing all other forms
of real fighting was frowned on and labeled as barbaric. Only years ago was
mixed martial arts considered something other than animalistic. Today the UFC
is among the fastest growing sports in the world with an octagon full of
splattered blood, broken bones and unconscious minds. And we want more!
What I see most addicting in the biggest stages of sports is
the drama that’s involved. With so much on the line and athletes willing to sacrifice
their bodies for the entertainment of something bigger than themselves, it’s easy
to become addicted. The Excitation Transfer Theory notes the physiological
arousal for violence dissolves over time, which then requires more violence to
stay “entertained”. As we all know nothing gets your heart beating faster than
a fight or flight moment. For many, that adrenaline rush is addicting, but the
logical thought process saying that extreme amounts of pain is possible during
future adrenaline rushes deters many more. Fortunately the process of watching
someone else fight for their life inside a cage is equally as exciting and much
safer. As this bloody sport continues to grow, so does the availability and attachment
of violence for its spectators.
Other theories such as the Social Learning Theory and Script
Theory also point out that in the last 20-40 years aggressiveness has been more
and more welcomed to society. As the media scripts out that violence is what we
are supposed to want in our lives, we accommodate.
History has a way of repeating itself, especially in the
sports world.
CLICK to read more about the rise of UFC.
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