So what is so special about football? Nothing really.
It is just an exciting game that a majority of the people in the country watch and enjoy. The game, the essence of the game, is no different than any other. Someone tries to get something they don’t have. The process is exciting and entertaining, but it is like all games.
The real value is that is keeps our minds busy. We don’t contemplate overthrowing the government or attacking the next village or spreading our religious views by force. So, it serves a great purpose. And, it gives us a shared experience as Americans . . and we can authenticate our experiences and share the emotions generated by the game.
And, that’s not just something. It’s a big something.
Think of how many people felt joy or despair when the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots during the last Super bowl. And, a week later, it was forgotten, and we moved on to agonizing over the situation with Trump. It was ephemeral, fleeting. But, it gave us a respite and connection with our society for the day, if not for the weeks or months, prior to the game.
It was not, however, a noble endeavor or a search for the truth. It did not bring us long-term physical or mental health. It did not solve the problems with genocide in the world or the racist minorities in the United States. And, it did not solve our problems with human migration.
It was just a game.