Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Philosophical & Theological Reflections On Satirical Images: Sport

Liverpool-trekearth

















Your ecards

Luis Suarez Cook book from Talk Sport

Quote:

'Luis Suarez returns with a brand-new series that pushes the concept of fast, everyday food to the next level. Building on the success of Luis's Ajax Meals, 90 minute meals takes the bite-size concept further, featuring new delicious, nutritious, malicious Eastern European dishes. So even if you're rushed off your feet during a Premier League match, there's no excuse for not making a  meal out of the opposition.'

TSN

Quote:

'Suarez, who was also suspended for seven matches in 2010 while playing for Ajax after biting a player, said he has been fined by Liverpool for his "unacceptable behaviour."'

'The Professional Footballers' Association has offered Suarez the services of counsellors.'

Suarez will not face a police investigation because Ivanovic said he did not want to press charges. "He had no apparent physical injuries and did not wish to make a complaint," Merseyside Police said in a statement.

But Prime Minister David Cameron's office said it was "rightly a matter for the football authorities to consider."

"As part of their consideration, I think it would be very understandable if they took into account the fact that high-profile players are often role models," Cameron's office said.'

End quote



I wonder if at 2013 the philosophical idea of sports athletes as role models for children is desirable. I realize that children do idolize athletes often, but with the advent of greater web and net access with computers and more sports television, there is even more potential for negative news concerning sports athletes, also known as sports 'stars'. The reality of what many sports stars/athletes are actually like on and off the field is becoming more and publicized.

I do not disagree with Prime Minister Cameron's reasoning and conclusion but I think parents need to take the time to philosophically discuss this type of issue with children. This is the type of potentially difficult issue that actually takes some challenging parenting, some reflection, some thought, and this in my mind is often avoided by many parents in Western society today, for easier alternatives, such as silence and/or simply dismissing person's such as Suarez as crazy.

But there is the second commandment  that at least somewhat relates...

Exodus 20:4-6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

4 “You shall not make for yourself [a]an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Speaking of one needing counsel and then some.

I think respect and appreciation are more reasonable and Biblical responses but philosophically, role models are potentially dangerous and idolization is sinful.

Mike Tyson-Mirror

'He reportedly told the David Glenn radio show in America: "He (Suarez) bit someone, it happens. I am sure he will make amends with this guy. "I made amends with Evander and we got on with our lives."

Tyson possibly gets 'bite attack' alerts on his phone, because he admits to starting to follow Suarez on Twitter when he heard of the Anfield nibble.

Tyson added: "I saw this guy [Suarez] on the Twitter thing and thought I would check it out and see what his journey was all about."'
This happens to my friend Bobby Buff every decade when he goes on a plane at his wife's beckoning.