Perceptions #200211

"It Is Just A Game"

by Jerry Hodge

We love controversy. Pick a subject, pick a side, pick each other apart, and let the best one win. This is the theme of talk show TV. I hear it on the radio. People tune in and the ratings soar when the fight IS good. Expert so and so represents the left and Dr. Famous represents the right. Better yet - get a movie star who doesn't know anything about anything to set the world straight. Who do you like? Who do you listen to? Which side are you on?

Yesterday I was driving and listening to a sport's radio station. I wanted to hear the scores and catch up on the weekend of sports. Then the argument started. The subject-Sports star Tim Duncan will miss game 4 in the NBA playoffs because of the death of his father! People were calling and were angry with his decision to be with his family. They said he made a commitment to the team, to San Antonio, the whole sports community-how could he let us down. They blasted coach Popovich for letting him go home.

I couldn't believe my ears! I thought if only I knew where my phone was - and if it were charged - and if I knew the number - then I would set them straight. I would say basketball is just a game. This event should remind us of the really important matters in life. I would say Tim Duncan has his priorities right! I was preaching good! Then it hit me. They had won. The program pulled me into the argument; made me mad, made me feel superior, made me feel hate. The show wasn't about basketball. It wasn't about priorities in life. It wasn't even about Tim Duncan. It was about ratings. It was about getting an audience frustrated with things in life to express their frustration. The sad news it works.

To Tim Duncan I express sympathy in the loss of your father. I am sorry that your pain was sensationalized for ratings. I am also sorry that I was fighting your cause without feeling your pain.

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