Knowing when to use sports as an escape

I wanted to provide some semblance of analysis on the games which have come to define the recent portion of the NBA slate. The only problem is that I have not been paying attention; Offering commentary on this week in the NBA would be a disservice to those who passionately follow the game.

I, along with many others, use sports as an outlet to escape from the realities of the world. I cheer for my favorite teams, read up on statistics and discuss the pivotal moments of the big game with family and friends because it is a distraction from my looming responsibilities. As I embark into the professional world, it’s a chance to step away from any personal issues I might not otherwise want to address, a solace from the atrocities that far too often dominate the news cycle.

If this recent election was any indication, our country is deeply divided along ideological lines. Over half of Americans on both sides of the political spectrum view the other party as being fundamentally dangerous to their way of life and their vital interests. They are fearful and terrified about what the future holds for the United States.

I currently have two passions: sports and politics. My love of sports has resided in my heart ever since I started going to football games as a little boy with my father on Sunday afternoons. My passion for the American political process took much longer to emerge and has undergone some profound ideological transformations as I have grown and discovered my own distinct worldview.

Following a presidential election with such profound ramifications for the future of our country, my passion for politics and government superseded any efforts to engage with the world of sports.

While I wanted to turn inward and focus on my New York Giants and their impeccable record in close games this season, my mind grappled with absorbing commentary, viewing exit polls and discussing the outcome with friends.

The political process is important to me because it allows me to take agency over major decisions which will impact the lives of many Americans. I could not possibly allow myself to turn to sports escapism during a time of such uncertainty for so many in this country.

I am lucky enough to say that I will never feel threatened by the decisions that Donald Trump might make once he assumes office in January. However, I have many dear friends both on this campus and throughout the country who unfortunately do not have that same luxury.

I will not pass judgement on anyone before they assume office, but Trump’s rhetoric has led many to fear what the future may bring in the coming months and years.

There is a time for sports and a time for politics. I do not want to intrude on this sphere, which is supposed to remain separate. This section should be a place where people can delve into the amazing performances of our athletes on the field, learn about their lives and accomplishments and read insightful takes on the wider world of sports. This section should ideally be a means of escape from the rest of the world, which is how I have always viewed sports.

But we know that sports and politics are more heavily intertwined than we would like to admit. The backlash over the National Anthem demonstrations earlier this fall represented yet another convergence of sports and political activism.

It is impossible to keep these two spheres completely isolated. Athletes have been using sports as a platform to voice their political displeasures for decades.

Sporting events have also been regarded as the ultimate embodiment of civic pride, especially during events like the Olympic Games. Ultimately, we are all Americans. We need to believe that our society will continue to strive and make progress, that these fissures within our nation can be healed and that we can be united by love rather than be divided by hate.

I will eventually return to my idyllic world of sports. Over the break, I will be lucky enough to see the Giants play the Bears in the marshlands of Northern New Jersey.

However, I will not dive into the world of sports and forget about the real world that is constantly shifting around me. Sports can offer a temporary escape, but the diversion from reality must not be a permanent one.

This goes for any type of escapist hobby, because when the players walk off the field and the clock hits double zeros, time will keep ticking forward. If you aren’t happy about the result of something, do not deny its existence, even if that thought gives you immense pain.

Mobilize your friends and like minded individuals. Organize. Protest. Do not give in and do not give up. Believe that you have the ability to enact real and positive change. And if you ever need temporary solace, sports will hopefully be there to pick you back up and put a smile on your face.