Spectator Sports

What is it with people and their spectator sports? Basketball, Football, Baseball, Soccer, Golf, and so on. Why the obsession? I would think that after a hard week of work, one would want to do something besides sit in front of a television and watch a group of african-americans throwing around a ball and getting hit for two hours. What's the point? Your life won't change if the Trojans win or lose. So what's all the fuss?

I used to think like this until I discovered this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we2JJ3bY9iE

It's a Starcraft 2 Replay with Commentary

I don't play Starcraft 2. I used to play Starcraft 1 but I realized long ago, I didn't have the time or the patience to play enough to become good enough to beat other people. And I hate losing. When I discovered these casts on youtube, I discovered that I could still enjoy Starcraft 2 but without taking the time to actually practice and play.

I have no stake in the competitors I watch in these casts. If they win or lose, it doesn't affect me, but I still watch them. Why? The display of skill of the players and the resourcefulness of their strategies and gameplay. The ability to feel victory vicariously through a win of theirs. And sometimes, just because I'm bored and have nothing else to do.

I think this is why other people watch spectator sports. They probably played basketball and football when there were kids but now that they're old and working, they don't have the time and the energy to play anymore. Through ESPN and NFL, they can play vicariously, and experience the highs and lows along with the professional athletes.

Now it makes more sense, but still I don't care much for spectator sports. It's passive entertainment and I think there are better ways of using one's precious leisure time. But hey, it's your life and you can live it the way you want. I just don't understand why EVERYONE seems to watch it and I get flack for not wanting to join in on this collective ritual.