Thank you for widening my lens
Originally Posted by
mo.st.dukie
I mean, it's not just for you or any of us to watch, the players kimd of like to play and the coaches kind of like to coach. Some would even say it's a passion. And oh yeah, it's a livelihood for many people, and I'm not just talkimg about the millionaire coaches and the NCAA, I'm talking about the assistant coaches, trainimg staffs, camera crews, refs, etc.
I don't want to see people get COVID or die from COVID but it's also never been as simple as saying let's lock eveybody up in their homes for a year. That would be a death too, a death of the soul. I am pro-mask, pro-social distancing, and anit-large gatherings but I think it would be wrong to ban any and all human endeavors that bring some level of joy and happiness.
Dear mo.st.dukie, first, let me be clear, I’m not judging anyone else for watching...and wanting to watch. I will watch the games, with profound gratitude. Perhaps that makes me inconsistent, but if I watch or don’t watch, the games will go on, and I am not striving for moral purity.
Your points are totally on the mark, IMO. As I reflect honestly on my post, I do think that I oversimplified. I was focusing on my own internal calculus: if lives were saved, suffering diminished, would I mind not watching Duke basketball? Of course not. But you point to the larger picture, and I agree with it. I have never been a risk-averse person and affirm that living to the fullest means optimizing risk, not eliminating it. I have ridden motorcycles for many years and am fully aware of the risks involved. No doubt a stupid decision from others POVs, and I wouldn’t refute that. But as you say, there are passions. And then there are livelihoods. College basketball surely does provide a tremendous venue for both.
So, thank you reminding me of the fuller picture. Life well lived isn’t one of focusing on avoiding risks, it’s using our gifts to the fullest toward worthy ends, and assuming the attendant risks, without fear, and with gratitude.
I hope that all of you have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving!
Sure hope that Coppin State has their act together. Go Duke!
Hustleplays
“I love it. Coach, when we came here, we had a three-hour meeting about the core values. If you really represent the core values, it means diving on the floor, sacrificing your body for your teammates, no matter how much you’re up by or how much you’re down by, always playing hard.” -- Zion