Originally Posted by
magiciansampras
I think that's completely wrong. Most sports do involve a minority of viewers "discovering" hidden things. You think most of the public appreciates the subtle moves that defensive linemen make in the NFL? Or the peculiarities of Belichik's defensive schemes? Football is a great example of a sport that becomes infinitely more interesting as you learn more and can appreciate what both sides are trying to do.
But I guess the larger point is this: just because one cannot appreciate subtlety in a given endeavor does not imply that no one can.
Originally Posted by
magiciansampras
Wrong. It has nothing to do with the process of football, it has to do with how you understand the game. If you don't understand what the defense is doing, you don't "get it." Similar to wine. If you can't taste the diverse flavors, you don't get it.
This is all part of appreciation.
In high school I didn't like English class because I did not enjoy endlessly parsing books and pondering upon the author's motivation. I love books but do not wish to do endless analysis of what I am reading. I guess I don't "get it".
I have only liked wine for a few years and am still expanding my wine horizons. Like with books, I do not care to endlessly analyze what I am drinking. I do consider everything I drink and whether I like it or not. If a reason why comes to mind I consider that too. I don't generally like reds because they feel greasy in my mouth. Won't stop me trying more. The whys are in my own words. Buttery? Notes of blackberry? Never crossed my mind. I guess I don't "get it".
Does that make me worth less than someone who "gets it"? What if I never "get it"? Should I remove myself from the wine drinking population since I am not worthy?
Someone mentioned curling before. I am a certified curling instructor. We get lots of people in who have never tried the game and maybe have just some vague idea of what's going on. But they try it and they love it. Sure, they can't use fancy words for the shots. Maybe they choose not to analyze everything that's going on. Maybe they can't perform that analysis. I don't care. Anybody who loves curling and keeps an open mind is fine in my book. They'll learn and they'll enjoy it in their own way. Who am I to tell them how to best get enjoyment out of their experience?