I like the UFC a lot. But this article sparked fond memories of watching Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran on ABC's Wide World Of Sports, so many years ago!
Aug 5, 2023·edited Aug 5, 2023Liked by Allen Frantzen
I think the changes you are describing from the top coincide with the World Star-ization of violence from below, where social media, violence, and celebrity all kind of merge into a system where it becomes normal to settle personal disputes through public violence by way of video streaming. At its best, this could lead to a world where gentlemen fight each other honorably and leave their animosity in the ring; at its worst, this could result in situations where online mobs egg on drama in hope of seeing someone get hurt and people wholly unsuitable for physical violence end up pressured into participating in something that could get them killed.
A very helpful comment, for which thanks. I am reading now about the "concertization" of movies, set off by the 2 big blockbusters now in theaters, with fans photographing the screen, even miming the action on screen from their seats. Also troubling is the way concert fans throw hard objects at performers they like--not just underwear, as in the old days, but jewelry, things that can harm performers. One feels that the performer / audience barrier is dissolving, and your comment about those unprepared for violence getting violent might be prophetic.
I like the UFC a lot. But this article sparked fond memories of watching Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran on ABC's Wide World Of Sports, so many years ago!
Anyways, good article. Thank you Allen.
I miss those fights, too. I used to watch them with my dad, not a sportsman (a farmer, actually) but he really loved boxing. Thanks for your comment.
I think the changes you are describing from the top coincide with the World Star-ization of violence from below, where social media, violence, and celebrity all kind of merge into a system where it becomes normal to settle personal disputes through public violence by way of video streaming. At its best, this could lead to a world where gentlemen fight each other honorably and leave their animosity in the ring; at its worst, this could result in situations where online mobs egg on drama in hope of seeing someone get hurt and people wholly unsuitable for physical violence end up pressured into participating in something that could get them killed.
A very helpful comment, for which thanks. I am reading now about the "concertization" of movies, set off by the 2 big blockbusters now in theaters, with fans photographing the screen, even miming the action on screen from their seats. Also troubling is the way concert fans throw hard objects at performers they like--not just underwear, as in the old days, but jewelry, things that can harm performers. One feels that the performer / audience barrier is dissolving, and your comment about those unprepared for violence getting violent might be prophetic.