I just found out about wrestling!

Platinum Member Joined: Nov 04 2008 Posts: 7944

I just found out about pro wrestling! The "plot" is scripted but the injuries and deaths are real! This is upsetting. Why does it exist?
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Gold Member Joined: Nov 17 2010 Posts: 1018

I've always seen it as a soap opera for men, which would be a much more accurate analogy if there wasn't an extremely high casualty rate, in terms of injury, addiction to pain meds and death. (Although Susan Lucci did get slapped that time by the wacko fan who was displeased with something that Erica Kane had done....)

I have watched more than my fair share of WWE, having grown up with a brother who's a fan and a son who inherited the family tendency towards fandom. At its best, it's actually quite gripping, because of the fake drama, fun in spotting the fakery, and humorous commentary. But there clearly is a dark side to it.

Like any form of "entertainment", the value is in the eyes of the beholder. As long as people are buying what they're selling, they'll sell it, and I think especially with the advent of the Internet, their plotlines are probably more subject to quick revision because of a vocal and rabid fanbase.

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 12 2009 Posts: 13203

Even I knew about pro wrestling Wink

But I'm with you, totally. There's been a lot of buzz about injuries this week, re football, due to that suicide and possible links between depression and football injuries. (And you can read the Gordon Korman book Pop for a fictional take on this.) Beats me.
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The righteous praise and honor people for every good quality that is found in them while the wicked seek out faults in others to pull them down, even if they repented those deeds. (Rabbeinu Yonah, from Partners in Kindness)

Platinum Member Joined: Nov 04 2008 Posts: 7944

Thank you for your explanations. Ewa-jo, that was fascinating. I just don't understand why it can't be stylized play fighting. I feel sorry for them. At least with sports it's "the real thing."

This is all very interesting. Duels were a ritualized and not exactly legal, but hardly ever prosecuted form of murder. In ancient Rome they had gladiators fighting each other and wild animals. Corridas still exist in Spain (and I have been to one). Russian intellectual games are also a weird combination of reality show, game, and Greek tragedy. I guess people need spectacle and they need a socially acceptable outlet for their aggression. I just wish this one didn't involve real human beings being hurt and injured.