Comment by volkk
1 day ago
> A cashier at McDonalds is providing more absolute value to the world than even the most esteemed athlete.
Do you actually believe this or are you just ragebaiting?
> That's not to say that athletes are bad, entertainment and games are important. But you can't just say one form of mindless entertainment is more valuable than another form.
Sport isn't mindless entertainment--that's just objectively false. The "dumb" entertainment you're speaking of is built _around_ sports (e.g gambling) while physical competition is as old as time. Porn is also the exact opposite of this. It's just a byproduct of entertainment and boredom/vice. For sports, humans have pushed themselves to the extreme limit through discipline for a millennia--which inspires many, creates stronger people, gets some out of poverty, or depression, or countless other things. The fact that you're comparing porn to sports or the most esteemed athletes to random low level cashiers at McDonalds in value creation for society tells me you're an advanced troll and I already just spent too much time replying.
I'm not a troll, we just disagree. Sports and games are mindless entertainment.
Yes, competition is important - but it doesn't produce anything. If I win a game, I haven't won anything other than the ability to say I've won the game. I didn't produce a good, I didn't cook food or blow glass.
Now, entertainment does create value around it. Taking attention can be used for advertising and admission. But the exact same thing is true of porn, and to the same if not greater extent.
I also don't buy the whole "discipline" angle. Yes, sports are hard and take practice. But you're making a morality argument. Just because something takes blood, sweat and tears doesn't mean it's good. Eating a couch takes discipline, too, just ask that one guy on My Strange Addiction.
The only reason, and I do mean only reason, we view porn as less valuable is because we think it's icky. That's it. But I don't particularly think that's a strong argument for anything.
just entertainment? Aton of people just watch sports to shout at the TV (or field) and drink beer. A lot more than are genuinely interested in the physical performance.
And really, we absolutely glorify entertainment in our society. People look up more to Kim Kardashian or a Will Smith than a king. Athletes also but more because they bring in the "win" which is more entertainment. It's all about making you feel good about winning or the chance of it, and the Idea that you're part of it.