The New Opium of the Masses

Opinione has posted an article about the new opium of the masses: sports.

This phrase by the 19th century German philosopher has been translated variously as 'religion is the opiate of the masses', 'religion is the opium of the masses' and, in a version which German scholars prefer 'religion is the opium of the people'. As church attendance decreased in many western countries in the later part of the 20th century and has continued in the early part of the 21st century, it appears that professional sports has now replaced religion as the opium for the masses. As Americans prepare to watch the grandest of all weapons of mass distractions, also known as the Super Bowl on February 7, 2010, Opinione found some interesting historical similarities between political power, organized religion, professional sports, capitalism and the upcoming Super Bowl.

What's your opinion? Is American interest in religion on the decline while that of sports is increasing? Would that mean that fewer people are interested in religion but those who are tend to be more fanatical?

Do you think the mesmerizing effect of following sports, which certainly does distract, can be compared to the former distraction many folks enjoyed with their religion?

What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.

Weapons of Mass Distraction

This is what I think is a perfect example of what Il Principe refers to as "Weapons of mass distraction." Things like this are the real WMDs while we're getting jerked around on health care and the war in Afghanistan.

What's your opinion? Is the situation between Professor Gates and the cop who arrested him really as important as all this attention it's gotten? Why do you think they do that? Whose fault is it? The Prince says get the news from AP or Reuters, is that the answer?

Please leave a comment.