Ep 7 - Ch 6 -- Abuse & Violence in Sport: Why do they persist?

We begin this episode discussing why talking about violence in sports can be challenging for some people, especially sports fans. We then address if human nature is inherently violent or drawn to violence. That opens up a debate between us on the ritual nature of violence in sports and how a "quest for excitement" operates in modern societies. Through a discussion of the Oklahoma Drill in American football, we begin to distinguish violence from abuse. We also address the gendering of sports violence. We return to a discussion of abuse with a focus on sexual abuse in sports. Finally we conclude with a discussion of sports spectator violence and terrorism at sporting events.