Should
dangerous sports such as boxing or motor-racing be banned?
Millions of
people play sport every day, and, inevitably, some suffer injury or pain. Most
players and spectators accept this risk. However, some people would like to see
dangerous sports such as boxing banned. This essay will examine some of the
reasons for banning certain sports.
Some sports
are an excuse for violence. Boxing is a perfect example. The last
thing an increasingly violent world needs is more violence on our television.
The sight of two men (or even women) bleeding, with faces ripped open, trying
to obliterate each other is barbaric. Other sports, such as American football
or rugby, are also barely-concealed violence.
Some people
argue that the players can choose to participate. However this is not always
the case. Many boxers, for example, come from disadvantaged backgrounds. They
are lured by money or by social or peer pressure and then cannot escape. Even
in richer social groups, schools force unwilling students to play aggressive
team sports, claiming that playing will improve the students’ character (or the
school’s reputation), but in fact increasing the risk of injury.
Even where
people can choose, they sometimes need to be protected against themselves. Most
people approve of governments’ efforts to reduce smoking. In the same way,
governments need to act if there are unacceptably high levels of injuries in
sports such as football, diving, mountaineering, or motor-racing.
I accept
that all sports involve challenge and risk. However, violence and aggression
should not be permitted in the name of sport. Governments and individuals must
act to limit brutality and violence, so that children and adults can enjoy and
benefit from sport.
