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Athletes and Politicians
in the category: Fitness
A look at running and athletics in terms of nations and political figures.
I saw this article about French President Nicholas Sarkozy’s upcoming private judo lesson with Russian Prime Minister—and judo black belt—Vladimir Putin, and cringed. God help him. You know there’s going to be one of those moments where the blackbelt inevitably feels the need to show off a bit—whether it’s for the cameras or the entourage—which will no doubt result in twisted limbs followed by a very hard introduction to the mat.
Sarkozy, a runner, is apparently openly mocked for his decidedly un-French athletic pursuits. This got me thinking about how running is perceived throughout the world, and how this perception is represented by our leaders and candidates.
Clinton was an avid runner until his ticker surgery; Bush and Carter have both pounded out the miles on the road. Barack Obama was a competitive basketball player and can still drain a three-point jumper, and Sarah Palin—a high school track and basketball athlete—does a 9 minute mile pace for sub-4:00 marathon.
The Washington Post article introduces the interesting French perspective that “...running is for self-centered individualists like Americans…”, and is a right-wing, totalitarian pursuit.
As an American, a runner and a one-time Sociology student, I find this fascinating. Is running a self-centered activity? Or, could one argue that it’s an efficient activity for people to get cardio exercise in a modern, physically undemanding world?
I have no real conclusions here and would love to hear your input. HOWEVER, let’s keep comments on the topic of running and exercise—this is not the venue for partisan political debate. (Thanks in advance!)
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Leave a Comment
Let's keep it polite and on topic.
Wow, what an interesting topic!
Off the top of my head, I think the idea that running is selfish and right-wing is kinda dumb, no offense to the French. But will have to steal this idea for a blog post… er, I mean, read more and think deeply about it.
(And yeah, mizfit is right, it’s a great new look; love it!)
Crabby McSlacker | September 21, 2008
I agree with Crabby McSlacker!
OK, I don’t care if Alain Finkielkraut is known as one of France’s leading intellectuals—He’s clearly an idiot for making such a stupid overgeneralization, & is obviously not a runner. ;-)
Saying running is a selfish activity is like saying that doing crossword puzzles or gardening are selfish pursuits. Frankly, Alain’s statement is one of reckless misattribution: It’s not the sport or activity of running that is in & of itself inherently selfish; selfishness is a personal character flaw which people themselves either reject or choose to embody.
I doubt Alain has ever spent time running races for charity or volunteering his help at local road races. Some of the most unselfish people I know are runners. So touché, Alain! ! ;-)
cyberpenguin | September 21, 2008
@MizFit - Thanks!
@Crabby - You can steal my post ideas any time. (I have what I believe to be a more interesting—and equally undeveloped—topic over at the Slow Mofo site that I think you’d find interesting: Obesity in America: A Theory)
@cyberpenguin - you did say “misattribution”, right? Because I guess you could call what some intellectuals do a form of mental self-gratification (which also is an “m” word that looks like “misattribution” at a quick glance, but has wholly different meaning…).
All wanking aside, the charity aspect—and groups like Team in Training—definitely nullify any possible selfish motivation, for sure. It’s all about giving, and it’s great.
Thanks for the comments, y’all!
John | September 21, 2008
Hahaha! Gee, what ever could you mean?! ;-)
awesome job @ crabbys site!
MizFit | September 21, 2008