The "Big Three's" Takeover of Sport

In the The “Big–Three’s” Takeover of Sport, Dr. Zeigler argues that such a take-over of competitive sport by capitalism, nationalism, and democracy has become a very serious problem that gradually became a crisis as the twentieth century wore on. The main purpose of this book–to show that the “commandeering”, or take-over, of sport by the “conglomerate of three”, enumerated–has created a situation where competitive sport has been increasingly “degraded” to a destructive “professional morality” espousing a mentality that “screams”: “Winning is now not the most important thing in sport; it is the only thing!” If indeed such is the case, this means that we must move now to assess the evolving situation more carefully than ever before… First, the very large percentage of the people is not getting sufficiently involved so that we can truly say: “Democracy works.” Second, capitalism has created a monetary situation where there is a grossly uneven arrangement as to who has the money to purchase life’s wherewithal. Third, a desirable level of patriotism throughout the world has too often degenerated into an unhealthy nationalism causing much strife. Finally–and this is the main purpose of this book–to show that the “commandeering”, or take-over, of sport by the “conglomerate of three” enumerated–has created a situation where competitive sport has been increasingly “degraded” to a destructive “professional morality” espousing a mentality that “screams”: “Winning is now not the most important thing in sport; it is the only thing!” If indeed such is the case, this means that we must move now to assess the evolving situation more carefully than ever before… “Why is this a problem”? Isn’t the social force of democracy a form of government that is ideal? Hasn’t capitalism been the social force (i.e., institution) that has shown itself to be the most effective “social engine” to generate business and create a healthy economy in the process. Further, why shouldn’t the leading countries of the Western world use democracy, capitalism, and even be nationalistic in their praise of their countries for having created such a desirable way of life? Zeigler’s reply is that the “rosy picture” being painted is a “mirage”.