Football

Thank you John Paradis! Great piece of journalism (“American’s love for football defines us,” Recorder, Feb. 9). Fun to read, meaningful to consider and important to impact.

Our nation is seduced into the vicarious thrill of football violence. We’re not alone as attested by the World Cup and soccer/football. Soccer is more international, more graceful and more mysterious — it’s less violent, but more corrupt.

Our football is clearly violent and racial. Still so many young men dream of playing. And women dream of cheerleading. It is American as bloody cherry pie.

Gladiators are worshipped but get a short life span. Wouldn’t it be great if you could admire doctors, teachers and nurses? Instead it’s athletes, actors and musicians and maybe even politicians.

Michael Hoffman

Belchertown

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