Sports as exemplar for fairness

In sports, talent and dedication are expected to determine who holds the trophy at the end of the season. On the field (or court, course, or track, etc.), we anticipate fierce competition and the relentless pursuit of victory, making fair play essential. After all, we wouldn’t want a team showing up with a secret stash of invisible ink to write their own rules! So, as an audience, how do we know if a game was played fairly? In timed sports, the clock starts ticking at the same moment every time. It’s like synchronized swimming but without the splashes and sequins. We know when the game starts and ends. We understand the criteria for declaring the winner. The two teams compete on equal footing—or equal turf—with fields that are the same size. And let’s not forget the whistle-blowing referees who maintain order. Most importantly, we, the spectators, have transparency. We see everything. The camera, our eye in the sky, makes everything visible to us eager viewers. We can see every play unfold—the good, the bad, and those awkward. With this front-row seat, we can easily tell if rules were applied equitably. We notice if they were enforced properly. We can also spot if shenanigans are afoot!

Can we view life as fair?

In real life, the field of play is anything but obvious. The “playing field” (or court, track, pitch, etc.) can vary greatly from one person to another. Take a bank exchange, for instance; it’s as if there are two separate worlds. On one side, affluent depositors have overflowing accounts, sipping lattes and discussing investment strategies. On the other side, there are those whose bank accounts are below zero—talk about being in the financial doghouse! Did everyone start at the same place? With the same field of play? Have the refs checked the exchanges to ensure everyone achieved their bank balances by following the same rules?

Who is the winner?

If you find yourself “winning” — with a delightful pile of cash resting comfortably in your bank account — you might think that the rules of this grand game are divine. When you are successful, you feel the rules are flawless. In that triumphant state, you’d be convinced that this is indeed the greatest game of all time. After all, who wouldn’t want to bask in the glory of their financial success? Each person will insist that no one should dare to meddle with these perfectly crafted rules or suggest any changes. However, let’s flip the script for a moment and consider what happens when your bank balance resembles more of a sinking ship than a luxury yacht. When those numbers dip below zero, does it automatically mean you were lacking in talent or dedication? Not necessarily! Perhaps you’re playing a completely different game. In this game, luck is as elusive as finding a needle in a haystack. It may seem that life always wins as the house. It could be that you have more talent than you know what to do with but just happen to be competing against some well-oiled money-making machines. Much of the “winning” and “unfairness” that happens in the world is not within our control. And if that’s the case, how productive is it to dwell on what’s fair and unfair?

What rules?

How about venturing into the digital realm of online shopping—the wild west of commerce—and things get a bit murky. There are no referees waving flags to indicate when you’ve crossed into dangerous territory. It’s not like there’s a giant neon sign flashing “Fraud Alert!” when you’re about to make a questionable purchase. Buyer beware indeed! It’s similar to watching a magician perform tricks. We sit in the annoying back row of the theater. We are far enough away that we can’t quite grasp how he did it. Yet, we are close enough to be dazzled by his tricks. Life unfolds around us with all its subtlety and complexity. It feels akin to trying to navigate through an intricate maze while blindfolded. In this chaotic arena called life, transparency is rarer than a magician explaining his tricks!

Coping, Rationalization, and the Philosophy of Happiness

As the esteemed “Philosopher of Happiness” Jonathan Lockwood Huie wisely asserts, “‘Fair’ is not a useful concept. Life is not ‘fair.’ You can’t make life ‘fair.’ You can get angry. You can complain about life not being ‘fair.’ You can attempt revenge—perhaps violently. You can inflict great suffering upon yourself in the name of life being ‘unfair.’ And life is still not ‘fair.’”

We certainly have a knack for rationalizing unfairness. It’s almost as if it’s our favorite hobby. It’s right up there with binge-watching shows while procrastinating on important tasks. We have honed this skill to perfection over time. It’s much like mastering the art of pretending to be busy at work while actually crushing virtual candy. We cope with unfairness by accepting this unfairness as both deplorable and inevitable. So here we are, grappling with this pesky little problem called life’s inherent unfairness.

Can we survive in a world that we know is not fair?

Yes, we must. Most people have a nagging suspicion that life is unfair. For most Americans, the answer seems to be a hearty dash for the exits—escape! But not just any escape; we dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of sports. Yes, there it is: our glorious refuge from the harsh realities of life. In sports, we experience the comforting illusion of fairness. It feels like a magical land where everyone plays by the same rules. Well, until that referee makes a questionable call. It’s a realm where underdogs can rise and champions can fall faster than your favorite team’s playoff hopes. We cheer for those heroic athletes as if they are fighting for justice itself. Yet, we conveniently ignore the corruption lurking in the shadows behind the scenes. Even when our hearts get broken by last-minute losses or questionable trades (looking at you, management!), we return time after time—because nothing beats that rush of watching someone else chase glory while we sip on our overpriced stadium beer. So let’s embrace our escape into sports! After all, where else can we find camaraderie over shared heartbreak and joy? Maybe we can even score some nachos along the way.

So next time you’re watching your favorite team hit the field, remember all those referee calls (or lack of them). Real-life scores may be decided long before any whistle blows. Overcoming injustice is about ensuring everyone’s invited to play together. It is essential not just on paper but right in the middle of life’s unpredictable game!

Citations and recommendations for further reading

Jonathan Lockwood Huie. Being Yourself Quotes and Sayings – Quotes about Being Yourself. https://www.jonathanlockwoodhuie.com/quotes/yourself/