Evolution of Sport as a Symbolic Simulation of Duality

Evolution of Sport as a Symbolic Simulation of Duality

Symbols have been used to represent ideas and figures greater than themselves since the advent of man appeared on the plane of the earth. This symbolic trend continues into the present day where it can be seen expressed within the context of sports. Some of the most common and predominant symbolism that has been used throughout the ages is the representation of gods, the sun, the moon, measurements of time, war and competition. The commonalities among most of these are the expression of duality, which consists of opposites expressing themselves in the form of polarity such as light vs. dark, positive vs. negative, yin vs. yang or the Redskins vs. the Cowboys.

By analyzing the use of symbolism and the role of symbolic simulation within various sports, it will be seen that sports are yet another extension for the symbolic simulation of duality that has existed since the advent of time. As Baudrillard did in describing the various levels of simulacra in Simulacra and Simulation, it will become clear how this trend of sports as symbolic simulation for duality has evolved from the ancient times all the way though to present day sports where it has just recently taken its next step on the simulation ladder with the explosion in growth and popularity of eSports.

Used as one of the earliest forms of communication, symbolism was utilized in ancient times to represent a multiplicity of ideas. Gold and silver were symbolically considered to be representative of money, wealth and royalty. Drawings and paintings were used to depict the sun, the moon, the stars in the sky and the gods. The Zodiac was created to represent the months of the year, seasons, equinoxes and solstices. This trend carried through during the development of sporting competitions throughout the ancient civilizations where these symbolic simulation competitions served as a remembrance, honor and representation of these dualistic concepts and ideals such as those of the movements of the sun, measurements of time, war and competition.
The Mesoamerican ballgame was played by ancient civilizations such as the Mayan and Aztec since 1400 BCE and has several significant similarities to many modern-day sports. This sport had different versions that took place in different places during ancient times, and a newer and more modern version of the game, ulama, is still played in a few places by various indigenous populations.

The exact rules of the Mesoamerican ballgame or ōllamaliztli, as it was called, are not exactly known, but judging from its descendant, ulama, it was probably most similar to modern-day racquetball, where the aim is to keep the ball in play.
The most common theory of the way the game was played is that the players struck the ball with their hips, although some versions allowed for the use of forearms, rackets, bats, or handstones. The ball was usually made of solid rubber and weighed as much as 9 pounds or 4 kilograms with sizes differing greatly over time and according to the specific version being played.
Some of the similarities in the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame to modern-day sports include having devoted fans, a dedicated use of sporting arenas for the play of the game, local rivalries between differing geographic areas, the inclusion of half-time shows as a part of the spectacle and gambling on the outcome of the games. The idea of competition and duality is perhaps first seen within the sporting domain with the birth of the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame due to the introduction of two teams competing against each other for victory, prizes, wealth and sometimes even their lives.

The bouncing ball used in the playing of the Mesoamerican ballgame is thought to have represented the sun or the moon. The stone scoring rings are speculated to signify sunrises, sunsets, equinoxes or solstices. The idea of moving the ball through the rings could be considered similar to the movement of the sun and the calculation of time such as the hours of the day and the months of the year.

Perhaps the most obvious symbolic aspect of the ancient Mesoamerican ball game is the symbolic representation of warfare. Among the Mayan, the ball could have represented the vanquished enemy, both in the late Postclassical K'iche' Kingdom (Popol Vuh), and in the classical kingdoms such as that of Yaxchilan. Cosmologic duality was also showcased as the game was seen as a struggle between day and night, and/or a battle between life and the underworld. The courts the game was played on were considered portals to the underworld and were built in key locations within the central ceremonial precincts. Playing the ancient ball game was thought to engage one in the maintenance of the cosmic order of the universe and the dualistic and ritualistic nature of the cycle of birth and death that exists in all life.

From here we head to the Roman Colosseum where the use of symbols and simulation within a sporting context can be seen as the closet ancient representation to modern day sports. At the Roman Colosseum, highly skilled and trained gladiators partook in a variety of competitive combative contests that are quite similar to sporting events of the modern day, especially when compared to boxing or mixed martial arts such as the UFC or Bellator. As a part of the honor and tradition of the gladiatorial games in the Colosseum, the Romans saluted their gods and country, often competing for honor and their lives. This tradition continues in modern day sports where the national anthem is sung before most sporting contests in the USA and the national anthem of the winners is played during the medal ceremonies of the Olympic Games.

There were even some instances of direct simulation of warfare within the Roman Colosseum, whereby famous ancient battles would be reenacted for mere spectacle for the spectators in attendance. Duality could also be directly observed in the Roman Colosseum as gladiators competed directly in battle either head-to-head or in teams, whereby the victors were rewarded and the losers often lost their lives. Thus, the dualistic notions of good vs. bad, win vs. lose and life vs. death could instantly be seen by the audience. “Gladiators were divided into different classes according to their weapons and fighting styles. There were strict rules and protocol surrounding the fights of the gladiators. They fought mock sea battles that re-enacted the Roman victories over their enemies. The first Roman Gladiators, including the Naumachiarii, were prisoners of war and were forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of the Roman spectators.”

Flash-forward until the present day where sports such as football, basketball, baseball and the combative sports of boxing and mixed martial arts have taken over as the modern day equivalent of gladiatorial combat. Here we see fanbases getting behind particular players and teams often as a result of their specific geographic proximity. These fans spend much time, money and energy cheering for players, often who are not from the area of the team they are representing and whom the majority of fans have never and will never meet or get to know personally. This is quite similar to the way crowds at the Roman Colosseum would cheer and support various gladiators without really knowing much about them other then being displayed in the public contests. In this way, the sport and spectacle of the gladiators of the ancient Roman Colosseum has continued on throughout the years, and interestingly enough, especially on Sundays for NFL Football.

Is it a coincidence that the majority of NFL games take place on the Sun’s Day, or was it purposefully organized as a tribute to the Sun God of yore, whom occultists tend to favor through their consistent representation of sun imagery symbolism? In line with the Roman Colosseum, football certainly appears to be a simulation of war, often pitting teams, players and fans from different cities against each other in a game prone to concussions and head injuries. Likewise, the division of the seemingly unified elements of a country for the purpose of sports competition is very much in line with spectators cheering for their favorite gladiators in the Roman Colosseum. Much like the Romans, football is played in enormous stadiums or coliseums where the national anthem is symbolically sung before every game, saluting the nationalism joining the competing parties together.

Aspects of duality can be seen everywhere within the context of football. Offense vs. defense, opposing team end zones, and each teams lines opposing each other all sound like war terminology indicating separation and duality. There is the “good” home team versus the “bad” away team to continue on the endless dualistic story of good versus evil. There is the beginning, half time, and end of the game, much as the sun rises in the morning, reaches its highest point mid-day and then sets in the evening. It is the Egyptian Gods Set and Ra merely played out by humans with a pigskin on the Sun’s Day.

Basketball is another sport that contains plenty of dualistic symbolism and simulation. Competition and war is once again expressed by two teams from various cities competing against each other for victory, prizes, wealth and championships. The bouncing basketball used in the playing of the game can be thought of as similar to the Mesoamerican ballgame where the movement of the ball represented the sun. The ball passing through the hoop can signify the sun and moon with respective sunrises, sunsets, months of the year, seasons, equinoxes and solstices.

The dualistic theme continues with the cheering for the “home” team versus the booing of the “away” team. The game is also structured in a dualistic nature with the beginning or tip-off leading to the half time of the game after two quarters or seasons. After half-time there are two more quarters or season until the end of the game or the final buzzer, much in the same way as the sun rises in the morning, is highest in the sky mid-day, and then sets in the evening. The tip-off and final buzzer can also be related to the cycle of birth and death marking the beginning and ending of the counting of time.

In fact, similar dualistic concepts and sun symbolism can be seen as commonplace among the majority of team sports. “Scoring a goal with the sun ball was equated with the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil… The ball is a sun symbol in all such sports as football, hockey, basketball, and cricket. Baseball is related to the sun in the sundial shape and pattern of the field, as well as its rules of play and scoring. Like all sports, baseball also embodies the sun’s seasonal cycles in much the same way as ancient ceremonial contests were held as part of fertility rites.”

Even the primary sport sponsors of the modern day have their symbolic roots in the times of the ancients. Nike and their swoosh logo, which derives its meaning from the Greek Goddess of victory, is perhaps the most recognizable symbol in all of sports. More recently, Under Armour has shown explosive growth in the sports world with its roots in the war symbolism of their clothing’s ability to protect you in the midst of sport or battle.

Boxing and mixed martial arts such as the UFC or Bellator are almost near perfect modern-day versions of the ancient Roman gladiatorial games, minus much of the blood and killing. “Ancient gladiator combats were advertised as type vs. type (e.g. the Secutor with a sword and shield vs. the Retiarius armed with a trident and a net). The early UFC events were promoted in a similar vein, with hand-to-hand styles competing for supremacy as the best martial art for unarmed combat. Both were displayed as a spectacle, as an extravaganza for entertainment purposes.”

“Now, after the addition of rules and sanctioning, the sport of MMA is finally beginning to be viewed as a legitimate athletic competition in its own right. Combatants are highly trained, versatile athletes who, amongst other reasons, compete for recognition as the best in their weight class. Many of fighters have publicly described themselves as modern gladiators.
MMA’s link to the Roman gladiator games may never be erased. In the introductory sequence to UFC pay-per-views, a gladiator putting on armor and preparing for battle is shown, with epic music and a choir in the background. The roots of MMA as a spectacle for the fans (and a business for the promoters, similar to the ancient games) can be seen in the production values of many current events, especially the Japanese promotions.”

The next generation of sports as symbolic dualistic simulation is already taking place through the tremendous growth in popularity of eSports. “The eSports (also known as electronic sports, esports, e-sports, competitive (video) gaming, professional (video) gaming, or pro gaming) is a form of competition that is facilitated by electronic systems, particularly video games; the input of players and teams as well as the output of the eSports system are mediated by human-computer interfaces.”
“So how big is this gaming thing? Let's start with this: Some 205 million people watched or played eSports in 2014, according to market research firm Newzoo -- meaning that if the eSports nation were actually a nation, it would be the fifth largest in the world. (They're coming for you next, Indonesia!) And while eSports have long been biggest in Asia, especially gaming-mad Korea, North America and Europe now claim 28 million eSports fans and the number is growing by 21 percent a year.”

“People watch this thing? Well, in a word, yes. When Major League Gaming launched in the early 2000s, its tournaments played out in hotel ballrooms before ... dozens of fans. Today, eSports' biggest tournaments rival practically any sporting event. The League of Legends Championship sold out Staples Center in 2013, then sold out the 40,000-seat World Cup Stadium in Seoul a year later while drawing an online audience of 27 million -- more than the TV viewership for the final round of the Masters.”
These eSports competitions take the next step in the extension of sports as a symbolic simulation of duality that has existed since the advent of time. The first level of this symbolic dualistic simulation would be participating in actual warfare or combat whereby the current reality is taking place and two groups are physically combating each other in order to unite their dualistic differences. The second level can be seen in the participation of the majority of team sports where simulations of battle, warfare and combat take place under the auspices of team sports with the sun symbolism, measurement of time and duality being fully expressed. Further steps from here occur by people watching other people physically participating in sports live and then watching via. electronic devices, thereby constituting the basis for the next step on this ladder of dualistic symbolic sports simulation.

The next step that eSports has now taken completely removes the physical simulation of warfare and creates an artificial mental simulation through the use of competitive video games to simulate sports. Not only can sports be simulated and contested in eSports, but actual simulated warfare can also take place in a competition style eSports contest such as occurs with League of Legends. Taking this even another step further is the most recent phenomenon whereby spectators watch contestants play eSports. Having just arrived at this point, another layer of sub-reality has been created whereby essentially people are watching or viewing an art form of a simulation (eSports) of a simulation (sports) of a simulation (warfare) of dualistic symbolism.
The practical applicability of this level of simulation theory can already be seen with the advent of the use of drones in tactical warfare. Many of the drone operators describe their jobs as if they are playing a video game. “‘It is a lot like playing a video game,’ a former Predator drone operator matter-of-factly admits to the artist Omer Fast. ‘But playing the same video game four years straight on the same level.’ His bombs kill real people though and, he admits, often not the people he is aiming at. The remarkable insight into the working life of one of the most modern of military operatives is provided in a 30-minute film that will be shown at the Imperial War Museum Imperial War in London from Monday, the first in a new programme of exhibitions under the title IWM Conemporary.”

Through the analysis of the use of symbolism and the role of symbolic simulation within various ancient sports such as the Mesoamerican ballgame and the gladiators in the Roman Colosseum all the way through to the modern times in the sports of football, basketball, baseball, boxing and mixed martial arts, it has been shown that sports are yet another extension for the symbolic simulation of duality that has existed since the advent of time. It has become quite clear how this trend of sports as symbolic simulation for duality has evolved from the ancient times all the way though to present day sports with the inclusion of the sun, the moon, the passing of time, good vs. evil, and life vs. death in the representation depicted by many of these sports. It has even gotten to the point now where it has taken its next step on the simulation ladder with the recent explosion in the growth and popularity of eSports. But the question from here becomes: What does the future hold?

Will future eSports players control participants in sporting events such as Hugh Jackman did in the Hollywood movie Real Steel? Will future wars take place with participants behind game consoles controlling robots attempting to destroy the opponent’s robots? Where will the ladder of simulation eventually reach, or are we really already living in a simulation as Elon Musk has conveyed? "‘If you assume any rate of improvement at all then games will become indistinguishable from reality,’ Musk said. ‘Even if that rate of advancement drops by a thousand from what it is now, let's just imagine it's 10,000 years in the future, which is nothing on the evolutionary scale.’ Given that we're on that trajectory and that these games are increasingly playable on any device, Musk said, the odds that we are living our lives in base reality — that is, "real" reality — is one in billions. It’s not necessarily a bad thing.’”

“But that's not necessarily a bad thing. ‘If a civilization stops advancing then that may be due to some calamitous event that erases civilization,’ Musk said, presenting two options. ‘Either we're going to create simulations that are indistinguishable from reality, or civilization will cease to exist.’” As dualistic symbolic simulation has evolved from warfare to sports to eSports and has been enhanced through live audience viewership and remotely viewing events with the use of electronic devices, it will be exciting to see where sports and eSports and their dualistic symbolism and simulation involved therein eventually take us.

philosophy sports simulation duality esports