Why do people wear sports jersies with athletes' names on them?

Question

Why do people practice fan worship towards athletes? These sports figures get paid millions to participate in games most all of us played as little boys and girls? They are playing for themselves not for the fans and yes, some give back to society, but I am sure that none of them went into sports thinking, "I want to do well at baseball so I can make money to give back to the community."

I am extremely athletic, but could not conceive of having another guy's name on the back of my shirt. I am my own fan and find satisfaction when I surpass my personal best.

I also believe for every top paid athlete there are countless other nameless people who could compete equally against them if they wanted to. Instead they do things that really matter for a living and pursue sports as an outlet.

I really just don't understand fan worship. Please explain.

Answer 1

People as a whole often look to entertainment to escape the drudgery of life.

Go all the way back to Rome

These people feel that they can live vicariously through their heroes as well as be respected and looked at positively based on whose jersey they choose to wear.

Answer 2

Wishful thinking. I would never go out with anybodies name on my attire. Shroude marketing directed at the weak.

I totally agree with you.

Ingrid

Answer 3

They've lost their identity, plain and simple..