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Podcasts Take Two
Football season is here; should we even be watching?
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Sep 4, 2014
Listen 6:14
Football season is here; should we even be watching?
A new book titled "Against Football: One Fan’s Reluctant Manifesto" argues why America's favorite game is laced with problems that can no longer be ignored.
Starting Quarterback Trent Edwards #5 of the Buffalo Bills suffers a concussion after getting hit by Strong Safety Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of their NFL game on Oct. 5, 2008 at Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Starting Quarterback Trent Edwards #5 of the Buffalo Bills suffers a concussion after getting hit by Strong Safety Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of their NFL game on Oct. 5, 2008 at Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(
Donald Miralle/Getty Images
)

A new book titled "Against Football: One Fan’s Reluctant Manifesto" argues why America's favorite game is laced with problems that can no longer be ignored.

A new book titled "Against Football: One Fan’s Reluctant Manifesto" argues why America's favorite game is laced with problems that can no longer be ignored.

It's written by Steve Almond who asks and responds to these three questions:

  • What does it mean that our society has transmuted the intuitive physical joys of childhood—run, leap, throw, tackle—into a billion-dollar industry?
  • How did a sport that causes brain damage become the leading signifier of our institutions of higher learning?
  • Does our addiction to football foster a tolerance for violence, greed, racism, and homophobia?