What Cage Fighting May Be Telling Us

I've been wondering about the apparent increase in the popularity of cage fighting lately. It's being shown on television and is becoming a regular attraction in Las Vegas and even at the Indian Gaming/Entertainment venues in my area. An explanation suggests itself to me.

First of all, abhorrently violent spectacles are nothing new. Our classical forebears had their gladiatorial combats, our medieval ones their jousts and trials by ordeal, and our early moderns their bear baiting, public hangings and witch burnings. But most of these seem to have abated in recent centuries. Even ones we have retained, like boxing, have somewhat civilized, with gloves and the Marquess of Queensbury rules replacing bare knuckles and anything goes. So something like cage fighting looks to be going against the grain.

But on the other hand, it appears part and parcel of a more violent focus currently underway. More and more violent video games, movies, and even musical lyrics have gone along with an upsurge in gangs and mass murder shootings in recent years.

It seems to me that when young men, especially, lack confidence in their ability to function and succeed in society they fall back on machismo and physical prowess to validate themselves. Young men, in particular, crave respect. When times are good for young men who are not academically inclined to provide for themselves, as in the 1950s, these violent urges are muted. When they are not, such as in the 1930s and now, they come to the fore. I think if we are to address a host of social problems we must find ways to engage and find places for what used to be called blue collar youth to work at jobs that provide them a living wage and promise of some stability.

Those who talk only of economic efficiency (i.e. greater productivity at lower and lower labor cost) do not seem to realize that may come at a high social cost. Frustrated young men are angry and often violent young men. Depending on their environments and perceived opportunities and options they are prone to become gang bangers, terrorists or maybe just cage fighters and their fans.