April 10, 2009

Characterizing Athletes and Their Fans

To the Editor:

David P. Barash ("The Roar of the Crowd," The Chronicle Review, March 20), in an effort to show his great disdain for the "frenzy" of sports fans, relies upon a straw man of his own creation, which he then easily dismantles. For Barash, athletes — and he seems to make no distinction between amateur or pro, basketball or track, younger or more seasoned athletes — are "moral dwarfs," hardly worthy of adulation. As a psychologist, Barash is well aware

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Already have an account? Log In Now.