Does America place too much emphasis on sports

This is a subjective question that cannot be answered definitively. Here are the two basic positions and some of the opinions offered by FAQ Farmers:

Yes, Americans place too much emphasis on sports

• Yes, in some instances, because children who play sports have a much higher injury rate than others that do not participate in sports and they often they are being pushed too much to win, which can lead to psychological problems. And America should concentrate more on academics.

• I sometimes do think that our society puts too much emphasis on sports, especially when game broadcasts on TV crowd out family time. Millions of dollars go to pay ungrateful, greedy, immature athletes, and even our local governments spend millions of our dollars to build venues to play the sports in at a loss.

• Yes, we do place too much emphasis on sports. Pro athletes get paid more than the president of the United States, the most powerful person in the world. That is like saying that sports are the most important thing in the world, and that is not true.

No, America does not place too much emphasis on sports

• No, America does not. Sure we make a big deal about the Super Bowl and World Series, but why can't people have fun? Kids play sports in schools and outside of school to, they like to play and they do it all the time. Does striving to be better mean your putting too much emphasis on it?

• No, it places a good amount of emphasis, but of the wrong kind. The focus should be about doing your best, winning if you can and having good sportsmanship, not destroying the opponent by trashtalking and abusing officials for doing their job.
  
• No, it's an important part of youth development. They learn respect, responsibility, courage, and other useful things for their adulthood.

• No, America does not place too much emphasis on sports. Sports have become a big part of society today and many people enjoy watching them. There is always a sport out there for someone, sometimes you just have to look a little harder than the obvious.

• Sports keep kids active, which is being lost as obese kids stuff their faces with fast food and play video games all day. Sports also teach principles and, yes they do push kids, but that helps them grow and learn to cope with the pressures of life. Sports also help kids feel a sense of belonging and participation as they develop social skills.