Opus 2024-415: Bar Fights

I’m guessing that the different civilizations of history have crumbled and falling based on the topics which started fights in the local bars.  There were times in the Roman empire when you could have walked into a local bar and made a derogatory comment about the trinity, and immediately get punched in the nose.  Theology was important.  It was on everybody’s mind.  It was a hot topic.  If you looked at the United States as it was being formed, you could walk into a bar and make a comment about whether the government should be represented by a popular vote or by the size of the states.  Fists would fly.

Now take other eras.  If you were in Constantinople during its time of decadence and deterioration, the fights in the bar would be over which chariot team you supported in the local races.  All you would have to say is “Green rules.”  If you went to Rome when it was moving from being a republic to an empire the topic of discussion that would start a fight would have to do with gladiators.  If you went to Boston in the 21st-century, all you need to do to start a fight is make a derogatory comment about the Red Sox or Celtics.  It is no coincidence that also coincides with the destruction of the American republic.

I think it may be a healthy sign that today you can start a fight by going into a bar in the wrong part of town and making an insulting remark about Donald Trump.  It reflects an interest in more important events in our culture.  Sure you can still start something over sports.  It happens all the time.  But politics also is on peoples lips and minds.  It’s an indication of the health of our culture.  Partisanship in politics means that we care about the world we live in.  Partisanship in football teams means that you need to get a life.

I make it a habit to stay out of bars.

homo unius libri