"Them" in Sports

The videos we have watched about the Rwandan genocide and the other videos we've watched about genocide have talked about the importance of establishing a "them," or a distinct out-group. This creation of a group that is separate and different allows for individuals to not see the humanity in a certain group of people. This concept also comes along in sports, but, with lesser consequences. When I'm engaged in a volleyball match, my team mates, my coaches, and our fans motivate us to defeat the other team. This motivation is fueled by the separation of the two teams (or groups) even though the players are all just students. As the match goes on, my supporters push me to believe that I am superior to the other team and that it is our place and right to establish superiority. My supporters make me feel as though I am a better human even though we are all just students representing our schools. While playing, I have no hesitation for what my actions could do to the other teams players (no immediate guilt if I sprain an ankle or something). On numerous occasions, my teammates have physically injured the other teams players. These injuries were only reveled and encouraged by teammates. Sports create a mentality of separation that allows players to play with without hesitation. In my own personal experience, this feeling is followed by a realization of what had just happened. It felt as though what that one Rwandan prisoner had said, that "a cloud had set on the people," had occurred. While we were engaged in the sport we were unconcerned with the well being of the other players, but, once the game is over, a sense of remorse overcomes us. It's nice to win, but, realizing how poorly we thought of and treated people of equal worth dampers the mood set the the victory.