I read an article on media criticism. There are two local sportscasters who host the radio show during the Patriots games. They have both been doing the show for decades now. Unfortunately, they are also not as sharp as they once were. Recently, they have been having problems identifying the correct players or understanding what is happening on the field of play. It can be difficult at times to follow their calls of the game. On radio broadcasts, you have nothing but what you hear to recreate the contest in your mind. If that picture is distorted, then so is your view.
There is a furious debate going on in the local paper. Most of the comments to the article are critical of the author of the piece. Many of them come from people who remember the pair in happier times. Some of the comments pay respect for a long period of excellence that excuse their current sub-par performance. A few comments remark that the author is bravely stating what most people know but are unwilling to admit for fear of being perceived as impolite or disrespectful. The truth is that by any objective measure, these sportscasters are not performing well at their basic function.
The world of sports is often quite cruel. The very nature of sports strives to create winners and losers. This is especially true in the brutal competition of professional sports. There is often no mercy shown (nor none expected). It is a constant battle to prove your mettle with a thousand others waiting for the smallest stumble to take your place.
We often lionize top performers. The best of the best are celebrated as champions. Yet even as the victory celebrations die down, there is an instant search for the next heir to the throne. We constantly compare the latest crop of stars to the legends they are attempting to replace. Last night, quarterback Drew Brees broke a record Dan Marino set 27 years ago. Is he the next Dan Marino? Can LeBron James become the next Michael Jordan? Can (star of any sport) become the next (legendary superstar of yesteryear)?
It's human nature to believe that those we knew when we were at the height of our powers are the best that ever were. As I age, I find myself actively trying to combat the impulse that the world is not as wonderful as it once was. The truth of the matter is that there is a vast difference between the way things are now and how they might have been before. It's not necessarily better or worse. It is just different.
It's humbling to think that in my child's kindergarten class, there might be someone who will one day reach heights I could never imagine. They may be achieve more in their lifetime than I ever will. Right now, they are just a normal six-year-old child more worried about the time left until recess. The point is that we just don't know. That intern I meet tomorrow may one day be the next CEO.
Some of the greatest tragedies recount the tales of individuals who are filled with incredible potential and fail to match those lofty expectations. The immense pressure to succeed can derail even strong-willed and talented individuals. Sometimes it is better to start without fanfare and use that anonimity as stealth to build strength and skill away from the harsh glare of cynical outsiders.
In any case, I'll stop worrying about trying to be the next <fill in the blank>. I'm going to resolve in 2012 to be the first me and work from there.
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