I’ll agree Gen x and millennial white men are a shadow of the testosterone addled men who came before
Not sure I’d blame sports wholly
“ Not sure I’d blame sports wholly”
Nor do I. It’s a factor added to the rest though I think.
Sports is one of the few things that are connections between the “testosterone addled men” and the following generations.
When I was growing up in the late-70’s/early-80’s in Western Pennsylvania, football was a community event. The boys played Pop Warner, junior high, and high school ball. The dads coached Pop Warner, and the whole family came out to root for their boys.
Saturdays were often hunting in the morning, then watching the Pitt or Penn State games in the afternoon. Good father/son bonding.
Sundays were church and the watching the Steelers. There were often extended family get-togethers to nominally watch the game, but also to catch up and enjoy time together.
I was lucky enough to play ball from elementary through college (that’s another story). While I racked up many academic accomplishments, the way I was able to relate to my dad was through sports.
In my 20’s, I picked up ice hockey, playing in adult amateur leagues. And I did this into my 40’s.
Now, I enjoy watching football after a busy week of work. I’m not sure why this is viewed as bad, nor why people who don’t like sports have to badmouth those who do.