If I might differ with you on one small aspect of society. We do pay inordinate amount of attention to something that is of supreme indifference. Sports.
I live in an area where we have Cubs fans, Cardinal fans, Bears fans, Blues fans, and Black Hawk fans. I grew up in an area where we had Leafs fans, Blue Jays fans, Tiger Cat fans, Argonaut fans, Saber fans and Bills fans.
We fought emotionally over those when I was young. I am actually amused by the locals here who think that .500 clubs in first place are worthy of note.
I'll meet you halfway: sports, in and of themselves, are not of great importance. Granted. But, the reason people argue about them because they care. As for why they care, I don't know. :)