Cuts and open wounds cause angst and anxiety, but under the context of a theatrical event, blood attracts millions of fans.
I do not believe humans are inherently attracted to violence. Car wrecks and traumatic injuries cause anxiety and shock. However, as a staged event, violence is one of the most popular forms of entertainment. The most physical sports, such as Boxing, UFC and the NFL, attract millions of viewers in attendance and online streaming. The NFL is notorious for the sports’ violent hits resulting in corrosive brain injuries. UFC combatants display an array of various attacks against their opponents utilizing fists, knees and elbows.
These brutal sports evoke the ancient tradition of gladiator fighting. This historical event may appear barbaric and antiquated, however, the modern popularity of combat sports prove violence has timeless appeal.
This painting by Gerome depicts the final stages of a battle where the victorious fighter stands over his defeated opponent. While a Gladiator fight takes violent spectacle to the extreme, this painting reveals several aspects to modern combat sports.
The Thirst For Violence
The victorious Gladiator triumphantly faces the crowd awaiting their decision whether to finish his opponent. In unison, the crowd on both the first and second level point their thumbs down in desperate desire to see the man slain.
In satisfying this timeless demand for violent spectacle, the UFC has tailored a product that exceeds simply punching the opponent. The UFC allows for kicking and wrestling thus diversifying the avenues of attack and, more importantly, increasing the amount of bloodshed. According to podcaster Joe Rogan, the excessive amount of bleeding has forced broadcasters to spray paint over the blood in order to appear as a cleaner sport. (www.sportsjoe.ie)
The bleeding and dynamic fighting of the UFC have fulfilled many of viewers' desires, but there are additional factors that influence human reaction to violence.
Sports as a Theatrical Performance
Major sports can be compared to plays, where there is an audience focused on a stage. In this context, there is a clear distinction between audience and performer. In Gerome's painting, this distinction is established by the large black wall that isolates the Gladiator from the crowd. This formidable structure entraps the fighters and allows for a clear point of observation for the spectators.
This distinction between audience and performer contributes to the acceptance of violence in that combatants, whether UFC fighters or NFL players, are perceived as performers. This theatrical atmosphere depletes human empathy in favor of callous indifference to brutality. Gerome highlights this indifference with the defeated opponent reaching his right hand toward the audience pleading for mercy- but they ignore him, relishing the blood and violence.
While these spectators enjoy the action, there are hidden observers who appear not so interested...
Violence is not for Everyone
Seated to the right of the emperor's throne appears a man more concerned about the women sitting in front of him, rather than the bloody spectacle. His infatuation makes him appear utterly unconcerned over the limp bodies. This attitude reflects the many people who would rather enjoy a nice cup of tea or good book than watch men bloody each other with punches.
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