I have zero interest in watching any sport.

Love my sports, especially rugby. Played rugby all through school and uni (whilst getting my degree naturally) then played for a bit in Japan. Follow local club teams all the way up to the AB's. Follow football, cricket, netball, surfing, NFL, NBA, canoe polo and running events. Don't do much, participation wise, other than run stupid amounts and the occasional bike ride, but heavily involved in making sure my kids enjoy their sports. I do miss the camaraderie and friendships developed through sports but have made some seriously good friends through sports who still keep in touch regularly to this day.

surfisup1000:

 

So, who is going to post "Who doesn't like soccer"?

 

Inane!  

 

Not inane at all, rather thinking this question (even when worded in such a rough manner) is inane suggests a lack of interest in a sociological understanding of our culture. 

The hold that rugby has over this country, its people and its conversations is strong; it's so tightly interwoven with our sense of national identity; part of our 'hard but fair' ethos, our outdoorsy life, the mateship culture, our drinking habits... 

To say 'I don't like rugby' is a statement that cuts against that dominant cultural touchstone. That's always an interesting conversation, and certainly not an inane one when it potentially involves exploring and critiquing New Zealand's national identity (not something we're necessarily very good at doing). 

I find the people who don't like rugby far more vocal about rugby than most people who do watch rugby. It's odd, it's like they're ramping up the importance of the thing they don't like just to get more points for rebelling against it.

New Zealand in the 21st century is far more sophisticated than just 'rugby obsessed'. We have sport from all around the world, we have more and more people playing sports like football. There's a huge element of our national identity that has nothing to do with rugby or even sport, and hyping up how important rugby is does a major disservice to what it means to be a New Zealander. 

jonathan18:

 

surfisup1000:

 

So, who is going to post "Who doesn't like soccer"?

 

Inane!  

 

 

Not inane at all, rather thinking this question (even when worded in such a rough manner) is inane suggests a lack of interest in a sociological understanding of our culture. 

 

The hold that rugby has over this country, its people and its conversations is strong; it's so tightly interwoven with our sense of national identity; part of our 'hard but fair' ethos, our outdoorsy life, the mateship culture, our drinking habits... 

 

To say 'I don't like rugby' is a statement that cuts against that dominant cultural touchstone. That's always an interesting conversation, and certainly not an inane one when it potentially involves exploring and critiquing New Zealand's national identity (not something we're necessarily very good at doing). 

 

You're going to get a steady list of people for and against rugby.   

Conclusion: People enjoy different things.   Not at all surprising or interesting.   

But, reading into the question. If you don't like rugby then that's okay, it's a free country, but don't judge and look down on those who enjoy it. 

GV27:

I find the people who don't like rugby far more vocal about rugby than most people who do watch rugby. It's odd, it's like they're ramping up the importance of the thing they don't like just to get more points for rebelling against it.

New Zealand in the 21st century is far more sophisticated than just 'rugby obsessed'. We have sport from all around the world, we have more and more people playing sports like football. There's a huge element of our national identity that has nothing to do with rugby or even sport, and hyping up how important rugby is does a major disservice to what it means to be a New Zealander. 

Just to be perfectly clear, if anyone actually reads my question, as phrased in my original post, they ought to be able to see that I was careful not to make any value judgments. I was not taking a stand for or against rugby or any other sport. I was merely stating that sport of any kind doesn't move me personally and I was wondering if there were others who felt the same. I did not say I don't like rugby. I said I was indifferent. I neither like nor dislike it. I feel the same way about every other sport I have ever seen, including gridiron, soccer ('football'), basketball, netball, and all the others. When I see it, it doesn't interest me. I don't hate it. I just don't feel anything at all. Apparently a few others here are similar, and that was my question. Nothing inane about it at all.

Rikkitic:

 

Just to be perfectly clear, if anyone actually reads my question, as phrased in my original post, they ought to be able to see that I was careful not to make any value judgments. I was not taking a stand for or against rugby or any other sport. I was merely stating that sport of any kind doesn't move me personally and I was wondering if there were others who felt the same. I did not say I don't like rugby. I said I was indifferent. I neither like nor dislike it. I feel the same way about every other sport I have ever seen, including gridiron, soccer ('football'), basketball, netball, and all the others. When I see it, it doesn't interest me. I don't hate it. I just don't feel anything at all. Apparently a few others here are similar, and that was my question. Nothing inane about it at all.

 

 

 

Just wondering the purpose of the question though? Surely, you'd know in advance that some people don't like Rugby, just like there are people who don't like the Arts, or all manner of things. Was it to be a springboard to a particular discussion if you found a group that didn't like Rugby? I am genuinely curious?

Rikkitic:

Just to be perfectly clear, if anyone actually reads my question, as phrased in my original post, they ought to be able to see that I was careful not to make any value judgments. I was not taking a stand for or against rugby or any other sport. I was merely stating that sport of any kind doesn't move me personally and I was wondering if there were others who felt the same. I did not say I don't like rugby. I said I was indifferent. I neither like nor dislike it. I feel the same way about every other sport I have ever seen, including gridiron, soccer ('football'), basketball, netball, and all the others. When I see it, it doesn't interest me. I don't hate it. I just don't feel anything at all. Apparently a few others here are similar, and that was my question. Nothing inane about it at all.

 

No it wasn't. My question was genuine and I wasn't trying to start a debate about any sport or sport in general. Sport doesn't move me and I know I am in a minority in that regard. I don't know why I feel that way. I just wondered if there were others, especially here, where Rugby in particular is highly valued.

Edit: reply to @Networkn. 

eracode:

 

Your disinterest in sport makes your avatar photo and its caption interesting. 😀

The fact that a fat man plays golf has nothing to do with it. That avatar exists for purely political reasons.

eracode:
I agree with both of your paragraphs - but at the same time (even as a rugby follower) I do think there is too much emphasis put on rugby in NZ. I enjoy the rugby but get sick of the excessive media coverage (if that’s not contradictory).

I wonder how much of it is a hangover from lazy stereotyping tbh. 

I'm with @Behodar 

I used to be indifferent to it, but now I feel like I dislike it simply because im automatically expected to like/understand/know when a big game is on etc.

Its a real conversation stopper at the bottle store on a Friday night when being served I get asked if I'm watching the game tonight and I reply with "what game? The looks I get are of confusion and then not much else is said.