| |
BGonline.org Forums
WSOB finals - some (odd) odds
Posted By: Bill Riles In Response To: WSOB finals - some (odd) odds (Chuck Bower)
Date: Sunday, 7 February 2010, at 4:19 p.m.
Nothing was said, certainly by me, about the comparative abilities of players from the US, Europe, or anywhere else for that matter.
People seem to have a problem with reading comprehension and an immediate proclivity to react to what they think they read, rather than to what they actually read.
With all due respect to Chuck, in every aspect of all societies there is a dangerous tendency to condone and overlook bad behavior in the 'false' promotion of civility and a "can't we all just get along" mentality. That is but enabling. I cited the backgammon community -- there are dice mechanics, loaded dice, mechanical aids, purposeful/repeated illegal plays, threats, strong-arming, collusion, and more. The bad among us will only take advantage of the enablers -- every time. It is much better to eliminate them than to turn the other cheek.
I've not played in Europe much or often; however, I do follow backgammon events and news internationally as I can. I do know there is not a single person I've played in the States in a Masters tourney in the last five years whose integrity I would question -- and I don't know of one that I haven't played, or could play, that I would question. I cannot say the same of Europe. (That does not excuse the need for my vigilence and attention while playing on either continent).
I have no doubt the vast majority of European players are honorable and competent. Need I repeat? I have no doubt the vast majority of European players are honorable and competent. Unfortunately, to excuse, or to overlook, the bad apples is to do a disservice to all.
Be it economic, cultural, or the generally more 'progressive' political/lifestyle philosophy, I don't know -- doubtlessly, aspects of each are involved. There is more money in European backgammon resulting in increased motivation for the unsavory. My understanding of a number of cultures is the attitude that anything you can get away with is fine -- thus, as an example, illegal play(s) is a just another part of the game in their estimation. I'm not naive enough to not recognize similar cultural elements in the States -- though I do think we've generally done well to keep them out of the backgammon circuit. And, of course, many feel it unjust or unwise to call anyone out and embarrass/defame them -- "can't we all just get along?". It might get ugly or physical -- better to just not rock the boat.
I hope this serves to clear the air on my words and stance, I suspect it will not.
| |
BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.