Death of Benny Paret
Death of Benny Paret
It is no surprise that America thrives on entertainment provided to us by the media, even at the expense of others’ welfare; a preeminent example is boxing. Constantly, everywhere arenas are filled each night by the public who anticipate being able to witness a possible fight of a lifetime. Although those who come out to see the invigorating performance do not all root for the same competitor, there is only one reason people truly come out to watch such barbaric acts, and that is the one thing that the fans all have in common. Of course if the competitor of one’s favor comes out in victory, it automatically is a reason for celebration, but the real reason that the arena is filled and the crowd goes wild is because of the knockout. Excitement is built up not by the fighter but by the idea of seeing a good show. No one eggs on the dodging, weaving, or dancing around the opponent’s fists, the fans only encourage what they solely come to see which are punches being thrown; there is no concern at all about the aftermath or the condition of the fighter, just the pure satisfaction of feeling entertained. Journalist, Norman Cousins, proves just that through the unfortunate headline story of prize fighter, Benny (Kid) Paret’s death after a relentless boxing match in 1962. After several intense blows to the head by his opponent, Emile Griffith, Paret was put into a coma by the end of the twelfth round when the match was finally finished. The misfortune went even further when he was pronounced dead by the ninth day of his coma. Speculation arouse shortly after Paret’s death concerning who should be held responsible for the loss of his life; where should the blame be put? Some said the ref was at fault for not ending the fight soon enough while others blamed Paret’s manager for putting him back in the ring too soon. Those against both theories believed that the audience should take responsibility. Although the fans take no part in Benny Paret’s death
It is no surprise that America thrives on entertainment provided to us by the media, even at the expense of others’ welfare; a preeminent example is boxing. Constantly, everywhere arenas are filled each night by the public who anticipate being able to witness a possible fight of a lifetime. Although those who come out to see the invigorating performance do not all root for the same competitor, there is only one reason people truly come out to watch such barbaric acts, and that is the one thing that the fans all have in common. Of course if the competitor of one’s favor comes out in victory, it automatically is a reason for celebration, but the real reason that the arena is filled and the crowd goes wild is because of the knockout. Excitement is built up not by the fighter but by the idea of seeing a good show. No one eggs on the dodging, weaving, or dancing around the opponent’s fists, the fans only encourage what they solely come to see which are punches being thrown; there is no concern at all about the aftermath or the condition of the fighter, just the pure satisfaction of feeling entertained. Journalist, Norman Cousins, proves just that through the unfortunate headline story of prize fighter, Benny (Kid) Paret’s death after a relentless boxing match in 1962. After several intense blows to the head by his opponent, Emile Griffith, Paret was put into a coma by the end of the twelfth round when the match was finally finished. The misfortune went even further when he was pronounced dead by the ninth day of his coma. Speculation arouse shortly after Paret’s death concerning who should be held responsible for the loss of his life; where should the blame be put? Some said the ref was at fault for not ending the fight soon enough while others blamed Paret’s manager for putting him back in the ring too soon. Those against both theories believed that the audience should take responsibility. Although the fans take no part in Benny Paret’s death