The Ultimate Diversion: Sport as False Consciousness?

Sport is central to contemporary popular culture. But it is not ‘innocent’. Sport reproduces much of what is wrong with society—with sexism, racism, and cheating featuring prominently. The chapter begins with an evaluation of Novak Djokovic’s attempt to fool authorities in relation to his COVID-19 vaccination status. The history of sport is outlined—from the early Olympics of ancient Greece to the global spectacle of today. While deception in sport is part and parcel of most games (seeking to fool the opposition), it goes a bit too far when athletes deliberately and illegally enhance their performance with drugs and indulge in other disreputable behaviours. Cheating in sport is pivotal to the analysis, with that celebrated athlete, Lance Armstrong, taking centre stage. ‘Sportswashing’ is viewed as a means for nations and companies to bolster their images—while, at the same time, deceiving the public about their unscrupulous actions and intentions.