I saw a wonderful movie today called Spellbound. It's a documentary that follows eight kids in their quest to win the National Spelling Bee title. The filmmakers first introduce you to each "speller." You get to meet them and their families and hear how they came to participate in the competition. The second half of the film takes place at the national competition where you are constantly guessing who will win. You get to watch the contestant's faces squirm as their brain desperately tried to decipher the letters of each word they are given. The fear, doubt, anticipation, and relief of each round is as easy to see as the glasses on their faces.
It got me wondering how in the world our society developed to have a place for competitive spelling? It seems like such an absurd sport. My guess is that it comes for each persons need to feel that they are the best at something; that there is one thing they can do better than another person. Competition is part of the American culture. If you can't win at something, just start your own sport. Do we really need to know who is the best grocery bagger, the best tax accountant, or the fastest cup stacker in the country?
I do think the flick is worth a watch. Maybe you can even watch it with seven friends and you can each "pick your pony" and place bets on who you think will win. Just don't lose.
Posted by Matthew at January 31, 2004 06:29 PM