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Truthiness · Mar 19, 2008, 08:10 pm

Is trash-talking dishonorable?

Trash-talking is common in some highly competitive sports, mainly combat sports. I believe that trash-talking isn’t dishonorable because it serves to benefit you by negatively impacting your opponent’s mental game. In any sport or competition, the mental aspect is a very important part of the overall competition and therefore it constitute as fair game to talk smack. On the other hand, if you don't stand to benefit from trash-talking, for example trash-talking to an opponent from a different weight-division that you will never compete against, than it is dishonorable because you are simply being a jerk.
Let me know what your opinions are on whether trash-talking is dishonorable in competitions.

Morality Games · Mar 19, 2008, 08:23 pm

Many people in my class trash-talk during P.E., and it definitely helps them win games. I try to refrain from it because I dislike saying it as much as hearing it, but I can get pretty mouthy when I get in a bad mood.

Anyway, I think there is definitely a nasty element in trash talking, but I question how realistic it is to call it 'dishonorable' -- is my dislike of trash talking because is brings discomfort to others any less selfish than my opponet's desire to utilize all their resources to pull out a victory because of the good feeling it gives them?

It seems like I am trying to avoid a bad feeling while they are trying to acquire a pleasant one -- both derive from a type of self-interest. In the context of a game, neither appears more justified than the other.

Derach · Mar 19, 2008, 08:28 pm

trash-talking can go over the top. I've coached many sports over the years, and as my kids approach HS playing football, lacrosse, and wrestling ... I hear a lot of unnecessary BS from other players and coaches and sometimes even parents. More often, I hear witty stuff from players that is not meant to be demening or personal ... but like i say, sometimes it gets out of hand ... up to the judges/ump/ref to draw the line and throw people out when it gets out of hand disrespectful.

Truthiness · Mar 19, 2008, 08:38 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Derach

trash-talking can go over the top. I've coached many sports over the years, and as my kids approach HS playing football, lacrosse, and wrestling ... I hear a lot of unnecessary BS from other players and coaches and sometimes even parents. More often, I hear witty stuff from players that is not meant to be demening or personal ... but like i say, sometimes it gets out of hand ... up to the judges/ump/ref to draw the line and throw people out when it gets out of hand disrespectful.

So you're saying that the criteria to judge whether shit-talking is dishonorable is up to the discretion of the judges/ump/ref and if they deem it to be dishonorable than the player is thrown out?

Compugasm · Mar 19, 2008, 08:59 pm

I remember hearing something about Japanese Sumos. Trash-talking has never happened. To even show over-confidence, even emotion like smiling, is dishonorable.

lindsay7 · Mar 19, 2008, 09:44 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Compugasm

I remember hearing something about Japanese Sumos. Trash-talking has never happened. To even show over-confidence, even emotion like smiling, is dishonorable.

Makes sense... because if you trash talk and end up losing, you look like an idiot

Compugasm · Mar 20, 2008, 04:09 am

An idiot wearing diapers no less.

Derach · Mar 20, 2008, 07:23 am

Quote:

Quote by: Truthiness

So you're saying that the criteria to judge whether shit-talking is dishonorable is up to the discretion of the judges/ump/ref and if they deem it to be dishonorable than the player is thrown out?

Of course I believe in sporting events the official has the final say as to when something 'out of bounds' has been said or done. Who do you think should decide?

The 'honorobility' of what is said isn't important. It's about being able to maintain control of a game. The level of competition and the age level has much to do with how much 'shit-talking' should be allowed. In either case, the buck stops with the official ... go over the line, get a couple of warnings, then get tossed if you don't comply with the official's instructions.

Jimmy the Pro · Mar 20, 2008, 10:14 am

Quote:

Quote by: Truthiness

Is trash-talking dishonorable?

Trash-talking is common in some highly competitive sports, mainly combat sports. I believe that trash-talking isn’t dishonorable because it serves to benefit you by negatively impacting your opponent’s mental game. In any sport or competition, the mental aspect is a very important part of the overall competition and therefore it constitute as fair game to talk smack. On the other hand, if you don't stand to benefit from trash-talking, for example trash-talking to an opponent from a different weight-division that you will never compete against, than it is dishonorable because you are simply being a jerk.
Let me know what your opinions are on whether trash-talking is dishonorable in competitions.

It depends on how one difines honor...

If the question being posed is one of honor, then yes, the purpose of trash-talking destroys such honor. My definition of honor is that honor stems from respect for oneself and another. Trash talking is an act of disrespect to the opponent. Therefore I believe demeaning or belittling one for personal gain is yes, dishonorable.

I understand it might give you an advantage and if the question were phrased "Is trash-talking advantageous" or "What are the benefits of trash talking" then you might have a valid supposition to your question. However, with the way the question is posed, I believe your claims that trash talking is advantageous to your game bares no relevency to the question of honor.

**Jack** · Mar 20, 2008, 10:21 am

I'd prefer to win with superior skills and ability than by running my mouth. But then I've never been a very competitive person, so perhaps my opinion is worthless.

KayTwee · Mar 20, 2008, 02:00 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Compugasm

I remember hearing something about Japanese Sumos. Trash-talking has never happened. To even show over-confidence, even emotion like smiling, is dishonorable.

I think I'll have to agree with the Sumos.

Sports are supposed to be tests of physical prowess, endurance and skill. To that end, I fail to see the glory in gaining an advantage by distracting your opponent. If you are truly interested in fair competition, the outcome of which clearly shows the better athlete, you should let your performance do the talking; anything else would taint the result.

Mar 19, 2008, 08:10 pm	#1 (permalink) (top)
Truthiness Sedimentary Rock Posts: 2	Is trash talking dishonorable? Is trash-talking dishonorable? Trash-talking is common in some highly competitive sports, mainly combat sports. I believe that trash-talking isn’t dishonorable because it serves to benefit you by negatively impacting your opponent’s mental game. In any sport or competition, the mental aspect is a very important part of the overall competition and therefore it constitute as fair game to talk smack. On the other hand, if you don't stand to benefit from trash-talking, for example trash-talking to an opponent from a different weight-division that you will never compete against, than it is dishonorable because you are simply being a jerk. Let me know what your opinions are on whether trash-talking is dishonorable in competitions.

Mar 19, 2008, 08:23 pm	#2 (permalink) (top)
Morality Games Igneous Magma Location: Iowa Posts: 704	Many people in my class trash-talk during P.E., and it definitely helps them win games. I try to refrain from it because I dislike saying it as much as hearing it, but I can get pretty mouthy when I get in a bad mood. Anyway, I think there is definitely a nasty element in trash talking, but I question how realistic it is to call it 'dishonorable' -- is my dislike of trash talking because is brings discomfort to others any less selfish than my opponet's desire to utilize all their resources to pull out a victory because of the good feeling it gives them? It seems like I am trying to avoid a bad feeling while they are trying to acquire a pleasant one -- both derive from a type of self-interest. In the context of a game, neither appears more justified than the other. Desires can be fulfilled or denied, but their perpetual presence in our being prevents us from simply ignoring them. And how you react to your desires will be the mark of your character. – K.H.Y.

Mar 19, 2008, 08:59 pm	#5 (permalink) (top)
Compugasm Son of X51 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,585	I remember hearing something about Japanese Sumos. Trash-talking has never happened. To even show over-confidence, even emotion like smiling, is dishonorable. I'd like to thank Charlie Hodge, bringing me scarves and water.

Mar 20, 2008, 04:09 am	#7 (permalink) (top)
Compugasm Son of X51 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,585	An idiot wearing diapers no less. I'd like to thank Charlie Hodge, bringing me scarves and water.

Mar 20, 2008, 10:21 am	#10 (permalink) (top)
Jack formerly Isherwood Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,869	I'd prefer to win with superior skills and ability than by running my mouth. But then I've never been a very competitive person, so perhaps my opinion is worthless. The Forum Rules Radical Atheist Heathen Queer Let's agree to respect each others views, no matter how wrong yours may be. (Ashleigh Brilliant)

Mar 19, 2008, 08:28 pm	#3 (permalink) (top)
Derach Igneous Magma Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 312	trash-talking can go over the top. I've coached many sports over the years, and as my kids approach HS playing football, lacrosse, and wrestling ... I hear a lot of unnecessary BS from other players and coaches and sometimes even parents. More often, I hear witty stuff from players that is not meant to be demening or personal ... but like i say, sometimes it gets out of hand ... up to the judges/ump/ref to draw the line and throw people out when it gets out of hand disrespectful.