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Small-Scale Question Sunday for November 20, 2022

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Why do I find it so heartbreaking that so many 2022 FIFA World Cup commentators and panelists are women? I have a hard time articulating my justifications for these feelings, but there’s a weight in my chest as if I’ve lost a close friend or just discovered that my lover is cheating on me. One of those ideas that’s like seasickness - you feel like you’re going to die and everyone else thinks it’s pathetic and funny.

As sports are a parasocial relationship to some degree, having female announcers is a nonstarter for many fans. It would be like me watching a girl play video games when I’m not horny. Why would I do that? I watch to relax and listen to a guy I relate to, which is a kind of parasocial friendship. So with sports, I want to relax and hear a bro talk. For this reason, men watch Joe Rogan, not because anything he says is insightful, but because he’s the Average Joe Rogan.

FIFA probably has female announcers because western lib democracy countries thought it would be a propaganda win over the Arab world