Just How Hungry Are We?

Two major events occurred last week; the opening of the movie "The Hunger Games" and the ruling by the NFL on the New Orleans Saints' "Bountygate."

Both are closely aligned. One is based on a novel about teenagers in a futuristic land who are placed in a lottery and if chosen, fight to the death for the entertainment of others in a reality TV format. The other is the uncovering of a scandal involving a  football team offering cash as a reward for injuring key players of the opposing team and forcing them out of the game. Commonly, these events are rooted in over-zealous competition.

Over the years the NFL has tried to even the playing field with salary caps and a draft that enables the worst team from the previous year an opportunity at first pick of the most talented rookies. Yet the Saints' coaching staff and even some ex-players who were in the pool, felt the need for extra incentives to give them the edge.

In the "The Hunger Games," everyone had an equal chance of being chosen in the lottery. Although the poorer teens put their names in several times in exchange for food to keep their families alive, thus increasing their chances of selection. Representatives of the richer districts had certain advantages over others with  wealthy donors offering them extra gifts and supplies to help secure their survival. The citizens from all the districts placed bets on which teen would survive.

All of it sounds not too distant from the Romans watching the Christians fight for their survival in the arenas. We have always reveled in exciting sports, and even in business healthy competition spurs us on. But most of us agree we like to  have everyone play by the same rules. 

What other modern day organizations skirt the fringes by having unfair advantages? Is the banking debacle not as scandalous as we watch Wall Street CEOs squander our money, take government bail-out money, then give themselves enormous bonuses? Or how about Congress and its lifelong career path, with extended benefits and a health plan the rest of the country doesn't have access to? Is the tax system fair when the 1% pay less in comparison to the rest of the 99%?

As we see major institutions openly cheat and not get punished, or watch while our sports idols engage in injury for reward, we feel powerless. We may not be in the deplorable conditions described in the "The Hunter Games," yet.  But if we- the- people don 't speak up, uncover and demand things are right and equal, we might find ourselves inching towards that state very soon. Just how hungry are we? Hopefully enough to eventually shift the focus to a kinder, gentler way to play the game.


Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.