The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-03-15
RECREATION

reflections might indicate that mil
lions Of dollars spent on sports has
been wasted, as Leon G. Kranz, pro-
fessor OF physical education at
Northwestern University says, we
should not overlook the advantages
OF such programs.
Too much emphasis may have
been placed on developing individ.
usl skill with the result that those
who are poor in sports become dis
couraged and those who become
skillful soon give up their training
because the competitive period is
limited by age, but the story does
not end there Inspiration is an
important item. All recreation does
not require technical direction. The
sand lots turn out ball players and
the millponds in winter start young
hockey experts on their way.
After the last war. we became
excited over the statistics showing
the large number OF young men
who were found unfit for military
service and the cause of physical
education gained great impetus, but
now there seems to be reason to
question the value Of that physical
education program. Comparison OF
the number OF draft reflections in
Chicago, for example, in 1904
with those OF 1918 indicates an
alarming increase in physical I'M
fitness. In 1917.1s 21.5 per cent OF
all drsftees in Cook County were
rejected in 1904, after 20 years
emphasis on sports and physical
conditioning. the reflections have
climbed to 10 per cent.
The average American probably
is physically under-equipped for
the rigors Of even a normal life.
Yawning, signing, stretching,
coughing aud sneezing are all
strenuous activities. A person in
poor physical condition may be
injured by them. We may soon be
too weak TO withstand them.
But while the university heads
worry about what TO do about sports
failures, war minded dictators OF
Europe are solving the problem
faster than we realize. They are
driving the world back TO a routine
Of hardship which takes care OF
everything very simply. The weak
die. Only the strong live, and 10
live they must continue 70 be
strong.
That is the Law OF the jungle.
There is no worry about recreation.
al programs and exercise among ma
tive tribes Either they work or
they don't eat.
The world is plunging toward
that Kind OF existence The luxury
age is passing Oppression and tyr
amy are closing in. The masses
have not the foresight or mental
ability to forestall IT, The organ
lied few are taking control. LuXu-
ny will be confined TO these limited
few in control, as II has been in
Russia and as Il Is coming to be
in the conquered areas OF Europe.
This will be the general picture
u class strife continues TO crowd
out sound judgment Recreation
will be about the least Of our wor-
ries. As in Germany and Russia,
concentration camps may figure
prominently in solving social and
political problems, as well as pro
viding exercise.
The Chicago professor is right
in saying that recreation has not
been broad enough The fault is that
II has been placed on a luxury basis.
A few play football and baseball
Tor entertainment Of the many. The
garden, the woodpile and other
practical sources OF home recrea-
ton have disappeared The radio.
the automobile, the movies auto
matte work savers Of every descrip.
ton have stepped in The nation has
substituted sitting for walking. can
openers for hoes, automat'c heaters
for the saw and axe. We've gone
soft-soit physically and mentally
The less We exercise the less We
want to, and because no one makes
US, we don't. We have idled down
TO a low spot OF susceptibility. We
the whole democratic world are
on the spot.
Yes, we need a much better. much
more comprehensive program OF
recreation, but what we need more
Is judgment and UNDERSTANDING. We
need sane thinking. constructive
leadership, less internal strife. more
constructive unity. lest we in the
United States follow in the foot.
steps OF France. as many seem 70
think We are following.
We may look ahead 10 our future
BY observing starving France now.
Is that what we want?
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On English highways. for safer
night driving q test ingtaf1affor 81