Question

Is there a modern event with the social and political importance of the Roman public games? Do you think political leaders still try to pacify the public with "bread and circuses?" If so, how?

a) Modern sports events hold similar significance to ancient public games.
b) Leaders employ entertainment and welfare policies for public favor.
c) Modern politics have transcended the need for appeasement through entertainment.
d) The role of public events in modern politics is insignificant.

Answer 1

Modern sports events like the NFL and the Olympic Games hold similar social and political importance as ancient Roman public games, with leaders still using entertainment to gain public favor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the modern equivalents to the ancient Roman public games and whether political leaders today use similar tactics of providing entertainment and welfare to gain public favor, reflecting the notion of "bread and circuses." There are indeed modern sports events such as the NFL, NBA, and the Olympic Games that hold similar social and political importance to the ancient public games. These events unite people, create a sense of belonging, and can distract from political issues. In today's politics, leaders often engage in social policies or provide entertainment to appease or gain the favor of the public, whether through welfare policies or encouraging large-scale sporting events. Nonetheless, the scope and methods of entertainment and appeasement have evolved with cultural changes throughout time, reflecting a complex relationship between sports, society, and politics.