general, and there is no question that we are seeing an increase in violence in society." "Many parents also live vicariously through their children's involvement in sports" (Mann). This idea is brought to life in the movie "Varsity Blues," when a football obsessed father says to his son Johnny, "Playing football at West Canaan was the opportunity of a lifetime." Johnny replies "Playing football at West Canaan was the opportunity of a lifetime for you but I don't want your life."
             It's a shame that few kids don't have this kind of self-esteem to say no when their overbearing parents force them into competition that becomes more of a burden than a pleasure. It's ironic that introducing them to competitive sports at such a young age is supposed to foster such qualities. Calvin, (of the comic strip "Calvin And Hobbes") has no such problems. He describes these parents as "Living through their children in hopes that their success will someday validate the parents' own mediocre lifestyle, and in some way will compensate for all the opportunities they botched."
             Another issue springs up here. Parents cannot help but see sports through gro
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