Unproductive Hobbies Under Capitalism: a Thursday Afternoon Rebellion
This morning I went on a walk to enjoy the blue sky, the birds chirping, and the sun finally peeking out after a long winter.
I timed it perfectly so it didn't interfere with the day's sports events on the telly because I am a ✨massive✨ fan of watching sports. I unapologetically plan my life around what sports I need (yes, need) to watch.
When the hobby isn't hobby-ing enough
This interest (read: obsession) with watching sports is one I often have to defend to people:
They don't understand that I only like watching it on TV, and I don't actually *do* the sport.
They underestimate my genuine interest and knowledge, thinking it's just a "cute quirk" that can't possibly be real (because I'm a wÕmAn?)
Watching sports on TV "does not qualify as a hobby."
Surprising no one, I disagree.
One definition of hobby is this: 'an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.' That should settle it, surely.
When capitalism bleeds into our own time
But watching TV somehow doesn't count, even if watching sports brings me all the joy. It's not productive.
If asked to list my hobbies, I would add cooking and reading to the list. And while I enjoy cooking for someone or a special occasion, I don't like cooking every meal every day - so is it a hobby, or is it just a chore to do to ensure I don't, you know, die? I love reading, but I read a lot for work, and while the majority isn't work-related, it's the purest form of escapism. So what am I escaping, you ask? Capitalism, for one.
“Is it a hobby, or is it just a chore to do to ensure I don’t, you know, die?”
We live in a capitalist society, and all that entails. We barely have time and energy for hobbies. If we do find time for them, there's no guarantee we know what interests we have and what we actually enjoy doing when we have time.
If we have them and make time for them, we're told to monetize them. If we're not monetizing our hobbies, at the very least, our hobby is supposed to be productive - and watching sports on TV is not that. Everyone watches TV; by the end, I have nothing to show for it.
I produced nothing. I didn't hone a skill that can be useful (monetized) later.
Watching TV - a Thursday afternoon rebellion
So my act of rebellion against capitalism was simple, joyful and comfortable: I plopped down on the couch in the middle of the day, on a weekday, and watched sports on TV.
Working my own hours is a privilege I am grateful for, and I took full advantage of it this Thursday afternoon. Enjoying some apple slices and chocolate, I cheered Norway on and reveled in our (yes, our, I helped by cheering) gold medal.
Then, I went back to work. Because capitalism.
