• @PugJesusOPM
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    33 hours ago

    Explanation: It is commonly said that the common people of Rome in the Imperial era cared little for the withering of their political power, so long as they received Panem et Circenses - bread and circuses (or races, or games). The reality is more nuanced, but it is certainly true that Roman authorities used free (or reduced price) food and public entertainment to tamp down on unrest in the city of Rome.

    • @Nuke_the_whales
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      2 hours ago

      Still holds up. If you told Americans they could have healthcare forever but they’d have to give up football for 1 year, they’d riot. The NFL alone generates like $40 billion in revenue, add college, and all other football tiers, merchandise, etc. It’s gotta be a hundreds of billions dollar industry

      • @PugJesusOPM
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        12 hours ago

        I read a study a long-ass time ago on people living in near-starvation conditions and it was discovered that people set aside some resources (not necessarily in the consciously budgeting sense, but in the actual usage sense) for recreation even in incredibly desperate circumstances.

        Human beings are funny creatures.

        • @Famko
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          21 hour ago

          You need some way to enjoy life in some eay I suppose.

          If you don’t, then what’s the point?