Sports are deeply ingrained in American society, from the stadiums dotting our landscapes to the hours parents dedicate to their children's practices. The pervasive presence of sports on television further underscores their significance. This passion for sports reveals a connection to the competitive spirit at the core of American culture, a spirit that clashes sharply with the modern elite left's vision of a post-competitive society.

The competitive essence of sports underscores American cultural strengths. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

The 2024 elections demonstrated a stark rejection of the elite left's attempts to reshape American society. Let's examine the core values of sports culture and how they fundamentally differ from the elite left's perspective.

1. Winning Matters: Sports embrace winning as a positive outcome, while the elite left often views it as exclusionary. In sports, losing is seen as motivation for improvement.

2. Hard Work is Essential: Sports require dedication and practice. The elite left, however, sometimes portrays hard work, particularly in certain professions, as demeaning, a perspective that resonates poorly with the millions of Americans who have held such jobs.

3. Achievement Through Adversity: Sports inherently involve both wins and losses. Even the most accomplished athletes experience setbacks. This teaches resilience and perseverance, traits that sports fans value but the elite left may view as harsh.

4. Meritocracy vs. DEI: Sports prioritize performance and skill, a meritocratic approach. This contrasts with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focus often championed by the elite left, which sometimes prioritizes representation over merit, a concept that many sports enthusiasts find counterproductive.

The handshake after the game symbolizes sportsmanship, a key element of sports culture. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

5. Celebrating True Success: In a merit-based system, victories are earned and celebrated. However, an overemphasis on inclusion can blur the lines of achievement, making it unclear whether success is due to merit or other factors. This can lead to situations where identity is prioritized over genuine accomplishment.

The elite left's attempts to impose its values on society have been ongoing. Author Tom Wolfe, in his 1970 essays "Radical Chic & Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers," captured the disconnect between these values and the realities of American culture. Embracing the values of sports – hard work, perseverance, and a focus on achievement – could lead to a stronger and more successful America, while also exposing the impracticality of the elite left's worldview.