I was watching the trial by 7 (a joust of 7 men against 7 men) match in the new Game of Thrones iteration “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” and it dawned on me on how attracted human beings are to violence even in our games. Think boxing, rugby, football, hockey. Think the games at the Roman Colosseum.

Even more interesting is that men will engage in these games, despite the very real danger which could include death. Think about in the modern world people continue to play football even after numerous medical studies have concluded that irreparable damage is being done to the brain. People continue to watch.

Vivid depictions of violence are seen every day in television shows and movies. People might complain but people, nonetheless, continue to watch.

Why is it so fucking attractive?