Running Is Fun(ning)

After reading “On Dumpster Diving,” by Lars Eighner, I realized that my experience with running is extraordinarily similar. Her piece led me to thinking about how society has a tendency to associate a negative connotation with dumpster diving. However, it is a significant and beneficial way for those in poverty to receive nourishment, which makes dumpster diving a positive aspect to the lives of many. This relates to running because many automatically assume that running is a dreadful sport, in fact most of my audience is probably thinking that right this moment. Now this is going to sound totally wrong to every non-runner, but running honestly brings so much happiness into my life through the sport itself and my teammates. Thus, it is not at all a miserable sport.

Furthermore, Eighner explains how the word “foraging” is not the proper term to describe dumpster diving because that specifically refers to “gathering nuts and berries” (422). Just as misconceptions occur with how to address dumpster diving, much of society mistakes cross country and track as being the same sport. In addition, non-runners claim that these sports take place at "games" or "tournaments," rather than the proper term of meets. 

Both of these situations demonstrate how society has a negative view of certain actions, when these actions happen to have several positive benefits. Moreover, the criticism often occurs absentmindedly and without the individuals having a valid understanding of what these actions specifically encompass. Obviously all people have different opinions on different topics, but society should acknowledge the interests of others with an open mind.