The film, Not Just A Game, showed the connection between sports and American Militarism. As a military servicemember, I might have a different perspective on war and the use of violence in the defense of our nation, but nonetheless, I had never actively thought about the connection between these two issues.
With Veteran’s Day having just passed, I was lucky enough to have spent it with family and my old lady, watching my favorite sport team: The Anaheim Ducks. HUGE hockey fan. HUGE fan of America. NOT a huge fan of them together.
Of all the days, Veteran’s Day games are typically over the top with America/Military/ThankYou specific ceremonies. Wild Wing, the Ducks mascot, rappelled with Army Rangers down from the rafter, American Flags all around (even given out upon entry), videos about military individuals and even the Ducks wearing camouflage jerseys while warming up.
As the game progressed, the Ducks took a commanding 4-0 lead over the Vancouver Canucks into the 3rd period. As they had been on a multi-game losing streak, it was great to hear the Honda Center roaring.
Then they started playing like normal, wielding 3 goals to bring the game closer. This is where I sat stunned- the crowd started chanting “USA! USA! USA!”
I understand Canada stands for everything the United States goes to war over (sarcasm), but this was silly (not sarcasm). I have never experience this and the girlfriend asked why would they (the fans) scream that? I had no answer.
I think in this blog, it is important to note how one can come to understand the world one lives in a little better. As sport managers, the athletes, organizations, and fans we look to serve are not all unified under a single countries banner, but rather, are a multi-consortium of talent and backgrounds. Let us remember this next we attend a game, whether it be business or pleasure.
E.L. Storrie
No comments:
Post a Comment