Most of the time, we use the term ‘fan’ in a kind and
soft way. We are fans of this and that and nobody questions us. But when we
dissect the term ‘fan’ it becomes another story, perhaps a story we don’t want
to be part of or be related to what-so-ever. The truth is that ‘fan’ is the
abbreviation of ‘fanatical’ and ‘fanatical’ by itself, is for the most part a
rather nasty emotion, when we fully understand what it is. So we cringe by
association, because we are not really fanatical,
are we?
In daily chit-chat we use the term ‘fan’ loosely. We
might state that ‘I’m a big fan of…’ and life goes on. But if we say that we
are ‘fanatical’ about such and such, the listener might flinch, because most of
us do understand the difference between being a fan and being fanatical – and
not just because one is abbreviated and the other one isn’t.
I have seriously never ever tagged myself a fan (and
never fanatical) about anything, any person or persons; true story. From I was 5
or 6 years old, I started playing football (soccer, as they call it here) and
it seemed all my older teammates were ‘fans’ of Manchester United – so I
joined their interest. This is an ‘attentiveness’ that has been going strong
ever since; so far for over 64 years. I watch all their matches live on TV,
yes, very early in the morning and I follow most of the player and club news that
are published. Our younger son has been ‘involved’ ever since I coached him
soccer from he was 5, on teams I called Manchester United. But I have never
called myself a fan – only a supporter.
Our son talks about Manchester United in terms of ‘…we won yesterday’, ‘…we didn’t play well’, etc. using terms
as if he was part of the club, knows the players on a buddy-buddy level. I have
never done that – ever. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I feel I’m better,
more refined or whatever, it’s just something I have never called myself or
looked at in that way. I have simply considered myself a supporter, more so
than a ‘true’ fan – though to me, it sounds the same, doesn’t it?
Anyway, when we talk about the softer everyday use
of ‘fan’ it’s more so understood as a supporter of and interested in, as an enthusiastic
person with specific attention to this and that; I’m of course perfectly fine
with this. It’s a big part of life that we find interests outside our everyday
routines, interests that broadens our views and for the most part enrich and
entertain us accordingly – it’s great to have outside interests (as long as
they are legal) if we call ourselves fans or if we are simply supporters of – either
works, really. Do you consider yourself a fan of anything or anybody? I think
that for the most part we resign to ‘I like or follow…’ rather than stating
that we are fans of…
But it’s a totally different world when we look at
‘fanatical’ or at ‘fanaticism’. If we become fanatical and dive into fanaticism, it
becomes very scary and out of control in too many cases, no matter the
direction this ‘fanaticism’ is pointed.
‘Fanaticism’ is from the Latin adverb ‘fanatice’
which covers emotions like: enthusiastic, ecstatic, raging, fanatical (duh),
furious and passionate (but not in a good way). This can be utterly
frightening, as hardheaded fanaticism is related to unrealistic and fake realities,
as used in propaganda, with the simple aim of misleading. As an example,
religious fanaticism is referred to, as ‘blind faith’. This type of fanatical
misleading is most certainly and unfortunately abused a lot not just
religiously, but politically as well, all around the world.
So you see, we should be fine with the ‘fan’ thing,
as long as we don’t slide into the fanatical side of it, because that is a
nasty equation. But of course we also meet the more obsessive fans, I’m sure
you know some, the ones who are so into their team that this obsessiveness
leaves no room for tolerance, for contrary ideas or opinions. Most of them are
harmless, but some do suffer from self-inflicted brainwashing. Sure, some can
be cute and fun in their beliefs and support, but it can turn rather nasty when
opposite fan-groups lock heads – big time.
Fortunately, it is not often we hear about the
destruction opposite fan-groups can create, but unfortunately it happens; in
some horrific confrontations, even fatalities occur, and for what? I follow and
support Manchester United and if you tell me that you like Liverpool, makes no
difference to me (besides me thinking: why would you follow such a stupid club
– ha ha). But if you try to convince me that I should follow your club, I’m out of here. I respect
your choice (no matter how stupid it is – ha ha) as I expect you will respect my
choices (no matter how stupid you might think they are – ha ha). You see, light
and fun and harmless, really…
I followed the Beatles since 1962; Love Me Do and
forward. I still play their music and still enjoy it all tremendously, as I
always have. I was even fortunate to see them in concert twice, once in London
and once in Copenhagen (without Ringo). I have read a trillion (more or less)
books about them as the Beatles and individually and so forth. Beatlemania was a term that popped up
rather quickly, but I never ever found myself on that level – if there was
actually a ‘level’ to be on. But I was always a supporter (in this case ‘a very
enthusiastic’ supporter), and never saw myself as a fan or maniac (ha ha) – for
some weird reason, really.
I truly embrace people who have great interests in
stuff, entertainment and sports or whatever (as long as it’s legal). I’m even
fascinated, though I don’t fully understand why, with people who are big fans
of baseball. Some weeks back I watched a friend of mine play rugby. A muddy
field filled with a bunch of women tackling and stacking themselves on top of
each other, while trying to run an odd-shaped ball to the other end – or
something like that. Sure my description ooze ignorance and arrogance, but
that’s not what I’m aiming at, because when I watched all those women doing
that thing and watched the sidelines with the team’s fans, because that’s what
they were, how can I not so totally appreciate and embrace what they are doing?
How darn cool is it when so many people get together about this one thing – as
an example?
Fair-weather fan? I have to totally swing with that,
because at times I get on the fair-weather-fan-wagon, when a local team is
doing well. The Golden State Warriors (basketball) has done well the last few
years, so I kind of follow them and their success. They won a lot and then they
lost a bit, so I activate my supporter motto: Team wins – I fan / Team loses -
I don’t. Yeah, a tad shallow, but remember the deal about its only
entertainment and if I’m not entertained, whatever my prerogatives, I have
options and a whole lot of other things to do.
Like everything else in life, for the most part,
moderation is important. If your team lost, God forbid, please don’t let that
ruin any moments or any parts of your day – remember, that professional sports of
whatever kind, is ONLY entertainment, nothing more and nothing less; let’s keep
things in perspective.
Does it bother me when Manchester United loses a
match? It does if they played well, but couldn’t find the net. If they played
like crap, obviously they didn’t deserve to win – so what’s for dinner? And
life goes on… fan or not.
PS. Shit
hitting the fan is not at all associated with the above – but perhaps in
some cases it should be, huh? (ha ha)…
