Saturday, April 1, 2017

FAN – but rarely really fanatical, huh?



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)…

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