Maximus Decimus Posted October 7 Share Posted October 7 OK, apologies for the clickbait title! Like most people here, I'm a fan of multiple teams across multiple sports. However, as a very awkward person, I sometimes find it hard talking with other people about them and it basically comes down to pronouns. I often think with being a sports fan, there is a certain level of willing suspension of disbelief involved. For instance, we often develop an intense relationship with a sports club as if we are an active part in it. We cheer a try or a goal as if it really matters to us on a personal level. The reality of course, is that we contribute absolutely nothing to the performance of the team and other than maybe contributing in a small financial and vocal way, all we have to demonstrate our effort is in loyalty to that team over years and years. When talking about Widnes RL or England in a number of sports, I have no problem in saying something like 'we've been rubbish today' 'that ref had it in for us' or 'our kicking game has been dreadful' (note the negatives...). After all, I'm a Widnesian and I'm English, I didn't really choose these teams, they represent where I'm from. On the flip-side, I recently rediscovered a love for the NFL and one of my two main teams of choice is the Jets who I've followed for about 4 years. There is no way I can say 'we' for the Jets, it just doesn't feel right. I rarely even say I'm a fan or supporter really, and tend to use the term follower. I think I feel like I could get caught out as a fraud. However, I recently saw a video of a UK Jets fan and he had no problem with this. In theory, I could see a time when I'd followed them for so long that I felt comfortable switching. My most difficult example is with Everton. I've been an Evertonian since a child, I've been to games and at times it has been my main sporting club. Even with this, I find it difficult saying 'us' or 'we' and tend to use a more passive 'they' most of the time. I think this is because I don't follow it really closely and I'm surrounded by very passionate Liverpool, United and Everton fans who do and don't like the idea they could be thinking I'm not a real fan. When do you feel comfortable going all in and saying 'we' for a sporting team? This is not a judgement by the way, I'm definitely not saying people should or shouldn't do it at any point. As I said, I'm quite an awkward person and this isn't something I'd consciously noticed I do until I watched that video. A Widnesian in Ireland blog What is the best system for Super League? An honest appraisal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerrumonside ref Posted October 7 Share Posted October 7 1 hour ago, Maximus Decimus said: OK, apologies for the clickbait title! Like most people here, I'm a fan of multiple teams across multiple sports. However, as a very awkward person, I sometimes find it hard talking with other people about them and it basically comes down to pronouns. I often think with being a sports fan, there is a certain level of willing suspension of disbelief involved. For instance, we often develop an intense relationship with a sports club as if we are an active part in it. We cheer a try or a goal as if it really matters to us on a personal level. The reality of course, is that we contribute absolutely nothing to the performance of the team and other than maybe contributing in a small financial and vocal way, all we have to demonstrate our effort is in loyalty to that team over years and years. When talking about Widnes RL or England in a number of sports, I have no problem in saying something like 'we've been rubbish today' 'that ref had it in for us' or 'our kicking game has been dreadful' (note the negatives...). After all, I'm a Widnesian and I'm English, I didn't really choose these teams, they represent where I'm from. On the flip-side, I recently rediscovered a love for the NFL and one of my two main teams of choice is the Jets who I've followed for about 4 years. There is no way I can say 'we' for the Jets, it just doesn't feel right. I rarely even say I'm a fan or supporter really, and tend to use the term follower. I think I feel like I could get caught out as a fraud. However, I recently saw a video of a UK Jets fan and he had no problem with this. In theory, I could see a time when I'd followed them for so long that I felt comfortable switching. My most difficult example is with Everton. I've been an Evertonian since a child, I've been to games and at times it has been my main sporting club. Even with this, I find it difficult saying 'us' or 'we' and tend to use a more passive 'they' most of the time. I think this is because I don't follow it really closely and I'm surrounded by very passionate Liverpool, United and Everton fans who do and don't like the idea they could be thinking I'm not a real fan. When do you feel comfortable going all in and saying 'we' for a sporting team? This is not a judgement by the way, I'm definitely not saying people should or shouldn't do it at any point. As I said, I'm quite an awkward person and this isn't something I'd consciously noticed I do until I watched that video. You’re overthinking this! Who cares whether you use ‘we’ or not when referring to a sports team and who is anyone to judge you for it if that’s what you want to do? Seriously, this is not worth worrying about in a troubled world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnM Posted October 7 Share Posted October 7 Just to add to this, is it Wigan Warriors are...or Wigan Warriors is....? Wigan Warriors is singular...it's the club or it's the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam4731 Posted October 7 Share Posted October 7 I think the only reason I would ever say 'we' for a team I support is if someone is speaking to me and referring to that team as 'we' or 'you'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam4731 Posted October 7 Share Posted October 7 47 minutes ago, JohnM said: Just to add to this, is it Wigan Warriors are...or Wigan Warriors is....? Wigan Warriors is singular...it's the club or it's the team. It depends on the context. It would be: Wigan Warriors is the worst team in the universe. But Wigan Warriors are playing really badly because they're the worst team in the universe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnM Posted October 7 Share Posted October 7 24 minutes ago, sam4731 said: It depends on the context. It would be: Wigan Warriors is the worst team in the universe. But Wigan Warriors are playing really badly because they're the worst team in the universe. Several errors there There is no causal link between playing badly and being the worst team in the universe. They could play well and still be the worst team in the universe. Wigan Warriors IS... But Wigan Warriors players ARE... But it's all irrelevant because Wigan Warriors are the best team not only in the Universe but in the whole of creation, before the birth of the universe and after it's death. Big bang Vs steady state Vs oscillating universe anyone? However, just like everyone else, I'll actually say Wigan Warriors are the best etc ....because it's just what everyone says. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Gascoigne Posted Tuesday at 09:47 Share Posted Tuesday at 09:47 On 08/10/2024 at 06:31, JohnM said: Several errors there There is no causal link between playing badly and being the worst team in the universe. They could play well and still be the worst team in the universe. Wigan Warriors IS... But Wigan Warriors players ARE... But it's all irrelevant because Wigan Warriors are the best team not only in the Universe but in the whole of creation, before the birth of the universe and after it's death. Big bang Vs steady state Vs oscillating universe anyone? However, just like everyone else, I'll actually say Wigan Warriors are the best etc ....because it's just what everyone says. In publishing, while you'll often find style guides dictating how to approach this, the most important thing is consistency. Whether you go with is/are, you want to avoid interchangeably using both in whatever you're writing. To answer the original question, I don't use 'we' for any teams I follow closely. Mostly because, outside of cricket and baseball, I tend to watch several different teams throughout the season. If I didn't contribute to the win, I can't bring myself to claim that 'we played well today'. That one Mitchell and Webb skit sums up my thoughts on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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