April 19, 2006
"Football, innit, wot syndrome" syndrome
I have very diverse social circles. But among some of my friends, there is this tendency to want to show disdain for something purely on the basis of popularity. The general MO is to see that something is popular, not make any effort to understand the thing in question, and at every opportunity criticise the thing, and all those who are interested in it. In particular, it is very popular to associate being a football fan with stupidity, racism, violence, or anything else bad, really.
Can someone explain to me why this is? JCM, I'm looking at you in particular, though you're far from alone. Just what the hell does football have to do with voting BNP?
Posted by James at 00:34
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politics
football
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Well, sure 90% of football fans are idiots. This is because 90% of everyone is idiots...
Posted by: ρ ![[OpenID Commenter Profile]](http://blog.jimbo.org.uk/static/openid-comment/openid.gif){kind=small}
at April 19, 2006 09:36 AM
I find it surprising that you think this is noteworthy.
It's human nature to show disdain for something popular; it makes you feel special, better than the teeming masses. For bonus points, it's even better if you're social group can join in with you: "look at us, we're /much/ cleverer than those stupid football fans". Peer-bonding & self-aggrandisement in one! Result!
Note that I explicitly don't think that's a bad thing. Everybody likes to feel better about themselves and closer to their friends, and, unless it's taken to extremes, this seems like a fairly harmless way of doing so.
Also, football does have an association with hooliganism and loutish behaviour, and more so than other sports. Of course, that's only due to the actions of a minority, but, like it or not, that's all it takes. Same as the animal rights protestors -- I'm sure most of them are perfectly reasonable people, but the idea that a few of them beat people up/burn down colleges/whatever gives all of them an unfortunate reputation.
Posted by: jds at April 19, 2006 04:03 PM
Rho, I suppose you have a fair point, but I don't see why this makes football fans more of a target than, say cricket fans...
jds, I think I agree with you. But just because it's true, doesn't mean I have to like it :-)
Posted by: James ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.jimbo.org.uk/nav-commenters.gif)
at April 19, 2006 07:35 PM
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