That's not enough, not according to the way that CPHS has been functioning lately. Maybe it's been the trend forever, but especially the last couple years I've noticed so much extra emphasis on labeling SUPERFANS for school sports, not simply by cheering, but by buying gear and extra expectations. Sure, anybody can be a football fan, but want to be a SUPERfan? Then find a player, pay $25 for a fancy jersey, $40 for a sweatshirt, and make your chosen player baked goods for every. Single. Game. Total estimated cost for the season? About $80.
What is this? Am I the only one frustrated? To be considered a real fan of a high school sport, why does it involve throwing so much money around and putting labels on it? I feel that being a super fan is a matter of love and dedication, not of labor, connections, and money. I feel that connotation and associations of "super fan" have become so much more intense - is this, instead of strengthening Rebel spirit, isolating "non-super" fans and taking away integrity of the fan section? How do the connotations and expectations of "super fan" change over time and team, and what drives this change?
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Maybe a silly topic, but it's been on my mind after last night's football game!
I don't like the Superfan concept. It seems kind of creepy and singles certain people out as a "follower" of a given player, which can take on unwanted undertones as an "admirer". I know there are male Superfans as well, but it seems to reinforce gender roles that women should do nothing but support and bake for men. If one really insists on being a fan, it should not be something to compete about and externalize. Well, being a fan IS all about being competitive and look-at-me. IDK what the point of Superfans is, but I agree that it's not only cheaper, but also more satisfying to be a regular fan. I don't like organized sports, but I like being a fan of things I like.
ReplyDeletePlus, Superfans end up being like...well, Mr. Kettering, for those of you in the know. No offense, but that man talks too much about the Steelers. I thought teachers were supposed to be neutral!
My two cents:
ReplyDeleteI am a wrestler. I had four Superfans last year. It is awesome. It made me feel good about myself knowing that four people + my family were all there for just me (Maybe I'm a little bit of an all about me person but I'm a jock so it is natural). I don't think it made me a better wrestler but it does help the self esteem. I do see the other side of it though. I think it is very ridiculous when one person has four Superfans and somebody else has none. They deserve one too.
Note- The way we controlled it for wrestling last year is that you found your own Superfans. In other words, it was your choice whether you had one or not. I think that what goes on with the football team is a little ridiculous and isn't exactly the point of the whole Superfan deal. A person shouldn't ask the athlete if they can be your Superfan. As an athlete the fun in it is picking one (or four) and the baked goods.
Christian, with all due respect:
DeleteFour Superfans???? I know you went to state but honestly, just because you have 4 friends who are willing to provide you with goods and exclusive support doesn't mean that they need to be singled out.
Also, I feel singling out one player on a team support may detract from the whole teamwork experience. The way it worked in wrestling seems somewhat absurd (almost like a Russian Reversal; on CP Wrestling Team, players pick you!). And, I believe that the non-athletic competitions (speech, debate, math league) should require Superfans as well. Everyone deserves a piece of the action. Or at least a piece of pie.
(sorry for rambling, it's late and I'm feeling punchy)
My bottom line: It's good to support teams and all, but this kind of thing is just a little crazy and detracts from team experience. As far as I know. Can I even contribute to this conversation?
I see how christian and Cody feel on the subject for their separate views. I totally agree with Jackie though, with the Idea of being a super fan becoming a special clique that you need to pay a certain amount to get into and all extra expenses, it becomes a little ridiculous. Also my friend was a super fan for a football player, she didn't have a jersey or anything special she just made him snacks and a sign the day of the game. I though seem to remember that the other super fans did not take kindly to her being in their midst at football games, since at the time she was also a junior, There goes the whole class war again. After having her sign hanging on the bleachers for the team to see it was battered and torn, but not by the elements, it was not respected as much by the other "super fans" and it was shocking to see how again one feels in power over someone. As in reference to Ally's post why did they feel power over her because she was not a designated "super fan". The whole matter just upsets me how people decide to abuse their powers in some situations.
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