Duh! The Ryder Cup just took place. With this President. In this environment. And instead of pleasantly surprising the world with the decorum of a happy sports fan that takes in the wonderful mastery of golf being played in front of them….the USA fan acted as they lately, seemingly, always do. USA, USA, USA….I’m not sure about any of you, but that chant makes me want to vomit, then take a nap.
My favorite sporting events, even as a young child, were the rare ones. The All-Star games with all the different helmets or jerseys. The Olympics, and then later, the World Cup. Something like the Ryder Cup appealed to me immediately. Let’s compete and see who comes out on top. Aren’t we lucky to be able to witness this? Why then does fandom so often get out of control?
Let’s step back in time. USA, USA started in the early 20th century as a rallying cry for workers in Pittsburgh steelworkers. In sports, the first notable occurrence was the Miracle on Ice semi-final in the Olympics between Russia and the United States. In that case, the Russian team was comprised of very talented, seasoned players who had vastly more experience than the young college kids they were playing against. When it looked like the upset was going to happen, the entire crowd was rooting for these kids. Seems like a very human reaction. I had goosebumps and still do. The spectacle of the upset in sports. So great to witness.
Flash forward 45 years later, and USA, USA is being chanted at high school gyms where the opposing team has foreign-born players. Yep, in high schools. So I think it’s important to recognize the difference between nationalism and xenophobia.
- Nationalism: pride in one’s country
- Xenophobia: the fear or dislike of people who are perceived as foreign or different.
Reader, when you read both of those definitions, what does your gut tell you about last week’s Ryder Cup? Or any sporting event where that chant breaks out?
In many of the Olympic events these days, the United States actually has the more seasoned athlete or the more talented one. And that is great. I love the passion and commitment. But isn’t the better story the kid from a country that you know nothing about, finishing with a medal?
It’s okay to love your country, readers, and it’s okay to love other countries as well.