When you're a fan of a sports team, but it's not one of the local teams, people tend to question what you're doing with your life. The judgement you receive is not limited to just one sport, but rather across all games where you like the "away" team. There are a lot of things people say and do when they know you're not "one of them". We've been there, this is what happens and here's how we feel about it:
1. "Why are you even a fan of them?"
Well usually you are a fan if you like a team, so you can figure out that it's probably the same reason you like your team. No reason necessary.
2. "You're totally a band-wagoner!"
They don't even have to have a winning record! Who cares if they were good six years ago, it doesn't matter now. And even if I was band-wagonning, what does it matter to anyone?
3. "I bet you know nothing about them."
What does that even mean? They're a team, from a city, that plays a sport. I know three things without going into detail. Chances are you know more than that but, hey, not everyone knows the year their team was founded.
4. Being super pumped when your game is on a local channel.
No need to borrow your buddy's season pass or scrounge the internet for a stream of it, today it's right there, on your TV.
5. The question "Why aren't you a fan of [insert team here] instead?" haunts your dreams
Well I'm not a fan of your team because I don't want to be. Why do we need to have a reason? Maybe I should ask why you aren't a fan of my team.
6. You've been asked to name an obscure number of players on that team.
I'm sorry I didn't realize I needed to take a test to prove my loyalty to a team. Why don't you name me all your players since the 90's if you're such a die-hard?
7. If your team loses they never let you forget it.
It was one game/series! It might not even impact your season at all. I get a win is a win, but if that win was like 3 seasons ago, who cares? Even if it was a Championship game, it has nothing to do with this year. Please get over it.
8. But if your team wins, it gets brushed off.
I'll just be over here celebrating with myself, that's fine. Wear that jersey proudly, who cares what the haters say! But if you beat that local team, maybe its best to just stay in your room and hide for a few days.
But no matter how much we are antagonized over it, your team is your team. It doesn't matter where you are from if you love your team. Don't be ashamed to rep your colors, there are fans somewhere else who'd love to have you.
