I’m proud to be a Michigan Wolverine, and football games come with the territory. This is my 3^rd season attending the games, and overall, they have been a fun and positive experience, but there has been a change this year. My boiling point was the Michigan vs. Michigan State game.

I have noticed this year that I don’t enjoy the atmosphere of the football games anymore. My fellow Wolverines make me feel embarrassed to be among them when their version of welcoming a visiting team is booing them. How mature. Maybe it’s due to how I was raised, but I can’t help thinking that The Golden Rule still applies.

Yes, the golden rule is a tool used to teach children how to behave, which I sadly find appropriate in this case. Do you want another team’s fans to disrespect our team, our fellow students, while at an away game? I know I don’t.

I was particularly angered at the disrespect shown toward the Spartan Marching Band. I have experience, however little it is, in being in a marching band, so I have some understanding and a lot of admiration for those who are members of the college level bands. But, I also know that many others do not. I try not to judge others’ ignorance on the subject.

What I’m judging is their non-existent appreciation for the band’s performance overall.

It doesn’t take a genius to be impressed by a band creating images and words while simultaneously playing a song well. There is also something to be said when the only time the students positively reacted toward the band’s performance was when they played our fight song.

Because the Michigan vs. Michigan State game was a rivalry, the schools knew there was a higher chance of this happening. So, they sent out emails, posts, and even announced it before the game, asking everyone to be respectful of the players, coaches, and other staff participating.

Unfortunately, this was ignored. I can’t say I was surprised, but I was disappointed. When did being the leaders and best mean making others feel like losers and nothing?

A statement from the letter to fans, from the Directors of Athletics of BOTH the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, says “our two universities can show that civility and respect can be a hallmark of not only college sports but what we need to strive for in our society.”

We need to understand that even at a football game, we are representing our university, and more importantly, our society. I am ashamed of this representation of Michigan. If we believe we are better than this, then we need to show it.

Respect is earned. So, let’s get back to work.