Football
Rivalry Day
“Academe,
n.: An ancient school where morality and philosophy were taught.”
Academy,
n.: A modern school where football is taught.”
Ambrose
Bierce
In
the state of Alabama, only two football teams matter. Alabama and
Auburn, arch rivals, divide the state into crimson and white and blue
and orange, and you'd better not be ambivalent about which one you
support. There is no such thing as indifference.
On
my first visit to Birmingham back in the late 1970's, we went to a
fancy restaurant to have a quiet and tasteful dinner. We had no
knowledge then of the critical nature of the Iron Bowl to its fans,
and were shocked when the other diners began the rumbling chants,
Roll Tide, and War Eagle, while doing the wave in their suits and
silk dresses. It was a sight we would grow all too accustomed to
seeing.
I
am amazed at how people have grown more passionate about sports,
especially football, than they are about religion. My own young folks
who came for Thanksgiving opened my eyes to the all encompassing
fascination for the game. Before and after the turkey and dressing,
they were bunched into my tiny TV room, NFL game on and cell phones
in hand, keeping up with several different games at the same time,
discussing player stats and making changes to their Fantasy Football
teams. The conversation was all about who was winning in their
particular poll, and women were every bit as rabid as men. My niece
had won two years in a row, but this year was way behind—whatever
that means!
I
have to say, Iron Bowl fever is as contagious as the bird flu. I'll
arrange my day around watching the game, as will everyone else in
this state. Forget shopping or visiting with grandma, and don't, for
god's sake, get in front of the flat-screen or you'll be slapped
silly. Happy football rivalry day, y'all. It's bigger than Christmas!
(Roll Tide!)
In
the spirit,
Jane
No comments:
Post a Comment