The Lanuage of a Fan

Growing up living and loving sports, I've encountered my fair share of sports fans of all different interests and level of devotions. I've noticed that no matter how passionate the individual is, the use of pronouns remains consistent. When discussing "their" team's success, a fan will say "WE won" or "They can't be beat US". On the contrary, when a fan talks of the team's failures, they will most likely say "THEY lost" or "The (Insert Team) Suck". Though the difference in language is subtle and often goes unnoticed, it is key in explaining the human psyche. Humans have always had a need to bond together, whether it be in the form of tribal alliances, social memberships, or zealous patriotism. Having that desire to be a part of something greater, something more prominent and universal, we tend to attach ourselves to our team, claiming "WE won". The connection we feel with a team is fostered in large part due to the team names. By naming a team the "Chicago" Bears, we feel an even closer tie and even obligation to support and root for "our team". Though it was designed as a marketing strategy to widen the viewing audience, team names are key in creating an "Us" (Chicago) versus "Them" (Rest of United States) environment. Though our financial support and team spirit fuels the team's success, "We", the fans, never actually play or contribute directly to the victory. We don't, however, let the obvious physical differences prevent us from being on the team emotionally. A fan, though he doesn't play, can feel the same emotions to a greater or lesser extent than a player on the team does, trust me I know. Thus, to a fan, when he team loses, the pain of the loss effects his mood and in attempt to lower the discouragement he feels, he attempts to distance himself away from the team's struggles by using the less familiar "They". Likewise, a fan will be eager to celebrate a victory or success by using "We". In the end, our subconcious use of the pronouns "We and They" is a fan's way of coping with the team's ups and downs.