Fandamonium

Kevin, I totally agree. There is nothing like football season and all of the passion and intensity that goes with supporting a football team—especially a college team. After just having spend an entire day and a half donning the Cardinal and Gold in Buckeye country, I faced the wrath of a lot of that passion. Luckily, my gameday outfit requires unbiased clothing in the form of a suit, meaning four or so hours free of harassment. It was all in good fun, except for one person who took it a bit too far in calling us some vulgar terms, then deciding to charge us after we did not respond. It was honestly a bit scary—a big, drunk guy charging after four Trojans in enemy terriroty. As the closest one to him, I was going to be the subject of his anger—and Ohio State hadn’t even lost, yet!—and I was unsure whether we would be outnumbered by many other Buckeyes joining the side of their “brother in arms,” or if they would side with their morals and defend the enemy. Luckily, the group of people surrounding us chose the latter, but the fact I even considered otherwise was scary. Football is awesome. The passion at the Horseshoe made it an unreal experience—one of the best fucking experiences I have ever had. But there are people who need to realize at the end of the day we are all people. We are all Americans. We are all human beings. I am an enemy in fun and in spirit, but not in reality. To pester and poke fun at someone for liking a different team is okay, but to berate that person and make them feel small, either through physical or verbal intimidation…that’s just not cool. I hope L.A. fans, though not very passionate, are a little but more welcoming…Whatever, can’t knock the passion.