Last night was the big Nationals baseball game! I had never been to a major league baseball game before, so it was an especially exciting event. The moment I stepped out from the last metro stop, my mood immediately changed. Everyone was urgently ushering themselves up the escalators decked out in their favorite baseball gear. Everyone was going to the same place, to watch the same game, enjoy the same greasy food, pay the same ridiculous prices, and have the same kind of good ole fun. Even though I do not follow any other baseball team other than The Red Sox, I felt as though I was a devoted Nationals fan. Even though this was by default, I still felt as though I was “part of the team.” When I walked through gates and was presented with a free Nationals hat, I literally jumped with joy. Soon there after, I ran up to a mascot, wearing my new hat, and excitedly asked for a picture. I danced and sang along to the music that was playing. I bought the overpriced gelato. I bought into the whole shebang – and I was happy to. When in the bleachers, I took a moment to look around. Everyone was so happy. Everyone had ventured out from various lifestyles and viewpoints to join in their one common love for baseball and this definitely created a sense of nationality that I rarely see in such masses.
Taking a step back from this experience, I see that the whole baseball game, as far as the topic of nationality goes, was a complete illusion. The majority of the people in the stands, who stood up to sing the national anthem and who felt that same rush of national pride, will leave the stadiums without any of those feelings – they won’t even knowingly reflect upon or acknowledge the fact that they participated in such an event. Two people sitting next to each other may connect while rooting for the same team, but the minute they leave the stadium, that sense of unity will quickly dissipate. The thing about sports is that you don’t have to share the same political or religious views to be on the same side. All of that can be put aside and for a short few hours everyone can enjoy the company of someone they might otherwise never sit next to or support. This friendliness is super duper great and all – but it is unrealistic and only lasts for one game at a time, which is hardly enough to create a real lasting sense of nationality. I think people recognize this on some level and congregate to baseball games with such enthusiasm partly for this very reason – for the sense of nationality it instills in them; a feeling that may be hard to attain in other situations for it always gets confused and intertwined with controversial issues that create rifts. I don't think there is anything wrong with the baseball nationality illusion that I am speaking of - I think it's a nice break from the real world.
1 comment:
I found it very interesting how you and Seamus had opposite feelings about the question of patriotism that a baseball game instills in its viewers. I think I am more apt to agree with you that the patriotism doesn't last long, but I do think the reminder is still meaningful.
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