Non-Alumni Fans
So a Sparty made a video about the fans of Michigan (and other schools) that have no connection to the school outside of fandom.
Having difficulty embedding it so... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46MsGQFrzPE
His thesis is that only students have earned the right to say "we", which is disagree with because only players truly have that right. Also only alumni are able to build that close of a bond because of the shared struggle financially and emotionally.
If there is no connection to the school you should be a professional sports team fan instead.
I am a huge supporter of sidewalk alumni myself but I was curious what other people felt about the issue.
November 1st, 2013 at 2:39 PM ^
November 2nd, 2013 at 12:40 PM ^
if non-alums must be branded as Wal-Mart, then branch campus alums get to be at least H&M Wolverines.
November 1st, 2013 at 9:36 AM ^
I always wondered why Walmart Wolverines was supposed to be insulting. You're making fun of us for having a huge national following? Our university if so successful that we have people who didn't even attend who badly want to be part of the fanbase? Never understood the criticism.
November 1st, 2013 at 9:51 AM ^
Non alumni fans are a necessary evil. This is a fact.
November 1st, 2013 at 10:01 AM ^
November 1st, 2013 at 11:11 AM ^
Go to a place like Lincoln, NE. NE football is all they have and just about everyone there is a fan...going to the University probably makes you a god there, but it is not the only path to fandom.
November 1st, 2013 at 12:10 PM ^
Well, Sonny Boy, let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, just about everyone in the state of Michigan was a fan of both UM and MSU. I was myself.
Everyone had a favorite when the two played, but most rooted for Michigan - except for folks with a very direct connection to MSU. Or they might decide who to cheer based on who might have the most potential to have a great season (which was usually Michigan).
Not sure when or why it happened, but at some point it started to become a nasty, death to the other guy, us or them, type of mentality. For my part, that originated with State fans. They gradually became very nasty, to the point of wishing ill will and injury on Michigan players.
They despise Michigan, and for that, I now despise State. I stop short of wishing harm, but my preference is for them to go oh and whatever every year.
I really miss the old way, but I fear it's gone forever.
November 1st, 2013 at 12:13 PM ^
November 1st, 2013 at 12:15 PM ^
November 1st, 2013 at 12:09 PM ^
November 1st, 2013 at 4:34 PM ^
Ridiculous. The person who made the video should get out more.
Try those arguments in a state where there is one team for everyone to root for. You think Nebraska runs some kind of alumni litmus test before you can buy tickets or cheer for the team? Which Nebraska pro team would those non-alums be rooting for, again?
November 1st, 2013 at 9:36 PM ^
November 2nd, 2013 at 6:43 AM ^
Lil Sparty Firecrotch isn't going to tell me I can't be a fan of my favorite team, even if I didn't go there.