Non-Alumni Fans

Submitted by Finance-PhD on

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.

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TRAILofVICTORY

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.

Joined: 11/27/2010

MGoPoints: 346

GWUWolverineFan

November 1st, 2013 at 10:01 AM ^

I should've turned down that athletic scholarship to my school (still better than MSU), and forgone four years of varsity Division One athletics, to attend the school in my hometown, a mile from my parents, and hang out doing all the same stuff I did in High School. Nah, I'll leave and go see a bit of the world and get out of Ann Arbor. On a serious note as a resident of Detroit, I expect that I will not see any Red Wings/Tigers/Pistons/Lions gear when I am in East Lansing this weekend.

Joined: 09/22/2009

MGoPoints: 1838

M-Dearborn

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.

Joined: 10/30/2013

MGoPoints: 2

Cold War

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.

Joined: 01/15/2012

MGoPoints: -3144

Roy G. Biv

November 1st, 2013 at 12:13 PM ^

The advent of internet boards, boots, etc started the decline. When people could start anonymously spewing their hate without fear of repercussion. I don't dislike MSU the university it is the insufferable loudmouth portion of their fan base I can't stand.

Joined: 09/03/2010

MGoPoints: 6967

Roy G. Biv

November 1st, 2013 at 12:09 PM ^

Missed this last night due to T or T. It is silly. It is an old Spartan talking point, but is exposed as BS if even one of nearly 80k fans in Spartan Stadium isn't an alum. By that way of thinking, the vast majority of ND/ USC/FSU/Alabama/etc. football and Duke/UNC/G-town hoops fans are all frauds. Does one need to flash one's diploma for entry in to Spartan Stadium?

Joined: 09/03/2010

MGoPoints: 6967

Feat of Clay

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?

Joined: 08/10/2009

MGoPoints: 3759

Mike420GoBlue

November 2nd, 2013 at 6:43 AM ^

I would be one of those fans who have never had a student I.D. from the only great school in the Staee of Michigan. I'm also careful not to refer to any team I'm not a part of as we. I feel it's an insult to the players, past and present. It's an insult to the students, I don't know the whole story, what it's like to go through the experience of college.
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.

Joined: 09/02/2012

MGoPoints: 4707