How Much Fandom (Gear) Is Too Much Fandom?

Submitted by MaizeMN on

 The other day I had to take our new Morkie pup, Cujo (I wanted to name him Hairbaugh) to the veterinerian. While there, the vet noticed my MICHIGAN survival bracelet and asked if I was a fan. I replied that I was an alumnus, Class of '88, and followed with the obligatory GO BLUE!

On my way back to the office, I realized that not only was I wearing a MICHIGAN bracelet, but also a UM watch, '95 throwback Fab Five Nikes and carrying a Michigan wallet. I'm originally from Traverse City, but currently live in MN, so there isn't an abundance of UM fans here. (mostly Gopher and Badger folk) So... 

How much gear is too much gear?

Do those of you that live outside Michigan tend to wear more, less, or the same amount of branded clothing as when you were a student or resident?

 What is the perception/reaction in other places to your Michigan attire?

Edit: Changed thread title to clarify

MGoBoard
Other

Mabel Pines

April 10th, 2016 at 10:03 AM ^

fall weddings are fine!!!  I got married October 4, 1997.  Away game at noon, scheduled the wedding at 4:30.  Watched the game then went and got married.  (we won, of course, because obvs. 1997)  Now if we are ever lucky enough to spend our anniversary with 100,000 of our closest friends, we love it!  Plus, it gives us something to do.  Otherwise we sit around and give each other the same cards.  

Joined: 10/02/2010

MGoPoints: 27568

SagNasty

April 10th, 2016 at 8:15 AM ^

Wife knew better than to set a fall wedding date. We got married in August. Have only missed one wedding due to a game and it wasn't that family. People that schedule weddings during football season are the worst. Also, don't like people who schedule weddings on a Friday.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 06/22/2011

MGoPoints: 951

go16blue

April 9th, 2016 at 9:48 PM ^

You can never love Michigan sports "too much." But if your attachment to the team's success is causing you more sadness than happiness, then that might be "too much fandom." I hit that point a couple of years ago after a particularly bad loss (Rutgers I think?), and decided it was better to back off a bit. I'm better off now. 

Joined: 04/28/2010

MGoPoints: 6755

Darker Blue

April 9th, 2016 at 9:48 PM ^

I own something like 35 Michigan T-Shirts, About 15 hats, 20 hoodies, various bracelets, cups, plates. My brother got me a University of Michigan Zombie that sits on my desk at work. I also own a TON of various other Michigan stuff. I wouldn't change it for the world.  

I don't think there is such a thing as too much fandom

 

Joined: 10/30/2011

MGoPoints: 80443

Winchester Wolverine

April 9th, 2016 at 9:48 PM ^

I love Michigan like a fat kid loves cake. I own a literal metric shit ton of M clothing and plan on pulling a WD when Jordan stuff comes out. I live in Ohio and routinely get a heavy amount flack for it but I wouldn't have it any other way. Unless I could live in AA. That'd be cool.

Joined: 01/07/2015

MGoPoints: 19162

olm_go_blue

April 9th, 2016 at 9:51 PM ^

Well, I wear less than when I was in school, because now I'm often going to work or somewhere nicer.

But when I'm just strolling around, I'm often wearing a UM shirt - one couple we (the wife and I) see a lot even commented on it recently (something to the effect of "you wear Michigan stuff a lot") when we were showing them honeymoon pics at Versailles, and I happened to have one on.

Today, I was wearing a Mich football shirt with a Mich hat. I hear lots of Go Blues and see a lot of Mich gear, even here in SoCal.

Never have more than 2 pieces at a time, though! haha

Joined: 08/09/2013

MGoPoints: 5003

justingoblue

April 9th, 2016 at 10:15 PM ^

I like clothes and incorporate Michigan into that, which I realize might be the other way around for some.

I mostly own tee shirts and a few random things (one jersey, two hats, definitely a #ChadTough bracelet) but my work situation and having an interest in plenty of other options keep my M gear at a relatively low percentage of my wardrobe.

Whether something is too much I don't think it's my place to say. If that's your thing, own it.

Joined: 11/16/2010

MGoPoints: 29741

1VaBlue1

April 10th, 2016 at 9:01 AM ^

Agree - if you like it, do it!

I've stopped obsessing about other peoples choices to ease my own mind.  I may think you're nutso (ie: OSU DB above), but I'll support your right to wear it.  I keep my stuff relatively simple, although I do rock the M fleece at work when called for (usually when PSU peeps are beginning to get obnoxious).  I've been known to walk into the break room and break up gatherings by yelling "HARBAUGH!", occasionally...

Joined: 01/31/2016

MGoPoints: 126496

Monkey House

April 9th, 2016 at 10:16 PM ^

personally, I think wearing something from a sports team everyday is silly and makes you look silly. but I live in southern Ohio wear every single person wears either Ohio state or UK shit every damn day.

Joined: 09/05/2014

MGoPoints: 43663