Many aspiring bloggers have started a new blog with a cherished poem. Myself, coming from a background in sports journalism have decided to talk about ice hockey in my first post. After all ice hockey has been called "poetry on Ice."
Only poetry could describe America's impressive win over Canada this past Sunday. The first Olympic win over Canada in 50 years.The final score was 5-3 though in reality it was much closer. I received many comments from Canadian friends in response to the game from an Italian-Canadian, a Singaporean-Canadian, and a Somali-Canadian acquittance who reminded me on my Facebook wall that Canada was going to kick America's "arse"
On the American side I received comments from team USA supporters from a Nicaraguan-American(Bill Guerin, an occasional member of Team USA is half-Nicaraguan) and from Filipino-Americans and Arab-Americans.
Clearly my own personal experiences lie in opposition to a recent Los Angeles Times article which postulated the end of nationalism in relation to sports and the Olympics. To be replaced with idol like worship of individual accomplishment. Think of how the NBA bills a key match-up. It's not the Cavaliers vs. the Lakers it is always "Lebron vs. Kobe".
I think that if anything Sports as a outlet for nationalism is as important today as ever. It is as easily consumable concept which allows for a sense of group identity. It is a safe outlet for the tribe mentality of "us vs. them" in us all.
If the Spirit of Vancouver 2010 doesn't convince you of that just wait four more months until South Africa 2010.
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