On 1/14/04 8:40 AM,"Dianne Lewandowski" posted:

Roberta wrote:
I went to Lambeau as a kid many times...I grew up in GB...it was fun! But
then, football and athletics in general didn't seem to have as much
influence 25 years ago as they do now...I don't recall any swooning...

Well, things have changed. It's a religion. And it's disgusting. If you

It's not different - it's just more visible. What do you think about the
Black Sox scandal - nearly 100 years ago. Or when Roger Maris was about to
break the home run record 40 years ago - people were dedicated and
completely involved in following their teams. As a matter of interesting
sociology, it seems that during times of economic woe, political upheaval -
the following of professional sports takes an upturn. People become more
involved, obsessive. I don't know why, but it's something that has been
noted over the last century - maybe it's the distraction from things which
they feel they can't control.

don't watch the games on television, people think your nuts. There's a
LOT of social pressure. And yes, the kids swoon. They bring homes jars
of dirt from the field. Some of our acquaintances have complained. And
wouldn't you rather your tax dollars be spent to send children to a
museum or other place of learning?

So, in a place where the football team, a little town owning the team, the
stadium is something they feel is of premiere importance you're the one who
doesn't. Are people painting epithets on your fence, toilet-papering your
yard, throwing stones? Or are they just shaking their heads because they
don't get why you don't care? They probably think you're nuts because the
Packers are the biggest thing in Green Bay and a source of pride. Oh well. I
personally believe that Americans spend way too much money, on entertainment
and those who entertain us - actors and athletes. But, as a society
evidently the majority goes with it. And it's a skill to be a world class
athlete, or a great actor, so we have to deal with that. It's better than
worshipping gun-fighters in the 19th century, or early 20th.

Athletics needs to be put back in perspective. And no, I don't want my

Sure, but even the ancient Greeks place high value on top athletes, the
Romans on gladiators, and these athletes had followings.

State to be represented by the words "Cheeseheads". In fact, Wisconsin
Public Radio has had quite a bit of discussion on this issue, as has the
capital of Madison.

So, don't wear a Cheesehead. You're just stuck. I don't think anyone really
thinks that everyone from Wisconsin wears foam cheese on their head. What
about the folks in Milwaukee with Beer Cans instead ;^) ?

If the level of education, culture and refinement were higher, I could
look at it as a joke. It's not a joke. It's plain sad.

Y'know you're entitled to your opinion. But, if this is what people want,
and they're happy - it's their right. What right do you really have to say
that they're wrong? If you don't like the socio-economic-cultural
environment, then I'd say find a place that you will like. Have your spouse
do a job search, and move. There are many cities and towns across the
country that have museums, and little symphonies - find one you like. If
you're looking for higher education levels on the average - then you have to
move either to a University town - where it's disparate - or a metro area
that doesn't have an industrial basis - where the basis is now white collar
work - like Silicon Valley, or the MD/DC/VA area to name 2. Or even in the
city of Pittsburgh - since the steel mills shut, the town has shifted it's
economic base - but they're crazy for their teams in Pgh, and that would bug
you. I don't think you'd like it here - as my guess would be you'd think
people are tooo competitive. Just a hunch.

When I first lived in Pgh, I was really struck by the steel-worker
situation. But then, with some time and observation I came to some odd
thoughts. This was an entire class of hard working folks who were well paid,
and had a culture of the kids staying in that field - not getting more
education, moving out, changing their life - instead it was work hard during
the week, have a big-screen tv, go to Steelers games, and drink beer - that
was what the money was for - not moving to nicer houses, etc. Some were able
to buy out their company, and come back to work for $19/hr anticipating
getting more - while others refused to do that (from about $28-35/hr) and
instead ended up in a world of hurt and job retraining to $8/hr jobs. They
weren't prepared to do anything else, and hadn't wanted most of the kids to
do anything else. I had to think hard about this - because part of me felt
this was a stupid way to live - making $50K a year in the 80s, and living in
bedroom communities of little houses - but you'd see shiny trucks or
Camaros, and all those big-screen tvs thru the windows - and very full
little bars. Finally, for me, I decided what right do I have to say their
choice of life-style is wrong? If people don't want to "better" themselves,
aren't interested in art, or music - and are wanting to just watch their
football team, wear stupid things on their heads, and drink a lot of beer in
their off time - so be it. Maybe they're the smart ones - as they're less
stressed.

I'm sure that there are people who think that spending time doing needlework
is crazier than putting a foam cheese wedge on your head. Just something to
think about.

Ellice