I’m still trying to make sense of the Penn State student riot in favor of Joe Paterno. Ignorance certainly plays a big part.
But reading a couple of online forums etc. during today’s Bundesliga games, another thought came up. People believe in their team less critical than in God. Love their club more devoted than their partner. (Sports) fandom can take up a quasi-religious form. Devoted fandom can be more easily accepted in this secular, modern society, and in many ways replaces religious practice. The riots were certainly rallying around the team, not the university. Students would’ve never rioted for a professor.
And now excuse me, I’m headed for the pub to watch my team beat Bayern Munich.
Thoughts?