Pros and Cons of Fan Inclusivity
So often we reach for a high in life, but the feeling of inclusivity can be so elusive. We’re unsure which group is the right base for us, the special drug that leads us to a promised land of wholeness. For some, joining a sports fandom is their drug of choice. The collective identity that people get from supporting their team prompts a level of zeal that is hard to match.
However, there reaches a point where the euphoric feeling of inclusivity can only be so productive before it becomes harmful.
Figure 1. Relationship between feelings of inclusivity and productivity (Graph: Karen Cao)
Oftentimes, there are side-effects we forget to consider in our anxious search for public inclusivity- over-passionate zeal, primal tendencies and exclusive behaviors. In order to consider a long-term relationship between sports and fan inclusivity, we must build on diversity and an understanding of differences. If we are unable to accept fan bases different form our own, then we will never get past these innocuous effects and generate better diversity and inclusivity. It is, however, important to first consider the physical environment in which fan discourse exists before exploring the implications.
Fan Inclusivity at Dartmouth’s Thompson Arena
Amongst late-night snowball fights, Christmas-tree lightings and winter carnivals, one of the hallmark winter events at Dartmouth College is a Big Green hockey game. Ask any student of Dartmouth College and he’ll chatter on and on about the traditions of the Dartmouth vs. Princeton game, where students chuck tennis balls into the rink after Dartmouth sweeps its first goal. For many, hockey is a socially rewarding event to attend on a chilly Saturday night- what more could one desire then a thrilling game, hot chocolate and good company?
Students throwing tennis balls at the Dartmouth-Princeton Hockey game (Photo: vnews.com)
The ice rink, Thompson Arena, springs to life on game days when hundreds of Dartmouth students and Hanover town residents fill the beloved space with lively chants and team pride. This audio clip below demonstrates the infectious spirit that is present during games, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
However, although the stands are bustling with enthusiasm, one look closer provides a shocking revelation. There is not only a lack of diversity in the Thompson Arena hockey fandom, but also a lack of discourse between the distinct groups attending the games.
Though the arena seemingly promotes community inclusivity with its open, circular arena, the truth is that a student sitting with his friends may not interact or identify with the surrounding community of Hanover residents and other students of different race, socioeconomic status or gender. Put simply, there exists an inherent paradox between engaging in diverse conversation and achieving a common, identifiable community.