David EdwardsDon't you dare jump on the Bandwagon.
August 14th 2008 02:10
The Oxford Dictionary defines it as: "A decorated wagon for a band of musicians to ride in, as in a parade." The common idiom: 'To get on the bandwagon', on the popular or winning side, as in an election". Other definitions include "A fallacy in which one is attracted to a popular party, faction or cause that attracts growing support; following the crowd rather than using evidence to justify a conclusion".
I refer to, of course, the phenomenon that is the "Bandwagon" effect. We as a nation are guilty of boarding this vehicle once every four years, during that ephemeral delight that is indeed the Olympic Games. The vehicle pulls up and we flock to this decorated wagon like mindless simpletons, thirsting for international validation through Olympic success.
When Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse entertained 1950s audiences in their smash hit movie "Get Aboard the Bandwagon", they would have been unaware that the 'bandwagon' would have entered the sporting vernacular so forcefully.
Bandwagoning irritates me for a number of reasons. Firstly, the fact that uninformed citizens can suddenly become experts on such sporting events.
I understand that the Olympics is the only time that we have to support these athletes, as they generally don't have a domestic competition that we can watch and therefore appreciate them on a smaller scale. SportingMind would be reluctant to go and watch Leisel Jones doing laps at Homebush Acquatic Centre at 4 a.m. every morning, yet i will happily board the Jones Express when the Olympics roll around every four years. But that is the definition of a fairweather bandwagoneer. The only true Olympic supporters are the parents and close relatives of the athletes, the ones who have seen the hard work and the path to the Olympics. The rest of us are a bunch of judgemental hacks who know nothing about the sport except that anything less than a Gold Medal winning World Record is to be snuffed at, as we laugh mockingly from the security of our Ikea couch, elbow deep in packets of Doritos.
I must admit i climbed aboard the Socceroos bandwagon in 2006, as Australia got swept up in the World Cup in which we had limited success. But this was euphoric and unprecedented. I also experienced the ugly side of bandwagoning, being assaulted by a pissed Aussie clad in Socceroos paraphenalia outside a dodgy Sydney nightclub. Clearly the fellow was still feeling the effects of jumping on a bandwagon - incredible highs followed by a devastating dose of reality, all in the space of a night. Obviously he was ill-equipped to deal with these range of emotions, resulting in him drowning his sorrows and lashing out at the nearest person as to vent his frustration.
I have seen the ugly side of bandwagoning - but there is a good side. I was a youngster when i witnessed the Canberra Raiders dynasty, yet remained a supporter through the toughest of years. Now that they are "successful" again i am validated, however i fear that they will be the result of bandwagoners, looking to jump on and support a team this finals series.
The Olympics isn't about Gold, its about the Olympic moments that we can cherish. Like when Ron Landy helped that guy up who fell over and still went on to win the medal. Like when those two American guys gave the black power salute after winning their medals back in the 60s. Like when Eric the Eel swam that shit slow race back at Sydney. Or when we were first introduced to a young, angelic Nicki Webster.
I hate people that jump on bandwagons. They (bandwagons) might be shiny and appealling but fuck, look at yourself. If your reading this blog and you are on the Olympic bandwagon, (or indeed any form of decorated wagon), then i'm talking to you. Yes you, loser.
But please come back and read my blog again one day, i need the validation.
-SportingMind
I refer to, of course, the phenomenon that is the "Bandwagon" effect. We as a nation are guilty of boarding this vehicle once every four years, during that ephemeral delight that is indeed the Olympic Games. The vehicle pulls up and we flock to this decorated wagon like mindless simpletons, thirsting for international validation through Olympic success.
When Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse entertained 1950s audiences in their smash hit movie "Get Aboard the Bandwagon", they would have been unaware that the 'bandwagon' would have entered the sporting vernacular so forcefully.
Bandwagoning irritates me for a number of reasons. Firstly, the fact that uninformed citizens can suddenly become experts on such sporting events.
I understand that the Olympics is the only time that we have to support these athletes, as they generally don't have a domestic competition that we can watch and therefore appreciate them on a smaller scale. SportingMind would be reluctant to go and watch Leisel Jones doing laps at Homebush Acquatic Centre at 4 a.m. every morning, yet i will happily board the Jones Express when the Olympics roll around every four years. But that is the definition of a fairweather bandwagoneer. The only true Olympic supporters are the parents and close relatives of the athletes, the ones who have seen the hard work and the path to the Olympics. The rest of us are a bunch of judgemental hacks who know nothing about the sport except that anything less than a Gold Medal winning World Record is to be snuffed at, as we laugh mockingly from the security of our Ikea couch, elbow deep in packets of Doritos.
I must admit i climbed aboard the Socceroos bandwagon in 2006, as Australia got swept up in the World Cup in which we had limited success. But this was euphoric and unprecedented. I also experienced the ugly side of bandwagoning, being assaulted by a pissed Aussie clad in Socceroos paraphenalia outside a dodgy Sydney nightclub. Clearly the fellow was still feeling the effects of jumping on a bandwagon - incredible highs followed by a devastating dose of reality, all in the space of a night. Obviously he was ill-equipped to deal with these range of emotions, resulting in him drowning his sorrows and lashing out at the nearest person as to vent his frustration.
I have seen the ugly side of bandwagoning - but there is a good side. I was a youngster when i witnessed the Canberra Raiders dynasty, yet remained a supporter through the toughest of years. Now that they are "successful" again i am validated, however i fear that they will be the result of bandwagoners, looking to jump on and support a team this finals series.
The Olympics isn't about Gold, its about the Olympic moments that we can cherish. Like when Ron Landy helped that guy up who fell over and still went on to win the medal. Like when those two American guys gave the black power salute after winning their medals back in the 60s. Like when Eric the Eel swam that shit slow race back at Sydney. Or when we were first introduced to a young, angelic Nicki Webster.
I hate people that jump on bandwagons. They (bandwagons) might be shiny and appealling but fuck, look at yourself. If your reading this blog and you are on the Olympic bandwagon, (or indeed any form of decorated wagon), then i'm talking to you. Yes you, loser.
But please come back and read my blog again one day, i need the validation.
-SportingMind
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