The American mentality

 “If it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, then why do they keep score?” – Lombardi’s famous quote captures American sporting mentality in a single sentence. Americans play for one reason, and that’s to win, whether it be a little league baseball game or the Super Bowl. However, the riots following Vancouver’s loss in the Stanley Cup prove just how destructive this thought process can be.

Now all you smart people out there may be thinking “Vancouver? That’s in Canada,” which of course is geographically correct. The fact is, despite the national border, Canadian teams operate under the same attitude.

Last night’s riot was not the first time Vancouver fans have reacted badly to defeat in the Stanley Cup, as the 1994 series also ended in violence. It could be argued that the violent nature of the sport, in which fights between players are regularly anticipated, has the capacity to overflow into the mindset of the supporters, creating such scenes as were witnessed in Vancouver last night.

What it does show is how big an effect sport has on the lives of Americans and Canadians alike. The Canucks have never won the Stanley Cup in their 40 year history in the NHL, which, for many fans, comes as a huge disappointment considering their status as one of the best teams of the past few seasons.

This, of course, does not condone the actions of those who decide to take out their frustration on society and this latest incident of sport related violence once again illustrates the need for all sports fans to realise there is more to life than sport, however big a part of their life it is.

The fact of the matter is that North American sport will never change. There is a reason cricket will never catch on with the American people – the idea of playing five days of sport without the guarantee of a winner baffles them. Nevertheless, it is vital that the next generation of Americans are not brought up thinking violence is the answer.

At the end of the day, the Boston Bruins are the new Stanley Cup champions.



Destruction in Vancouver after their loss to Boston