As a lifelong Wisconsin resident, and avowed Cheesehead, I offer this perspective.
This Sunday, Green Bay is in the Superbowl.
I wrote the sentence that way on purpose; I did not omit the words ‘Packers’ or ‘playing’. I am referring to the town of Green Bay and its citizens. (I could include the people in the towns that surround Green Bay. But then I would also likely have to include the rest of Wisconsin, other states, territories or countries where Packer fans live.) The Packers are the only publically owned company in American professional sports. That means the town owns the team. This is not likely to change, as the season ticket holders bequeath the heritage in their wills. It is not one person in a $5000 suit. It is a whole lot of people wearing plaid flannel or blaze orange under the green-and-gold jerseys and sweatshirts. It means that the history, economy, traditions and culture of the town of Green Bay are tied to the team.
I lived in the vicinity of Green Bay for a number of years. It was some time ago, and when I first arrived I did not have a ‘football clue’. I also didn’t think it was something I needed. But as the saying goes “When in Rome…” If one is going to interact with other humans in Green Bay, you will need to speak the language. If you want to ‘belong’ in the community, you will have to participate in the culture. I should point out that you don’t ‘have to’ join the ‘pack’. But the spirit in the town is as warm and enthusiastic as it is infectious. I became familiar with the fundamentals of football. Folks were quite willing to share in their vast knowledge, without making me feel foolish for not knowing. 'Trash Talking' is not taught, nor is it encouraged. I enjoyed being part of the positive atmosphere. I enjoyed sharing in the pride. I remember the town and its people fondly.
I am still familiar with the fundamentals of football. But the spirit of the town and its people are more memorable. I will always be a fan of the town’s positive energy. I have learned about dedication to values. I have learned about the importance of preserving a legacy. I have learned that teamwork is a very powerful tool, and you can still have fun using it.
I wish the town of Green Bay and its people all the best this Sunday. If you would like to join me, you are not obligated to wear a large wedge of yellow foam on your head (although, they really are quite warm). There is no secret handshake. Simply wear a smile and repeat the phrase “GO PACK!”
...........•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•..............
####### S U P E R B O W L #######!!!
✿•*¨`*•. (¯`v´¯) (¯`v´¯) .•*¨`*•✿
. . . ✿•*¨`*•.¸(¯`v´¯)¸.•´*¨`*•✿ . . .
...…………….....♥ PACKERS´♥…….………
(Thanks to Dina of Green Bay WI for the PACKER ASCII!)
I have included links below that can provide
History: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay_Packers,
Insight: Why Green Bay Packers fans are the best fans in the NFL: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ycn-7729348 (Jan 31, 2011)
The Bicycle Tradition: http://www.packerstrainingcamp.com/player_bike_rides/
Related info: Green Bay Packers Season Tickets Waiting List Update: http://www.seasonticketwaitinglist.com/2010/07/green-bay-packers-season-tickets.html (July, 2010),
and a bit of Philosophy: The Cheesehead Phenomenon: http://redzonemarketing.com/blog/business/the-cheesehead-phenomenon/ (Dec 12, 2009)
