There was a brief discussion on another thread that mentioned fan behavior, (actually mis-behavior). LCA fan behavior at a public/private school game was mentioned. It got me to thinking about my experiences years ago with a private school.
I was a parent of a child that went to private school for 12 years. (She actually asked to go to public school for her 13th and senior year). Not only was I a parent, I was a member of the school board for a significant number of years. As such, I was heavily involved in most aspects of day to day events at the school.
Looking back, do I think private school fans are any different than public school fans, at sporting events? Yes, to the extent explained below.
I'll use the word "fans" but I'm primarily speaking of vested fans such as parents, grand parents, and other relatives.
Many of these "fans" were vested because of their financial commitment to the school. As a result, there is a strong sentiment by most that they paid for the right to express their opinions. This "investment" is a marked difference from public schools.
Additionally, there is a sentiment, sometimes suttle, sometimes loudly expressed, that their kids are different and better, than kids that attend public school. Most believe that the private schools are safer and more disciplined than the public schools. As a result, when presented with the parents and kids of public schools at events, there is a chip on their shoulder that sometimes leads to bad behavior.
There is another factor that is difficult to discuss, but we all know is real. That is the race card. Private schools are overwhelming white. And as much as no one wants to admit it, many parents choose the private school option because they don't want their kids going to school with "black" kids.
I witnessed this firsthand on many many occasions. There were parents that were, simply put, "outwardly racist". Most were not, but a significant number were. So when these fans go to a sporting event, especially if it's against a school that they feel culturally superior to, you can occasionally expect to see some rude fan behavior.
Are these factors still in play as much as they were back in the 80's and 90's when I was involved with a private school? Yes, I think there has been very little change.
To clarify my personal stance, I am a lot of things, but I am not a racist. But neither am I a bleeding heart liberal. I guess if you wanted to put a label on me, I would suggest "realist". I try to see people, all people, for what they are.
Sadly, we all encounter rude, unreasonable people from time to time. For us dedicated, diehard high school football fans, we are especially troubled when this occurs at the occasion of our favorite pastime. I wish had the answer.
(Edit)
I felt it was important to come back and add an additional statement. The "chip on the shoulder", the "resentment of the cultural difference", the "additional resentment of a perception of privalage", and the "spector of racism" works BOTH ways.
I was a parent of a child that went to private school for 12 years. (She actually asked to go to public school for her 13th and senior year). Not only was I a parent, I was a member of the school board for a significant number of years. As such, I was heavily involved in most aspects of day to day events at the school.
Looking back, do I think private school fans are any different than public school fans, at sporting events? Yes, to the extent explained below.
I'll use the word "fans" but I'm primarily speaking of vested fans such as parents, grand parents, and other relatives.
Many of these "fans" were vested because of their financial commitment to the school. As a result, there is a strong sentiment by most that they paid for the right to express their opinions. This "investment" is a marked difference from public schools.
Additionally, there is a sentiment, sometimes suttle, sometimes loudly expressed, that their kids are different and better, than kids that attend public school. Most believe that the private schools are safer and more disciplined than the public schools. As a result, when presented with the parents and kids of public schools at events, there is a chip on their shoulder that sometimes leads to bad behavior.
There is another factor that is difficult to discuss, but we all know is real. That is the race card. Private schools are overwhelming white. And as much as no one wants to admit it, many parents choose the private school option because they don't want their kids going to school with "black" kids.
I witnessed this firsthand on many many occasions. There were parents that were, simply put, "outwardly racist". Most were not, but a significant number were. So when these fans go to a sporting event, especially if it's against a school that they feel culturally superior to, you can occasionally expect to see some rude fan behavior.
Are these factors still in play as much as they were back in the 80's and 90's when I was involved with a private school? Yes, I think there has been very little change.
To clarify my personal stance, I am a lot of things, but I am not a racist. But neither am I a bleeding heart liberal. I guess if you wanted to put a label on me, I would suggest "realist". I try to see people, all people, for what they are.
Sadly, we all encounter rude, unreasonable people from time to time. For us dedicated, diehard high school football fans, we are especially troubled when this occurs at the occasion of our favorite pastime. I wish had the answer.
(Edit)
I felt it was important to come back and add an additional statement. The "chip on the shoulder", the "resentment of the cultural difference", the "additional resentment of a perception of privalage", and the "spector of racism" works BOTH ways.
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