In Defense of "WE"

with fans saying “we”. Nobody’s going to confuse me with an Auburn football player. My guess is the players don’t have a problem with it either. I try hard not to use it in my writing, but I’m sure I’ve slipped a few times. I figure since most Alabama fans can’t find Tuscaloosa on a map, then I can refer to Auburn as “we”.

As Americans, WE are at war in the Middle East. Am I on the team? Not this time, but that doesn’t diminish my identification with members of the current team. And I wouldn’t expect any other American to feel less connected to the team, whether they had ever played or not.

By extension, the feeling that we are in this together extends to my Auburn Tigers. I get upset when we lose and excited when we win. I feel invested and care about what happens to them, on and off the field. I want them to succeed in life, and feel good when they either get picked up by the pros or go on to lead productive lives as members of society.

“All of the time”

Mark me down for option E. All of the time.

don’t need no stinkin options!(jk)

But in the end I think its harmless. I don’t see a problem with anyone making statements like that.

I use when when referring to my alma mater. I do object to people using “we” when talking about the mercenary leagues.

Without “us” fans/alum, there would be no “them” players. It’s our tuition, ticket, merchandise, donation dollars that keep the machine running. Heck, even the fan who never spent a dime on AU contributes by watching the games on TV because the networks can charge more for ads (and pay AU more for the broadcast rights) based on his and other viewers’ eyeballs being on the screen.

Saying “Alabama beat Auburn 36-0” sounds so detached, especially considering how passionate many of us are about this stuff. Anyone that makes an issue of using “we” clearly has no clue about hardcore fandom. It’s about as ridiculous as making fun of people that pull for a college team whose university they never attended, especially when you act like it’s something particular to one school.

I’m also an alumnus, but that’s not a requirement. So yes, I say “we” because “we” are all part of a win or loss — player, fan, and coach alike. WAR EAGLE!

All my family and friends know I’m an Auburn Alumnus and more importantly, an Auburn FAN!! And they will invariably ask “How are ya’ll gonna do this year?” OR “How’d ya’ll do this weekend?” Not only do I not mind saying “we”, but everyone that knows me automatically considers me a part of the program because I support it so vocally!

say that they never say “we” in reference to their favorite teams.
I would say that puts me firmly in the majority, when I use the term “WE”

WAR EAGLE!

in an education from Auburn University and since my Alma Matre is represented by sports teams, clubs, etc…. then I am represented by them and therefore it is “WE” and anybody who says different can kiss my arse.