Ohio Against the World
Ohioans are diverse creatures. Some grew up in rural farming
communities with sprawling land and endless cornfields. Some grew up at the
heart of the inner city, familiar with public transportation and a constant
bustle of noise. Others grew up in suburban towns with freshly cut grass,
streetlights and friendly (or not so friendly) neighbors next door.
Geographically, demographically and socially, Ohio is as diverse as they come,
but despite our differences, there is one thing all Ohioans have in common. We hate Michigan.
The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State
Buckeyes is often considered the greatest in college football. Whether you were
raised on the countryside of west Ohio or the urban northeast, you probably
grew up surrounded by scarlet and gray and chanting “Hang on Sloopy.” There is
an undeniable pride associated with Ohio and supporting the trusty Buckeyes.
It’s one thing that continuously brings our diverse state together.
Today, Nov. 26, marked the 113th annual match-up
between Ohio State and “That Team Up North.” Crowds flocked to Columbus to watch
the most anticipated game of the year and experience the lively atmosphere. Social
media flooded with photos of tailgaters and excited fans. As I sat at home,
watching the game from my couch, I could almost feel the energy radiating from
my phone as I scrolled through videos on Snapchat and other social media
platforms. I wasn’t physically in Columbus, but thanks to technology and social
media, I was able to experience the game from numerous points of view.
Social media has helped Ohioans share their collective love
for the Buckeyes (and obvious hate for Michigan). It bands people together
regardless of differences, location and demographic background. Even when you
aren’t apart of something, you are still apart of something.
When Ohio State beat Michigan in double over-time and
arguably one of the best rivalry games in history, we were all able to
celebrate together. Now that’s something to tweet about. #OhioAgainstTheWorld
After growing up in Ohio all my life, and going to a public university in Ohio (that was not Ohio State), then living in Chicago for 3 years, and now having lived in NYC for over a year, it's funny listening to people in different parts of the country talk about Ohio State fans. Having not attended THE Ohio State University myself, I do think it is a unique phenomenon that Ohio State has such a large non-Ohio State-graduate following. I think there are very few other states which rally behind one specific school the same way people in Ohio rally behind Ohio State. I would attribute this to the fact that for a long time, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team was the only winning sport we had in the state. Also after living in Chicago and NYC and travelling the country for work, I also think the other reason why this phenomenon may exist in Ohio is because sports are such a huge source of entertainment in Ohio, especially football. Don't get me wrong, sports are still largely important in Chicago and NYC, but particularly in coastal and mountain regions there are a plethora of other sport options and activities for Saturday entertainment (i.e. skiing, hiking, hockey, tennis, field hockey, rowing, sailing, boating, visiting the beach etc.). I think these two factors combined help create the "OSU phenomenon."
ReplyDeleteSo glad we can cheer for the Bucks, we are true football fans and the Browns are an abysmal disappointment . We always count on our Buckeyes to get the win!
ReplyDelete