Reader’s Question:
Recently, I was surprised to hear an NHK announcer shout, “The Mets have come from behind!” We’re cheering for the Dodgers with Shohei Ohtani on the team, yet he was shouting so energetically even though the Dodgers weren’t the ones making a comeback. If it were Chiga starting, I could understand, but it really makes you want to question
it, doesn’t it?
What do you think about the announcer’s energy?
I couldn’t help but laugh when I heard the NHK announcer shouting, “The Mets have come from behind!” Growing up in America, I love the excitement of sports broadcasts. However, as a Dodgers fan, it feels a bit complicated to hear that the Mets are the ones making a comeback.
Who is “we”?
I noticed a comment from a user that referred to “we.” Even though I’m a Dodgers fan, when the announcer says “we,” it feels a bit off. My feelings inevitably lean towards “I.” This reminds me of a time I went to watch a baseball game with a friend. He is a Dodgers fan, and while I’m not particularly a fan, I got caught up in his enthusiasm and cheered along with him. At one point, when he shouted, “We will win!” I couldn’t help but respond, “Wait, am I cheering too?” He laughed and said, “Well, let’s at least share the feeling!” But still, the term “we” reflects how close you feel to that team.
Valuing Individuality
That’s why I want to cherish “I” more than “we.” Saying “we” can make you feel like just another face in the crowd, but genuinely supporting the team you love is the most enjoyable experience. The announcer may be trying to maintain neutrality, but it’s natural for emotions to come through. I also find myself occasionally snacking too much while watching a game. Before I know it, the bag of potato chips is empty, and later I think, “Why did I eat so much?” But those small joys are what make watching sports even more fun. So, what sports watching experiences do you have? How do you feel about the announcer’s energy? Please share in the comments!
