Question from a reader:
Recently, I was quite surprised to hear an NHK announcer shout, “The Mets have made a comeback!” We’re supporting the Dodgers with Shohei Ohtani, so I found it a bit strange that the announcer was so excited, as if it were the Dodgers making a comeback. If Senga were starting, it might be a different story, but
it certainly made me want to comment on it.
The Feel of Sports Broadcasting and the Sense of “Us”
Hearing the NHK announcer exclaim, “The Mets have made a comeback!” really caught me off guard. As a fan of the Dodgers, who have Shohei Ohtani, I felt a mix of emotions. If Senga were on the mound, the situation might be different, but I was still surprised by the announcer’s enthusiasm. For fans like us who support specific teams, it creates an odd sense of discomfort when other teams get so much excitement. I can understand why the term “we” is bothersome. I often find myself expressing my support in a broad way, using terms like “we” or “us,” but sometimes that makes me feel a bit uneasy about my own feelings.
The Nature of “We”
The term “we” seems to provide a sense of comfort, suggesting that I’m not the only one cheering; it’s as if everyone is in it together. I often watch games with friends, so I get that feeling. The sense of unity when everyone is excited during a game is truly exhilarating. However, when someone uses “we” in this context, it can rub me the wrong way. If fans of other teams say “we” when the Dodgers make a comeback, it might leave me feeling unsettled. So, I think it might be better to stick with “I.” Everyone has their own feelings invested in the game.
Share Your Experiences!
Thinking about this makes me realize how fascinating communication through sports really is. I’ve been watching games with my child more often lately, and his reactions are so refreshing. He lights up during a comeback or cries when they lose. Watching him brings out new emotions in me, and I can’t help but smile. How about you? If you have any experiences or unexpected moments of excitement while watching a game, please share them in the comments! Any little story is welcome. I’d love to exchange experiences and have more fun conversations with everyone.
