The Use Of "We" - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Prototype · 01-15-2008, 12:25 PM

I've noticed on the board, and in my regular conversations that the use of "we" is popping up more and more when it comes to fans, and their team.

I'd like to know what people's thoughts are on this. I used to freak on people who would use we, unless they were a part of the team, or on payroll or something to that effect.

But receintly, I've been catching myself using it more and more. There's a die hard Nucks fan, and another Flames fan at my work, and whenever there's a light hearted conversation about the teams, it's "we" this, and "we" that.

Should a fan use the word "we" when describing their favourite team.

eg - We just signed Cujo.

Iowa_Flames_Fan · 01-15-2008, 12:28 PM

For me, it works like this.

If the Flames win, I say "We won."

If the Flames lose, it's "They lost."

That way I can take credit for their successes and distance myself from their failures. It's a good system.

ken0042 · 01-15-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prottotype

I'd like to know what people's thoughts are on this. I used to freak on people who would use we, unless they were a part of the team, or on payroll or something to that effect.

I guess in my mind all of us who pay to see games- that makes us part of the team.

troutman · 01-15-2008, 12:33 PM

I think it is bad form. Unless you are on the roster, you are not a "we" or "us".

habernac · 01-15-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

I think it is bad form. Unless you are on the roster, you are not a "we" or "us".

"We" don't care.

HalifaxDrunk · 01-15-2008, 12:37 PM

I'm a "we" user, now if I can just talk my wife into letting me be a "Wii" user.

Got Miikka? · 01-15-2008, 12:42 PM

We don't have a problem with it.

TheDragon · 01-15-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

I guess in my mind all of us who pay to see games- that makes us part of the team.

That's pretty much my take on it, too. Without the fans, the team wouldn't exist. Without the team, the fans wouldn't exist. We're pretty well synomymous with each other. When the team loses, I think most fans takes it just as hard, if not harder, than the players do. When they win, it's the same scenerio. We're nicknamed the "7th man" for a reason, right?

Pagal4321 · 01-15-2008, 12:48 PM

We don't need to hear this silly rant.
We should all get angry and demand to have our 60 seconds back!
We are waiting Prot....

Prototype · 01-15-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

We don't need to hear this silly rant.
We should all get angry and demand to have our 60 seconds back!
We are waiting Prot....

Now, are you talking for yourself, yourself and CP.com, or yourself and the Calgary Flames, or any combination of the sort.

I still hate when I use "we". As much as I'm a fan, and I buy the jerseys and the occasional ticket, I don't think I have very much at all to do with the product on the ice. Some people think if they scream loud, it helps the players. I am not one of those people.

I am not a Calgary Flame... (or am I?) I don't think those who aren't should be using the word "we" to describe the team. But I find myself accepting of the term when it's used.

BlackArcher101 · 01-15-2008, 12:52 PM

I'm guilty of too as I did it yesterday... on TSN's website I commented on Cujo by saying "Puts some confidence in our goaltending. Good move."

Oops

VANFLAMESFAN · 01-15-2008, 12:52 PM

I say it, but I feel silly when I do, it's just kind of turned into habit.

I love Iowa's theory, I tend to do that as well.

Burninator · 01-15-2008, 01:01 PM

I live vicariously through the Flames, so I have no problem with it.

burn_this_city · 01-15-2008, 01:04 PM

Its "we", always has been, "they" just seems detached.. People used to give me a hard time about it.. Not so much anymore..

octothorp · 01-15-2008, 01:06 PM

It's entirely contextual. If the word 'we' can be replaced by the phrase 'the Flames organization and their fans', then it's acceptable. Otherwise, it's not.

"We have reason to be concerned about Detroit." Acceptable.
"We can't beat Detroit." Unaccaptable.
"We should trade Tanguay for Olli Jokinen." Unacceptable.
"A Tanguay for Jokinen trade would be a positive for us." Acceptable.
"We were fortunate to pull out a win last night." Unacceptable.
"We were were fortunate that Iginla really stepped up in the third period." Acceptable.

That said, I don't really care if other people do it, these are just my own rules.

PowerPlayoffs06 · 01-15-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prottotype

I am not a Calgary Flame... (or am I?) I don't think those who aren't should be using the word "we" to describe the team. But I find myself accepting of the term when it's used.

I think this is somewhat akin to the idea that fans should not wear jerseys, because they are not infact on the team and have no business sporting the team jersey. An idea I don't agree with.

Iowa_Flames_Fan · 01-15-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prottotype

I am not a Calgary Flame... (or am I?) I don't think those who aren't should be using the word "we" to describe the team. But I find myself accepting of the term when it's used.

Neither am I--but a time may come when a Flames scout visits the Class of 1923 Arena on the UPenn campus to recruit a certain grinding centerman who plays for Team Grey in the B/C rec league...

And when that time comes, I'll be ready to answer the call!

Cowperson · 01-15-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan

For me, it works like this.

If the Flames win, I say "We won."

If the Flames lose, it's "They lost."

That way I can take credit for their successes and distance myself from their failures. It's a good system.

Famous cartoon from 1988 after Ben Johnston tested positive for 'roids.

First panel - "Canadian wins Gold Medal!!"

Second panel - "Jamaican-Canadian runner in steroid scandal"

Third panel - "Jamaican runner stripped of gold medal!!"

Should a fan use the word "we" when describing their favourite team.

You pay your money, you can do what you want.

I'm sure the "we" police aren't going to track you down.

Cowperson

Russic · 01-15-2008, 01:30 PM

I'm a season ticket holder and thus feel as though I am a part of the team (Ken King told me so). I also feel if you bought a single ticket, jersey or dashboard ornament you have the right to call yourself "one of the team".

fredr123 · 01-15-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russic

I'm a season ticket holder and thus feel as though I am a part of the team (Ken King told me so). I also feel if you bought a single ticket, jersey or dashboard ornament you have the right to call yourself "one of the team".

Then pull up your socks and get the team back on track!