The Bears Still Suck

Written by John Rehor Wednesday, 29 December 2010 09:25

To Whom It May Concern

I am a Green Bay Packers fan. I have been a Green Bay Packers fan my entire life, and I will continue to be a Packers fan until the day I leave this planet.

Now that that has been established, allow me to get down to business.

As a fan, I reserve certain rights in cheering for my team. I believe that I have the right to get excited when my team plays well, and get frustrated when they play poorly. I am allowed to voice my opinion about the plays called, and give praise when the time is appropriate. Yelling and clapping, cheering and even the occasional profanity have been known to come from me when the green and gold are on the field.

One of the things I have learned in my adventures into the twitterverse and my half hearted attempts into the blogosphere is that bloggers and the press treat the Packers differently. While bloggers are allowed to voice more opinions when attempting to convey their point, the press is to cover their prospective assignment and describe facts. Fans utilize the combination to form their views on the topic at hand.

Recently, a hot topic in the twitterverse was whether making the comment "The Bears Still Suck" was appropriate. The issue was not whether it was correct to say the Bears; NFC North Division champions were substandard. Rather, it was whether the term "suck" was appropriate. The debate raged on, and a few members of the press chimed in with their own opinions. After careful consideration of the facts at hand, I have formed my own opinion.

Give me a break!

I am a fan, first and foremost. I am allowed to do what I want, and say what I want, about the opponent of the Packers. I am not in the press, have never attempted to be, and until the day comes when I am paid for writing, I will continue to express how I feel however I want. That is my right not only as an adult, but also as a fan.

I follow members of the press for the information regarding the team. I do not need to be lectured by someone who has their own opinion, and chooses to express it in a manner which degrades my own opinion. If someone has an issue with me, they should take it up with me appropriately. You tell me that you are going to bow to me in such a manner that it is belittling, because I have stated how I feel as a fan, and you are damned right going to piss me off. I have the right to say what I want. I can say someone, something, or a group of people suck anytime I want. I didn't ask for permission, and don't need anyone's. Last time I checked I didn't need to check with my mommy and daddy if it was ok to say something. I most certainly don't need to check with a member of the press.

Growing up in Chicago, I was lucky to receive a constant barrage of "Fudgepacker" comments hurled my way. Guess what? I survived. I am pretty sure that Bears fans are able to press on through their day after hearing "The Bears Still Suck". So why would this upset people so much? And why was my declaration saying that "The Bears Still Suck is my birthright" taken so personally?

I am not a parent, and as such, I don't need to censor how I feel about any team other than the Packers. I can say what I want, when I want, with no regard to what other think about what I say. If someone does not want to hear what I have to say, they have the option not to listen. Along the same lines, if a parent hears something which they find offensive, they have a responsibility to inform their child that it is not appropriate. Well I am not a child, and if I want to say the Bears suck, I reserve the right to do so. I am confident that when I was shouting at the top of my lungs "The Bears Still Suck" that my voice was not above the rest of the masses. I'm pretty sure I blended in nicely. If that offends a parent, tell the children it is not polite to say that. Don't preach to the adults-we are beyond it.

I am a Packers fan. I will continue to be one until the day I leave this planet. I will say what I want when I want. Today, and throughout the week, I am going to shout the following over and over:

THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

If that offends anyone, close the window this page is open on, or tear up the piece of paper you are reading it on. It's ok, I won't be upset. That's your choice, much the same as I can state my feelings, you can state yours. It's not my place to tell you what to do. I hope others have the same feeling in the future.

Sincerely,

A Green Bay Packers fan

Written by :

jrehor