Auburn fans give us hope that good sportsmanship and respect still exist in a time when we wonder what happened to those values within our culture.
We’ve all had that moment, myself included, when we realize afterward that we could have handled a situation differently. Usually with hindsight in our rear view mirror most of us have the 20/20 vision we wish we had used before an anger laced reaction. And those watching the post race activities from the Sprint Cup Series, Bank of America 500 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday night realized that good sportsmanship and respect are out the window when angry emotions take hold of one’s actions. And while fans love seeing the passion of their favorite drivers, we also know there is a line that when it is crossed, can pose a safety risk that is rarely realized during an emotional state of mind.
There’s a reality about emotion that eludes most of us when it happens in that distinct moment of time. When emotion gets the better of us, that part of our brain that produces rational thought is literally cut off, meaning we are incapable of thinking through the situation rationally. It’s typically in that moment that we just don’t care anymore, we lose our grasp on respect and sportsmanship is rarely a second thought. Anger takes over and actions take place that most of the time we later regret.
In the wake of the post race activities at Charlotte Motor Speedway – and several emotionally driven hyped posts on social media – I found an interesting contrast that caused me to take pause and applaud some Auburn fans that remind me that respect and sportsmanship still exist. Thanks to my friend Kim – an Auburn fan – for retweeting the following anonymous testimonial from a rival Mississippi fan.
Most of us would agree ‘That is what it’s suppose to be like!’ Kudos to those Auburn fans and their band for the reminder. You deserve a standing ovation and I for one, also applaud the Mississippi fan that took the time to share their ‘wow’ moments of good sportsmanship and respect from their rival.
But now there’s a big question for all of us to ponder – and it applies to more than just sports my friends.
What can I personally learn from the contrast between good sportsmanship and respect for others compared to emotionally driven passion that jeopardizes others personal safety or disrespects another’s right to cheer for another team, compete for the same championship or simply have another point of view?
There is something to learn no matter what our age or status in life. Now it’s up to each of us as individuals to remind others by our words and our actions that respect and good sportsmanship do still exist. Pay it forward my friends because that is what it’s suppose to be like.
*This post was submitted by a NASCAR sponsored program