Further Proof of an Anti Redskins Bias in the National Media

[Phinehas]

BrudLee,

I didn't intend to question anyone's loyalty nor imply anyone was a bandwagon jumper. I don't doubt that Daseal is a consistent Redskins supporter. Everytime I read his/her tag line, however, I can't help but think once again that fanatics do indeed have unrelenting optimism. That is sort of what defines fanaticism. As I wrote elsewhere on the board:

The word "fan" is short for "fanatic." It refers to an ardent devotee, and there is at least the implication that this devotion isn't particularly rational. For me, there is also the idea of "keeping the faith" tied into fanaticism. No matter how dark things look, WE BELIEVE! We believe irrationaly. We believe fanatically. And it is this belief that carries us through to eventual success. Our unfailing belief buoys the spirits of the players as we cheer them on at games. For if they don't themselves believe, how shall they ever be victorious? So, for me, unrelenting optimism and fanaticism do indeed go hand-in-hand. Realistic fanaticism just seems rather oxymoronic, doesn't it?

That why the Redskins WILL have a great season this year and WILL go to the playoffs. I BELIEVE!

Foolishness? Perhaps. Fanticism? You better believe it! After all, I AM A FAN!

From the perspective of true fanaticism, I do indeed believe that it stretches the meaning of such for someone to consistently take a pessimistic view. Such a person may still be a loyal supporter, but not all loyal supporters are fanatics. To me, fanatics leave it to media critics to talk about how the Redskins are losers, perrenial or otherwise. As long as Daseal keeps a sig line in place that pretends that fanaticism doesn't imply unrelenting optimism and belief, I hardly think its fair to moderate me for pointing out that, in fact, it does. By doing so, I don't intend to be disrespectful toward anyone, only to provide an alternative view that I believe passionately is more appropriate to the idea of fanaticism. I have nothing at all against Daseal as a person, I just think the sig line is incredibly misleading, and, quite frankly, wrong.

--Phin the Fanatic