Call of duty

There’s an awful lot of noise, negativity and nonsense floating around about Spurs on (the increasingly anti-)social media right now – perhaps with some justification.

But the bickering, bile and astonishing venom is reaching new, previously unchartered levels of unhinged extremity – in some cases a collective case of idiot seems to be breaking out. The lunatic fringe is fast becoming a full head of hair.

This is in part a by-product or function of the limitations of Twitter in particular – there aren’t many things I can properly give me view, opinion or analysis of in 140 characters. Not many people can. That’s not what it’s for I guess. But what that produces is a modern day version of swearing for attention. The desire for validation, recognition or some twisted version of acceptance is measured not by what you say or how you say it, but by how many followers you have, have many Favs or RTs you can generate. And you have to try and create that desire to share in 140 characters.

That’s not easy. Particularly for those that missed too much school. Or may have even been home uneducated. But there is a way – outrage is popular. Sneering, abusing, “banter” and blatant, distasteful aggression is the prevailing currency of many. Adopting a position or stance and then religiously and vehemently defending it, against all other points of view, all reason or counter argument (again, constrained by 140 characters) is a must for many. If that gets too frustrating, just default to full on personal, violent, F*** You abuse.

But hang on a minute – many of the people I follow and interact with/read are linked by a common thread, a unifying spirit, a collective love of something aren’t we? Increasingly it doesn’t look like it.

“Well, if you don’t like it anymore mate, f*** off” Quite. I could say the same about you and Spurs.

So this polarisation, this new meaness and constant omnipotent negativity caused me to consider what’s happened & happening at Spurs. Why is it so bad? What should or could we do, if anything?

[linequote]But the bickering, bile and astonishing venom is reaching new, previously unchartered levels of unhinged extremity[/linequote]

I love Spurs. I always will. It’s a forced marriage with no prenup. No divorce possible. However they behave, or disappoint, or let me down or fail to live up to expectation. That’s just the way it is. And I’m not going to complain about it – I chose Tottenham, they didn’t choose me. I’m still glad I did. I still know why.

And within this peculiar, unforgiving and frequently demanding relationship exists a responsibility, even a duty. It’s my fault I support Spurs. Support. Therein lies the nub for me. I am a supporter, a fanatic, a champion of all that’s good about them. That’s why I’d always prefer to look for the good, the positive, the breath taking – I don’t get the forensic seeking of bad. If I pursued a path of such unrelenting negativity & hateful obsession with what I don’t like, I’d end up hating the very thing I claim to love. I want to feel good about Us, and right now there’s plenty of reasons not to. I get that, it’s not difficult. But by banging on about it I’m just going to poison my perception. I’d rather walk away or take up crochet.

The calls for change, the singular shout of Out is lazy, simplistic, counterproductive cack. By all means be demanding of more, seek change or improvement but this can and will only ever be achieved by turning back the cult of individualism where every single fan is simultaneously a player, chairman and manager and unifying in a single, far louder, far more powerful collective voice.

It’s easy to smash, destroy & tear down – but what do you want in its place? What change do you seek & why? Constructive, clear objectives that will deliver improvements are far harder to identify & convey – but much more credible and worthwhile.

[linequote]It’s my fault I support Spurs. Support. Therein lies the nub for me. I am a supporter, a fanatic, a champion of all that’s good about them.[/linequote]

I’ve witnessed several campaigns at Spurs – none of which have actually worked, despite what the tricks of revisionism or poor memory tell some. The Shelf is gone, Scholar was ousted by economics, Sugar was seduced by the ENIC £, The Man in the Raincoat was sacked to enable ENIC to appoint Glenn and score a quick win with the fans and West Ham were awarded Stratford. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t mobilise our discontent and seek change. We should. We have a duty to.

I want to feel as if my support is appreciated, valued and recognised
I want to believe that the Club give a hoot about the fans
I don’t want to go to MK and I won’t. I’ll take a season (or two) long season ticket sabbatical
I want to enjoy going to the Lane and watching a team that gives a toss, do their best
I want a Club that looks like it wants to compete at the highest level
I want a Club that has a clear, open, transparent dialogue with us
I don’t think any of that is unreasonable or outrageous. I don’t think it’s that difficult to deliver.

The most enjoyable game so far this season was a joyous, raucous, celebratory party when we crushed a bunch of part time postman & were treated to a once in a lifetime goal. I still don’t believe what I saw. It’s a shame so few dared to go in the hope of seeing something so impossibly good. The dominant contributory factor was the riotous goodtime groupies of 1882 – who seek no change, have no agenda, who look only for the good, who celebrate the shirt, drunk on joy and who unconditionally love. There’s a lesson there somewhere.

I read a superb blog by Mark Butcher the other day.
– but I fundamentally disagree with a central point he makes. He accuses ENIC of destroying the soul of the Club and that it “has gone”. I’d contend that they (& any future owners) could & will never do that.

The actual soul of the Club is US. And always will be.

Maybe it’s time we started to behave like we were?