bobcat99 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 11:33 am
coochorama42 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 10:43 am
Am I the only Bobcat fan that thinks it's stupid/arrogant of Sterk/the Bobcats to start up with the "Real 37" stuff? I mean, that number means a lot to the UofM. As Cat fans we don't have to like it, but it is a fantastic tradition. Case in point, we are copying it ourselves with #41. For me, let the #37 stay in Missoula unless some kid wants it for other reasons and proudly hand down #41.
Oh good grief.
It's just a funny way to poke fun at our rivals and say our #37 is better. It's not being a jerk. It's humorous. A little arrogant. I think we can be a little arrogant, it's not going to kill you.
I think it's funny that mocking somebody's intellectual shortcomings is something you find funny, but "the real 37" is crossing the line.
In short, quit being a snowflake.
@bobcat99, your last two responses to my posts are unnecessary. With respect to the player from Albany, it is willful ignorance that allows someone to make a statement like that. With respect to JR Camel, I wish I could tell my 19 year old self to be clear that you are protesting the system that put him back on the court, not the kid himself. I've learned a lot since then. My example was meant to highlight that I'm not afraid of digging in during rivalry week. I just didn't like the "Real 37" thing. I am obviously highly outnumbered here and I'm fine with it. I asked the question because I actually was interested to see if I was in the minority or not. I didn't intend it to be (nor did I do anything to indicate that it was) critical of those who disagree with me.
It seems that you feel that I have little empathy for people with low intelligence, but also take the time to call me a snowflake. My general impression of student-athletes is that they are generally really good students who are doing twice the work of a normal student. I tutored the football study table for a year while in graduate school. I've taught a number of NCAA athletes at two different institutions. I'm generally empathetic at games. I don't boo players unless they do something incredibly unsportsmanlike. I like watching the game and enjoy the analysis of it more than anything. I'm happy that the players on the field are students first and athletes second.
With respect to mocking intellectual shortcomings, I would never intentionally do something of the sort. I may miss my mark sometimes (as how I came across 20 years ago in my JR Camel example), but I express frustration at willful ignorance or systemic abuses of power, not characteristics people cannot control. I do not believe any person is better than another. I guess, like the Snowflake that I am, I am generally appreciative of people that are genuine. I put myself out there every single day, warts and all. I am open with my successes and I am equally open with my failures. I try to be genuine even when it does not flatter me.
I know I'm blessed to have been given the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree. I work hard. Very hard. My grandfathers worked in the mines and smelters of Montana. I work as hard as I can to honor the sacrifices they made that allowed me to be lucky enough to be a professor at Montana State. I work my a$$ off up here and - judging by my evaluations - I make a real impact day-to-day, week-to-week, and year-to-year in my job. I am living the dream, and I don't take a single moment of it for granted. I'm not alone in this. My colleagues are fantastic and are constantly working to improve themselves and help the students that attend this fine university as do the staff. I'm not perfect, but I keep trying to get better. I'm not sorry that I expect a lot of students. Fundamental to a university education is understanding the difference between personal opinions and facts and being able to reconcile these differences. It IS embarrassing that this young man from Albany is in his senior year and can say something so ignorant of facts.
Ok, lunch break is almost over. Back to work.