So, I am not an expert on Football. I really don't even understand the game that well. But, Football Movies--those just get me. Because they aren't really about Football. It's about heart, emotion, leaving it on the field with abandon. Radio, Rudy, Friday Night Lights, Remember the Titans, We are Marshall, the Blind Side...countless others. So if it's on.. I'm watching it.
Maybe it's the upcoming school season, college football, the high schooler that's always within me; it's like a ritual. Maybe because deep down, I really wanted to have that kind of intense personal commitment to a goal - to a team - a coach. I see it there on the big screen, or in my living room. and I say THERE!...That's life! No wonder that guys who play the game in school, never let go of that passion. I think it's something that men take with them forever. If they played the game, it's with them.
My experience has been that women don't get that kind of intense emotional relationship where EVERYTHING is on the line- unless it's bitchy. Maybe? I don't know. I don't think I've been involved in a battle where it really mattered with a group of women. There might have been an important deadline or project, but it doesn't compare to the "game". But, since I'm of the generation that ushered in Title 9-- where girls did cheerleading, drill team, gymnastics or swim team- there wasn't that much to get in the game about. "Does my hair look cute?" "Does this leotard make me look fat?" "God, I hate wet hair".
Now young women have that high level game experience that I apparently missed out on. They've been out there, in battle,on the field. Frankly, I'm jealous. Girls today have no idea what it was like to be repressed, to not compete and get our emotions on. It wasn't feminine. Oh sure, there were some girls that did the softball thing and girls basketball was just starting. But come on, you know most of us - even now, just marched in the band or twirled a baton at the game. I guess the Bring it On movies are for us? Yuk.
So it's the season of football, and I know I can find my favorite football drama on some cable channel.
Young man vs. Goliath of Football glory-dom?
Physically/mentally challenged boy vs. Stereotypical Prejudice?
Racism vs.Athleticism?
Emotional devastation vs.Rebuilding?
Homelessness vs.Grace?
Oh, and there's a football game or two in there.
