Tricolor Fever

As I write this, I am sitting in front of the TV watching Montreal play the Flyers. This should shock speechless anyone who knows me, because I have a profound hatred for hockey. This sport, in Quebec, is stronger than religion. The day after Montreal eliminated Pittsburgh, it occupied 26% of all media coverage in Quebec. To give you a sense of perspective, 1% is considered big news (the Haiti earthquake never made it over 1%) and 3% is what a typical scandal reaches.

So, why am I watching hockey? The fever is contagious. The excitement in the air is almost tangible. People everywhere are happier. They are more tolerant and more patient with one another. Cheering for a team brings people together. Someone asked me during the NFL playoffs why it is that there are so many playoff-only fans. During the regular season they are no where to be seen but if their city makes it to the playoff, suddenly they watch games, wear shirts and hang a flag from their car window. The answer is simple. People love to belong to a group. When you know you have something in common with someone, you are more likely to accept their differences. You are less judgmental towards others and you know others will be the same towards you. You let your guard down, you are more relaxed. Who doesn't enjoy that feeling? Ever notice how smokers easily bond with other smokers when they huddle outside a building? They instantly have something in common with them, and it's not simply the physiological habit. I think it's the defiance of doing something socially frowned upon these days.

I have decided to jump on the tricolor bandwagon because I too, want to feel relaxed, accepted and part of something bigger. It has made me wonder, too. If I was stuck in an elevator for 24 hours with any given person, could I not find that we have something in common? Very likely. I think that if we reminded ourselves of that more often, especially outside of playoff season, we'd be more tolerant, more relaxed, and generally happier.