ScarabGator wrote:John, I have lived in the south my whole life and I dont care for Nascar. In fact it puts me to sleep. I am very passionate about college sports because one of the most important times in my life came during my college days. But I dont know how you can classify the NFL as lost in the south because Atlanta(until 2 games ago)sold out every home game since Arthur Blank bought the team. No one can blame the fans for backing off a bit now considering all the shit coming from that franchise. Jacksonville and Tampa Bay sell out regulary, Miami usually does until this season(again, who can blame the fans???) and I think Carolina does, although Im not as close to that organization. The Atlanta Hawks are off to their best attendance figures in years right now, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. These are facts, you can get all of this onfo on attendance from ESPN.com. It does sound like you are not happy here and the south isnt for everyone, but there must not be a lot wrong with it because where I live and have lived in the past is overrun with snowbirds and retirees from the north. Now , this cant be because of a lower cost of living. Florida is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. North Georgia is as well, you can research this on the internet. There is nowhere else I'd rather be than right here in this part of the world.
Hey Scarab...
You're absolutely correct that the south is definitely not for everyone...and neither is the northeast! In spite of my VERY sarcastic shots at Greg, the truth is that most of the people I have met in the south are nice enough people. That said, I've heard the "N" word used here, more than I've ever heard it used, ANYWHERE in my entire life, including when I worked at a state prison! I simply don't want my young son growing up in a world where racism is quite that overt! In terms of the south growing so much...all I can tell you is that if spent one winter in New England, you probably wouldn't be all that perplexed why so many people move away, to warmer climates! I can tell you that it's certainly not for the culture!
As far as the sports issue is concerned...I honestly don't care what the attendance figures are for this season for the Atlanta Hawks. It doesn't change the history of Atlanta, as a sports city. Sure, Vick going there created some buzz, and you're absolutely correct when you say you can't blame the fans for backing off a bit, given the circumstances. That said, I am talking over the course of MANY years, and just not the recent history. The Atlanta Braves had VERY successful teams for MANY, MANY years, and could NEVER sell out a single playoff game. I find that embarrassing! Usually, even in towns that aren't real sports hotbeds, the local people get behind a winning team!
In spite of my VERY direct comments, I don't condemn the south for loving college sports, at all. Although I'll never view college sports nearly as interesting as the pro game (I think the college football BCS System is a DISASTER), I do watch a lot of college sports. The reality is that most of the sports teams in the south haven't been around forever, so for many generations, college sports were the only game in town. I just don't view cities like Miami and Atlanta as I do cities like Boston, New York or Chicago, when it comes to sports! I think in cities where the weather is always fabulous (like most parts of the south), sports are just something to watch to occupy time. In cities, with more history (in a sports sense), the sports teams are much more part of the culture and identity of the city. Neither way is right or wrong. It's simply among the many cultural differences that we have, across this country.
John from Boston