There are many events that bring the most unlikely of people together. My focus in this post will be a sporting game, in particular Rugby Union. Cue wonderful picture:
The Queensland Reds (Sorry, St George Reds sounds ridiculous) are a team that conquered last season in a shock and scream series of wins that were unprecedented. It was a glorious time to be a Queenslander. Many a match did I scream myself hoarse in joy, yet in the moments of pause (or during the games that were too frustrating to sit still) I found myself people watching. I know I'm not alone in this past time, as creepy as it comes across, because humans are inquisitive creatures. Have you ever noticed the absurd people amongst the ordinary in any crowd? It is truly fascinating.
It was at this particular game, Reds VS. Rebels at Suncorp, that it dawned on me the degree to which people differ. Tonight, at the risk of sounding insane, I did not find this clash as satisfying as I usually do. In fact, the only satisfying result would have been if I could have thumped the man to my right and the man a section over to my left. I was pissed, to but it bluntly and it was for VERY different reasons.
Man on my right gave me an extremely colourful display of the worlds worst swear words in a tirade of 'constructive criticism'...what a load of crap. That man just wanted an excuse to hear his own voice form the awful words spilling from his mouth. Even had we not been surrounded by children I would have been offended. I'm no prude, I let loose enough vulgarity to appease my soul but this was intense. This would shame a trooper!
Man on my left made my teeth set on edge and anger rise in me so raw I had to bite my lip from yelling at him. Picture this; everyone is cheering, dressed in their Red jerseys and eagerly anticipating the kickoff. This absolute fool of a man stands up in his chair amongst his friends and holds up a sign that clearly reads 'LEAVE KONY ALONE'. I wanted to reach across and throw my drink in his face. Violent, I know. Inappropriate, I know. Yet what stopped me was the knowledge that in the face of such sickening realities I would lend a hand and he would always be a fool.
I love my Rugby and I love the mixture of bits and bobs that make up a crowd. I'll take the good with the bad because what better way to understand people than to deal with all of them? However, if I ever meet that man on my right again I cannot make any promises about where I will or will not be throwing my drinks.
I just wanted to say, I think you're a great writer, both in style and context. I can't wait to read your upcoming posts.
ReplyDeleteThat means the absolute world Emma, thank you.
DeleteCan't believe "man on left"... your self-restraint is amazing. If it were me, there would have been a very different outcome. Respect to you - he, most certainly, will always be a fool.
ReplyDeleteI was at that game too btw :)
ReplyDeleteToo right Jessie_D! Part of me wishes it had been you - he really had it coming.
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