[preface]
I understand the climate in which we find ourselves and, regardless of how defensible a particular course of action may be, that it leaves me so very saddened to be party to such thoughts. I also don't want the following to be seen, or interpreted as an attack on those who post with such fervour in defence of "The Black Plague" but more as a comment on the paradox that is sweeping control of our minds.
[/end preface]
Of late I have been partaking less and less in post match discussion. This is not due to any lack in enthusiasm for following our beloved club, indeed I still find myself doing daft pre-match rituals that I hope will bring a sign of a victory, but more as way of escaping the reality of Carlton c2005. There can be no denying the extra benefit Carlton internet communities have provided myself, especially given my geographical handicap. So boards like these go some small way to bring me closer to the action, closer to Melbourne and, of course, closer to Carlton.
But there is no hiding here. There may be some beating around the bush, and varying degrees of debate, but the fact of the matter is the truth is in these internet communities. Sometimes it may be a little hard to find, but if you're prepared to find it you will. And, sadly, I don't think I can handle the truth.
This morning I sat down with my breakfast and psyched myself up to go through the latest round of posts since yet another loss. A loss in which, while we played so much better than the previous two weeks it is scary, to all but people like us the result was never in doubt about half way through the first quarter. What doom and gloom would I find? Who would be the hack du jour? Who would be to blame for another failure?
To be honest the fallout wasn't that bad, but what I did see was so much worse than I could ever have imagined. The symptoms have been there for so long now, alas I've been unwilling, unable, or both, to prepare myself for the actuality of these symptoms. And what did I see?
I saw The Black Plague. It has been around for a while now, but today it really grabbed me by the guts and wrenched me more than I could ever have imagined. It’s got me. How long have I got left?
I saw serious discussion about hoping we lose to the team 15th on the ladder to ensure that we finish 16th. Otherwise known as last, the bottom, the St Kilda position. As noted in my preface I can comprehend the theory behind this, but the practice I just cannot fathom.
Before I go on I'd just like to add a few names and numbers...
The numbers: 1906, 1907, 1908, 1914, 1915, 1938, 1945, 1947, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1995.
The names: Wayne Harmes (1979), Bruce Doull (1982), David Rhys-Jones (1987), Greg Williams (1995).
And something else: 1897-2001. 2002-?
Just have a read of those words and numbers in italics. Digest them, I'll come back to them in a moment.
...So what have we become? What is this plague that is sweeping Carlton supporters in such proportions? Why? Did I read this right? Do we actually want to come last? Yes, I believe we do. Why? I just don't understand it. Well, like I said I really do, but I wish I didn't. Is this what we have become?
At this point I'm not really interested in the merits, if you can honestly call it that, of this particular train of thought, the “tâ€
Last edited by camel on Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
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