Razorback Nation: A House Divided, part one

Earlier this week I used to be engaged on a publish about giving thanks, and whereas it may appear uncommon to some, thanks for what sports activities basically and the Razorbacks particularly have delivered to me by way of recollections with my household. Journeys to Cotton Bowls the place 8 of us have been piled into one large Nineteen Seventies-era automotive or a primary time aircraft journey; recollections of consuming Thanksgiving lunch in a Dallas resort earlier than heading to the Cowboy sport; watching rivalry video games at Florida State within the aftermath of a hurricane and all our garments light from the salt water; rolling up the Pig Path on Saturday mornings to get “our spot” on the hill exterior Razorback stadium and consuming AQ Rooster afterward; getting to satisfy Ribby on my first ever baseball sport earlier this 12 months as a present from my sister. Treasured recollections with relations now not with me.

However then one thing occurred.

Social media broke the information on Thursday that Myles Slusher was now not part of the group. He had posted an image of himself in Tulsa, and all of us knew the group was in Columbia, Missouri. As occurs typically on social media, the state of affairs escalated. Opinions got. Threads acquired lengthy. Names have been hurled about. Phrases have been mentioned in anger. Racial accusations have been thrown. Followers blocked one another.

Only a typical “household” Thanksgiving, proper?

I used to be proper within the mixture of it myself. I gave my opinion and needed to defend it to some and was supported by others and, sure, even I acquired blocked by one individual, after some very sturdy phrases have been shared. He didn’t go so far as to say my mama wore Military boots, nevertheless it was shut.

That was laborious for me as a result of I’m the Perpetual Pollyanna Character. In my world, we might disagree however we are able to all shake palms and transfer on. Conform to disagree. There are some subjects about which nobody will ever be on the identical web page and that’s okay. As my dad used to say, that’s why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream – one thing for everybody. It doesn’t must get ugly. All the pieces shall be okay if everybody will simply settle down.

After which Friday occurred.

Friday was a tricky loss, no query. It’s like somebody posted – they wished the LSU protection and the Ole Miss first half offense to each present up on the identical time. However they didn’t. And we got here up two factors quick. Once more.

And the Home of Razorbacks divided additional.

Blame the coaches! Take into consideration the accidents! It’s a special group this 12 months! We want new management! We misplaced nineteen Tremendous Seniors! It’s solely 12 months 3! The locker room will empty subsequent week into the portal! If Rocket Sanders can get 1,000 yards dashing earlier than mid-season how does that imply the OC is horrible? However he didn’t even get 200 yards within the remaining video games so Briles should go! Who will stand with me to have Coach Pittman’s again?! The Coach doesn’t help his gamers!

As soon as once more, social media was in an uproar.

A digital Black Friday scene with the carnage throughout all of the timelines.

And I get it.

Razorback Nation is a passionate bunch. How many people stayed up till virtually midnight on Wednesday evening to observe our Alohogs within the Maui Invitational? Our home did and fromwhat I noticed on Twitter, so did a ton of other people. There was no division there! Kamani (or KaMaui as some have been calling him) was the participant of the sport and what these Hogs did with out Nick Smith, Jr. makes this group look unstoppable clear into March.

So, I suppose that’s what bothers me some. Once we win, for probably the most half we stand collectively. I say for probably the most half as a result of there’ll virtually and ceaselessly be a small proportion of individuals that may’t even be proud of a win and can at all times grumble about one thing (sure, I want they’d hit extra free throws and we wouldn’t have been in a state of affairs the place Kamani needed to put up that final split-second rebound however let’s ENJOY the win for minute!) however after we lose, it turns into knives out.

A couple of individual commented they have been prepared to maneuver onto basketball season after Friday’s loss and acquired blistered for “not being a fan.” The College of Arkansas fields groups in nineteen sports activities – you don’t have to like all of them to be a fan. If we compelled all followers to be current for all sports activities then I’m guessing there’s going to be some which are much less enthusiastic than others in relation to swimming, or diving, or gymnastics, or soccer, or golf, or monitor and discipline.

That’s the reason they make chocolate and vanilla and strawberry and rocky street and mint and butter pecan ice lotions.

One thing for everybody and Neapolitan if you happen to don’t wish to select only one.

However we’re nonetheless a household, proper? Once we gathered along with our households simply two days in the past to pause and replicate on all issues for which we’re grateful – our well being, meals on the desk, time with household we don’t see typically, a roof over our heads, jobs – all of us didn’t agree on every part. Households by no means do. You will have Democrats and Republicans across the desk collectively; Protestants and Catholics; Methodists and Baptists; Razorbacks and Tigers or Rebels or Bulldogs.

Households can by difficult. Being a Razorback fan could be difficult. We will all agree after we see an issue – having a shedding or 50/50 season is unquestionably seen as an issue – however we are going to by no means all agree on the answer. There are too many choices and, like a 20-sided Dungeons and Dragons die, typically it’s a crapshoot as to which avenue to attempt first to get a repair in.

However let’s be civil with one another. Finally, all of us need the identical issues. We would like our younger women and men to play laborious, play honest, symbolize us effectively on the nationwide phases, and to win. As I’ve mentioned earlier than, help breeds success. A united fanbase, even when we’re solely united in a single factor – to get a W – means extra help for OUR groups.

Which will imply it’s a must to be the larger individual typically and just about stroll away from an offended poster. Don’t become involved to the purpose that they’re dragging you down. Say your piece and transfer on. Mute the dialog if it’s a must to so they’re speaking to themselves. Assist when you’ll be able to, referee when it is advisable.

However let’s keep in mind, on the finish of the day, we’re nonetheless OneRazorback. We win collectively. We lose collectively.