As i lamented and you may have discovered, i was unemployed for much longer than i had planned. After being offered two jobs shortly after my arrival i was, perhaps, a bit too confident. Issues with social security cards did not help and my temporary intentions also did not assist. Nonetheless, i have now been working for four weeks and have something to share from my initial weeks.
There are always pressures when beginning a new job. Although I might handle it better than most, I am definitely not immune to it. There was also an added pressure seeing as my new boss was also my landlord and father of my girlfriend.
First off, before you begin laughing, yes, my position is in accounts. The industry which i promised myself i would never, under any circumstances, re-enter except to let some neat, clean-cut accountant with jelly beans on his desk assist me with my bulging finances due to future successes! At least, in this position, I am not taking care of other people's business or rude clients. Yet.
I was introduced to my supervisor, who fit the stereotype of accountant with aplomb and then given a tour of the factory. - half of which was off-site. It soon became apparent that my boss/landlord/father of my girlfriend had to go elsewhere to a meeting and i would be trust to drive his car back. I acted cool, put on a brave face. But this was make or break. I had driven a bit but was not overly confident in the land of the free right hand turn. We had not travelled far but i was not too sure how to get back...
As per the stereotype, everything in America is bigger and fatter. Cars are no exception. Depending how well you know me, you may recall that my previous car was a often described as "cute". It was a zippy little Rav4 and i could see the back and the front.
I jumped in the old, long, wide car and sank into the seat. I felt like a kid in his Dad's suit. Slowly, carefully, i crawled in reverse so as to not hit the cars on either side or the tree behind me. Hopefully this would just go quickly and without incident. It was the middle of the day so why would anyone be on the road?
I wanted to be cautious but Mum's words rang in my head. "The quick and the dead". She had received that instruction from her father when learning to drive and, essentially, it meant you need to make a decision and stick to it. Do not hesitate. I saw an opening and went for it. With ample time. The road was fraught with danger in the form of bikes, cars and trains so I kept a wide berth with my boat-like car and made sure to be smooth and slow. After five minutes that felt like an eternity, I made it back and parked with some success.
In my opinion, automatics are more difficult to drive. I do not ever feel in control and it feels like i am not doing anything at all. There is definitely more controlled practice required!
The job itself is a means to an end at the moment but hopefully grows into something I take more ownership with. Accounts does put me off (and to sleep). It is monotonous and methodical and leaves very little to creativity or the imagination. Irrespective, it feels great to be working, learning new skills and being paid! I am determined to not slack off, to do my best and ensure all my duties are performed to an exceptional level. After all, i am not just trying to impress my boss but the owner of the car i am driving, my landlord and my girlfriend's father as well!
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Friday, 12 July 2013
Gratuitous Service
Due to the US slave wage labour laws, gratuity is understandably a big deal. In the service industry, there is potential to earn a substantial amount of money in tips to complement the pittance of a wage. Such a pittance that it really only covers the taxes.
Accordingly, i have experienced very good service and have more easily noticed bad service. One customer has the potential to give you more than an hours pay simply because you were bubbly, passionate or smiling. Back home, we would probably say it was for doing your job. With this 'bonus' earning possibility, I cannot fathom how anyone would not provide spritely, sweet service in every situation. Amazingly this is not the case. I have experienced poor to awful service numerous times and i just do not know why. Depending on the industry, I will probably tip, at least a small amount, all the time. However, I refuse to reward rude employees or sour servers. Tips need to be a reward for going above and beyond and a lack of tips should be indicator that your work is not top shelf or that your moxie lacks a punch.
Whilst checking in to an airport, I noticed a "gratuities accepted" sign near the line up. It was an express line outside of the actual airport but the usual check-in was still an option. This seems awfully gratuitous to me for who, in their right mind, would refuse tips if they were offered? In the USA, this type of sign is akin to a homeless person with a sign saying "will accept change". I also believe that the proclamation places added pressure on the employee. In my case, I would tip if the service was acceptable. Heck it should be exceptional for gratuities to be suggested with such an easy job.
Alas, the man really did nothing to deserve it. There was limited eye contact, no small talk and he asked me "give me your ID" in an aggressive manner. The only small talk made was not with me but rather his colleague, complaining about their jobs. No doubt this would have been enough to put anyone off even considering tipping.
I understand the importance of tipping in America but do not believe that it should be treated as a given. Rather a reward for spreading happiness and doing a decent job. Treating every customer with respect and enthusiasm will ensure that karma congratulates you somewhere down the track. You may even luck out and be spoilt by a tequila soaked Australian cricket team on an end of season trip...
Accordingly, i have experienced very good service and have more easily noticed bad service. One customer has the potential to give you more than an hours pay simply because you were bubbly, passionate or smiling. Back home, we would probably say it was for doing your job. With this 'bonus' earning possibility, I cannot fathom how anyone would not provide spritely, sweet service in every situation. Amazingly this is not the case. I have experienced poor to awful service numerous times and i just do not know why. Depending on the industry, I will probably tip, at least a small amount, all the time. However, I refuse to reward rude employees or sour servers. Tips need to be a reward for going above and beyond and a lack of tips should be indicator that your work is not top shelf or that your moxie lacks a punch.
Whilst checking in to an airport, I noticed a "gratuities accepted" sign near the line up. It was an express line outside of the actual airport but the usual check-in was still an option. This seems awfully gratuitous to me for who, in their right mind, would refuse tips if they were offered? In the USA, this type of sign is akin to a homeless person with a sign saying "will accept change". I also believe that the proclamation places added pressure on the employee. In my case, I would tip if the service was acceptable. Heck it should be exceptional for gratuities to be suggested with such an easy job.
Alas, the man really did nothing to deserve it. There was limited eye contact, no small talk and he asked me "give me your ID" in an aggressive manner. The only small talk made was not with me but rather his colleague, complaining about their jobs. No doubt this would have been enough to put anyone off even considering tipping.
I understand the importance of tipping in America but do not believe that it should be treated as a given. Rather a reward for spreading happiness and doing a decent job. Treating every customer with respect and enthusiasm will ensure that karma congratulates you somewhere down the track. You may even luck out and be spoilt by a tequila soaked Australian cricket team on an end of season trip...
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Are You Being Served?
Well, no actually. Unfortunately, there was no Mr Humphries or Captain Peacock to keep me entertained as i tried to acquire a social security card but i suppose i should have predicted the troubles at US Citizen & Immigration Services given the experiences i had at the various other offices and departments of redundancy which i had visited.
I am not one to generalise but staff in these departments are unfriendly, petty and authoritarian. Why can we not have mobile phones on? It is not like we are going to fall out of the sky. Self important looking people in ties and lanyards wander aimlessly saying hello to each other and security. Without a doubt there would be a coffee machine involved there somewhere too.
Waiting in a large room with phones off limits and no form of entertainment, you find yourself almost aggressively people watching. Alas, there is nothing to watch as everyone is in the same situation as you. Eyes flickering from side to side searching for movement, color or something out of the ordinary. Please! Please!! Anything out of the ordinary!
The security guards are not overly impressive. Especially when compared to the rough Pacific Islanders stationed outside of Justin Hemmes' establishments back home. These guys are smaller, not muscly and quite old. To be frank, you wonder how much use they would be in any sort of security breach. Then you remember. Guns. These people would be trigger-trained, trigger-happy and champing at the bit to be able to brandish their second amendment rights. No, i will not be making any smart alec responses to their cold, unsympathetic statements. The only tish to follow the boom from my joke would be from the sound of my lifeless body hitting the floor.
Finally mu number flashed up on the screen. It is certainly inefficient to have such a big waiting room, beginning to fill up, and only two windows in operation. Unfortunately waiting goes hand in hand with government departments everywhere in the world. The man serving me confirmed my worries that he could not fix my issue in any way, shape or form but he did give me the name of a new department to make an appointment with. He repeatedly asked me if i was sure i was here on a work visa. He asked me enough times that i almost wanted to change my answer and say "No, i just like waiting in lines." But i am afraid he would have shot me.
This epic journey to acquire a social security number is beginning to be a bit too much for me. Perhaps if i went straight to the top of the food chain and sent an email to the POTUS, stating my case, he would rectify things and maybe even come out for a beer. "Dear Barry Obama..."
**Writer's Note: Since this blog was drafted, i visited another department which was not very friendly, but a little helpful. They gave me a private government number which i was lambasted for calling and then finally i just applied again for my number with my new entry card. And it arrived within a week. Simple as that... there you go.
I am not one to generalise but staff in these departments are unfriendly, petty and authoritarian. Why can we not have mobile phones on? It is not like we are going to fall out of the sky. Self important looking people in ties and lanyards wander aimlessly saying hello to each other and security. Without a doubt there would be a coffee machine involved there somewhere too.
Waiting in a large room with phones off limits and no form of entertainment, you find yourself almost aggressively people watching. Alas, there is nothing to watch as everyone is in the same situation as you. Eyes flickering from side to side searching for movement, color or something out of the ordinary. Please! Please!! Anything out of the ordinary!
The security guards are not overly impressive. Especially when compared to the rough Pacific Islanders stationed outside of Justin Hemmes' establishments back home. These guys are smaller, not muscly and quite old. To be frank, you wonder how much use they would be in any sort of security breach. Then you remember. Guns. These people would be trigger-trained, trigger-happy and champing at the bit to be able to brandish their second amendment rights. No, i will not be making any smart alec responses to their cold, unsympathetic statements. The only tish to follow the boom from my joke would be from the sound of my lifeless body hitting the floor.
Finally mu number flashed up on the screen. It is certainly inefficient to have such a big waiting room, beginning to fill up, and only two windows in operation. Unfortunately waiting goes hand in hand with government departments everywhere in the world. The man serving me confirmed my worries that he could not fix my issue in any way, shape or form but he did give me the name of a new department to make an appointment with. He repeatedly asked me if i was sure i was here on a work visa. He asked me enough times that i almost wanted to change my answer and say "No, i just like waiting in lines." But i am afraid he would have shot me.
This epic journey to acquire a social security number is beginning to be a bit too much for me. Perhaps if i went straight to the top of the food chain and sent an email to the POTUS, stating my case, he would rectify things and maybe even come out for a beer. "Dear Barry Obama..."
**Writer's Note: Since this blog was drafted, i visited another department which was not very friendly, but a little helpful. They gave me a private government number which i was lambasted for calling and then finally i just applied again for my number with my new entry card. And it arrived within a week. Simple as that... there you go.
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
American Driving!
Today marked the first time i got behind the wheel in the USA. When you add the fact that i sold my car a few weeks before i left and that Mum, for some reason, did not want me driving the camry (a luxury automobile), it had been about 3 months since i had been in control! And i was very keen to get that back!
All in all, i did a pretty good job. Adjusted to being on the other side of the road (although at times wanted to keep using the right lane marker as the guide), only put the windscreen wipers on instead of the blinkers twice and only partially mounted the curve parking the first time. Being on the left side of the car is weird!!
Being a passenger for so long though, especially on some rather long car trips, has allowed me to make several observations regarding Californian roads and drivers. And let me tell you, it ain't all pretty. Best Coast said it best. Well they showed us in a video clip. "I love California (but i hate the traffic)"
Californians are obsessed about driving. The SNL skit was not lying! Back home, people will go to the shops or something when they are bored. I think in California they just go for a drive. Not necessarily to go anywhere in particular or with any destination in mind. It is just to have something to do. One night i was on the way home from a baseball game in LA and it was bumper to bumper at 11pm. I have no idea where they wanted to go or where they came from. But the road was chockers! Didn't people have work tomorrow?
City driving is hilarious. Californian drivers are so susceptible to weather changes. California's climate is pretty right on. Warm all year round and little rainfall. But, given a light shower in the city people will lose all dexterity. They will mainly refuse to drive at all but when they do they will swerve and struggle and eventually just run off the road. The same applies if the temperature goes just a little bit above what is normal...
Roads are a huge problem here too. Bottlenecks everywhere and traffic comes to a standstill on the regular basis. Sydney drivers who complain about the M4, M5, M7 etc! would not be able to cope. And that is something which makes me smile. There is no road rage apparent when we go down the 101 or the 80 or anywhere else! It is very heartening.
I have learnt that a "California roll" is what people do at a stop sign. My thinking is that, as there is no one around, it is understood that there is no reason to entirely stop. Also, there are no roundabouts, only stop signs. And it is quite systematic that each direction goes one at a time. What order! It is also apparent that there is an accepted rule whereby the speed limit is just a sort of... a suggestion. 5-10 miles per hour over is completely reasonable and expected. I suppose when you are so used to being in traffic, you ought to take advantage of any free driving space as possible!
All in all, i did a pretty good job. Adjusted to being on the other side of the road (although at times wanted to keep using the right lane marker as the guide), only put the windscreen wipers on instead of the blinkers twice and only partially mounted the curve parking the first time. Being on the left side of the car is weird!!
Being a passenger for so long though, especially on some rather long car trips, has allowed me to make several observations regarding Californian roads and drivers. And let me tell you, it ain't all pretty. Best Coast said it best. Well they showed us in a video clip. "I love California (but i hate the traffic)"
Californians are obsessed about driving. The SNL skit was not lying! Back home, people will go to the shops or something when they are bored. I think in California they just go for a drive. Not necessarily to go anywhere in particular or with any destination in mind. It is just to have something to do. One night i was on the way home from a baseball game in LA and it was bumper to bumper at 11pm. I have no idea where they wanted to go or where they came from. But the road was chockers! Didn't people have work tomorrow?
City driving is hilarious. Californian drivers are so susceptible to weather changes. California's climate is pretty right on. Warm all year round and little rainfall. But, given a light shower in the city people will lose all dexterity. They will mainly refuse to drive at all but when they do they will swerve and struggle and eventually just run off the road. The same applies if the temperature goes just a little bit above what is normal...
Roads are a huge problem here too. Bottlenecks everywhere and traffic comes to a standstill on the regular basis. Sydney drivers who complain about the M4, M5, M7 etc! would not be able to cope. And that is something which makes me smile. There is no road rage apparent when we go down the 101 or the 80 or anywhere else! It is very heartening.
I have learnt that a "California roll" is what people do at a stop sign. My thinking is that, as there is no one around, it is understood that there is no reason to entirely stop. Also, there are no roundabouts, only stop signs. And it is quite systematic that each direction goes one at a time. What order! It is also apparent that there is an accepted rule whereby the speed limit is just a sort of... a suggestion. 5-10 miles per hour over is completely reasonable and expected. I suppose when you are so used to being in traffic, you ought to take advantage of any free driving space as possible!
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
What Australia can learn from America (and vice-versa!)
I have hit the two month barrier. To say I have smashed through it would probably be a lie but, with some very exciting news in the pipeline and opportunities aplenty, I really do not think there will be too many more blog entries where I am unemployed! In my time here I believe I have made enough observations to make both my home country and the country i am currently in, better places. This can be done by taking aspects from one and placing it inside the other. Pretty simple stuff really.
First things first. The easiest one. Australia needs a Disneyland. Imagine the hullabaloo and craziness which would be "Disneyland DownUnder!" It is not called the happiest place on Earth for no reason and I think it would really allow some of the characters like Jasmine, Aladdin and Nemo a chance to shine in a more appropriate climate. I won't be too much of a dreamer. This will not come quickly or cheaply. I think a perfect spot for it could be the current construction area which is "Wet N Wild Sydney" because, let's face it, it is going to head down the gurgler just like Wonderland as soon as people realise that they have already been there once. Disneyland DownUnder would make the Rooty Hill RSL like downtown Disney and bring tourists and smiling people to Western Sydney. Not to mention employment. Every Westie wanted to grow up and be a Disney Princess!
Another thing which thrives in America but is seldom seen in the Great Southern Land is brunch. And don't tell me about the brunch you went to in Surry Hills last weekend where you went to Bill's Cafe at 10am, had avocado, tomato, turkey and cheese on sourdough bread, an espresso and then left. You only think you did brunch. Brunch in America is done properly and consists of getting to the cafe at 11am. Ordering more pancakes or egg benedict or bacon and eggs than you could possibly eat and then paying an extra $15 for bottomless mimosas. Four hours later you stumble out of the establishment, giggling, and scour the city for a bar that has a patio area because you're outdoorsy like that. Then you get home with just enough time to be sober for dinner. Happy Sunday!
Another simple change, that could liven up Japanese restaurants, is the art of Sake (sah-kee) Bombing. In essence, you order a beer and shots of sake (sah-kee) and pour half of your glass and a shot glass. You then take your chopsticks and place them over the half filled glass, enough apart to place the shot glass on top of this. You and your friends (because I would not encourage someone to do this alone) then bang the table with your fists until your shot falls into your glass. Once this happens you drink all of the beer. Including the sake (sah-kee) inside. The last time i did this, the waitress got involved and did enough screaming to get the whole restaurant involved. We were the only table at the restaurant doing this and, although obnoxious, it almost felt like a performance.
Lastly on this topic. I think Australians need to back themselves a bit more. Americans are a friendly bunch. Lots of hellos. Lots of unnecessary conversations at check outs, bars, etc. Sometimes this is unwanted but I think the good well and truly outweighs the bad. Australians could be friendlier and America is winning that race.
I won't pretend, there are many, many changes i would bring to America to improve it and leave a drop of Australiana. I will make this quick, painless and a figment of my imagination. Better mental health facilities, universal healthcare, Tim Tams, replace Z's with S's (e.g. realise. And stop saying "Zee") and the metric system!! I don't understand the American passion for pounds and miles. It just makes things harder for the entire world. In the Olympics, we could call the event the 5km run but it has to be called the 5,000m because America refuses to relent on this subject. While the final is on at Rio 2016 (see you there?), you will hear some American say, "Oh, 5,000m? They mean 3.125 miles." See my point? It is simply easier! Finally, whilst gig tickets are cheaper and amazing. Tickets for sporting events are through the roof. Generally over $100 for a hockey or baseball game. Which, somehow, are always sell outs. I know supply and demand probably dictates this but it does not make sense that it is $12 to get into Penrith Park and they get 5,000 fans in but it is $100 to go to AT&T Park and the SF Giants get 45,000!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly. Gun control. Why it so much easier to see the issue more clearly from the outside?
First things first. The easiest one. Australia needs a Disneyland. Imagine the hullabaloo and craziness which would be "Disneyland DownUnder!" It is not called the happiest place on Earth for no reason and I think it would really allow some of the characters like Jasmine, Aladdin and Nemo a chance to shine in a more appropriate climate. I won't be too much of a dreamer. This will not come quickly or cheaply. I think a perfect spot for it could be the current construction area which is "Wet N Wild Sydney" because, let's face it, it is going to head down the gurgler just like Wonderland as soon as people realise that they have already been there once. Disneyland DownUnder would make the Rooty Hill RSL like downtown Disney and bring tourists and smiling people to Western Sydney. Not to mention employment. Every Westie wanted to grow up and be a Disney Princess!
Another thing which thrives in America but is seldom seen in the Great Southern Land is brunch. And don't tell me about the brunch you went to in Surry Hills last weekend where you went to Bill's Cafe at 10am, had avocado, tomato, turkey and cheese on sourdough bread, an espresso and then left. You only think you did brunch. Brunch in America is done properly and consists of getting to the cafe at 11am. Ordering more pancakes or egg benedict or bacon and eggs than you could possibly eat and then paying an extra $15 for bottomless mimosas. Four hours later you stumble out of the establishment, giggling, and scour the city for a bar that has a patio area because you're outdoorsy like that. Then you get home with just enough time to be sober for dinner. Happy Sunday!
Another simple change, that could liven up Japanese restaurants, is the art of Sake (sah-kee) Bombing. In essence, you order a beer and shots of sake (sah-kee) and pour half of your glass and a shot glass. You then take your chopsticks and place them over the half filled glass, enough apart to place the shot glass on top of this. You and your friends (because I would not encourage someone to do this alone) then bang the table with your fists until your shot falls into your glass. Once this happens you drink all of the beer. Including the sake (sah-kee) inside. The last time i did this, the waitress got involved and did enough screaming to get the whole restaurant involved. We were the only table at the restaurant doing this and, although obnoxious, it almost felt like a performance.
Lastly on this topic. I think Australians need to back themselves a bit more. Americans are a friendly bunch. Lots of hellos. Lots of unnecessary conversations at check outs, bars, etc. Sometimes this is unwanted but I think the good well and truly outweighs the bad. Australians could be friendlier and America is winning that race.
I won't pretend, there are many, many changes i would bring to America to improve it and leave a drop of Australiana. I will make this quick, painless and a figment of my imagination. Better mental health facilities, universal healthcare, Tim Tams, replace Z's with S's (e.g. realise. And stop saying "Zee") and the metric system!! I don't understand the American passion for pounds and miles. It just makes things harder for the entire world. In the Olympics, we could call the event the 5km run but it has to be called the 5,000m because America refuses to relent on this subject. While the final is on at Rio 2016 (see you there?), you will hear some American say, "Oh, 5,000m? They mean 3.125 miles." See my point? It is simply easier! Finally, whilst gig tickets are cheaper and amazing. Tickets for sporting events are through the roof. Generally over $100 for a hockey or baseball game. Which, somehow, are always sell outs. I know supply and demand probably dictates this but it does not make sense that it is $12 to get into Penrith Park and they get 5,000 fans in but it is $100 to go to AT&T Park and the SF Giants get 45,000!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly. Gun control. Why it so much easier to see the issue more clearly from the outside?
Monday, 3 June 2013
A Grand Don't Come for Free.
"Today i've achieved absolutely nought
In just being out of the house, i've lost out
If i wanted to end up with more now
I should've just stayed in bed, like i know how"
Anyone close enough to me would understand that I have a liking for quick witted, English, white boy rappers. There's something about that cockney accent, use of slang and predictable wardrobe which makes me want to buy an album and shoot a bootlegger.
However, never did i ever believe that something would happen to me which would make me relate to Mike Skinner (of The Streets fame). I suppose we have both worked out that a grand don't come for free. But it was supposed to be easy.
In a nutshell. It was supposed to be so easy. I had sorted the visa, boarded my flight. Scored an aisle seat but with limited sleep. Fat Freddy's Drop on repeat (not addicted). Someone pulled up their window cover. Blinded by the light. Made it through customs and thought i could well be in. Had to get a social security number to work legitimately and thought i wouldn't have it any other way. Homeland Security and Social Security have different records of what Visa i have in my possession. No one has said "get out of my house" and i hope i am not deported. Can't work for most companies now, sitting around the house. lucky my girlfriend is so fit and you know it. Call homeland security and the rude receptionist is such a twat. Wondering what is he thinking? Realise that i need to sort this out. Have to dry my eyes and get on with living and working out how to land a legit job. Otherwise i will just be surrounded by an ever growing amount of empty cans. It was supposed to be so easy.
Essentially, Homeland Security think i came here to study. I am not sure why as all of the information and papers I had to sign, fill out, agree to, etc specified that i could not study. As an overseas student i would not be eligible to work. Hence, they are not letting me have a social security number. This hold up has probably cost me a month's wages. Turns out a grand don't come for free. I bought a scratchie today. Desperate times.
I spent over an hour waiting in line to get in the Social Security Building six weeks ago but i will need to make a return visit after an appointment with Homeland Security this week. It all sounds so serious!! Fingers crossed it is a very easy thing to rectify and i am out making cash before too long. It is not that i don't like sitting around but, when bed is always an option in your day, you need to sort out priorities. There is a time and place for being in bed. Currently it sings to me like a siren of the seas all day every day.
There is frustration at the fact that most of my job hunting has been fruitless but i would not have been able to work without the Social Security Number anyway. In terms of employment, so far i have achieved nought. In terms of life experience, love and fun. The past 7 weeks have been swimming pools of rainbows which i have been able to dive into headfirst and bathe in their colourful goodness. I don't really think there are any real complaints from me yet.
The problem has been identified. A remedy prescribed. Time to speed up the dosage and save enough cash for an extravagant Vegas adventure in the not too distant future!
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
The Star Spangled Banner
oh say! Can you see by the dawn's early light. American culture is an incredible thing. I have been unable to put my finger on exactly what causes the patriotism. Exactly what it is about their military, flag and teams that makes them tick so much. It has to be something which is passed through generations and instilled in youngsters at a very tender age.
I mean it to be no sleight to American people when i see there is almost a juvenile love for their country and teams. I reiterate teams because the support, pride and passion that people show for their teams over here is on the same route (still pronounced "root" for me, not "rout") as they do for their entire nation.
For example, the four main teams which people from San Jose follow are the San Jose Sharks (hockey), San Francisco Giants (baseball), San Francisco 49ers (football) and Golden State Warriors (basketball). If i go for a walk outside of the apartment complex, i am almost certain to see at least one person wearing some paraphernalia for each of these teams. Given they are World Series (sic) champs in the baseball, there is so many Giants hats and shirts everywhere that you would think every day is game day (which is almost true) and that the stadium was right around the corner (not the truth!). As well as this, i am likely to find something or someone with an American flag on it.
Going to a game is a whole different story. This is where i make my point about a juvenile affection and love for their team and country. I grew out of my seriously involved fan days in about 2011. I still like watching my Penrith Panthers play and now understand that a win usually means three losses to follow but there is no growing out of this at all in America. At a ball game this week we sat next to a young family who had a 20 month old child with them. The child had apparently been to lots of games already and was yelling "Go giants!" all the time. You see grown men going to games with gloves, hoping to catch a home run from their favourite player or a foul ball from the opposition so they can be seen on the big screen throwing it back. This bit still does something with me. Grown men walking into stadiums and sitting down, punching their glove and waiting for their chance. It seems such a juvenile thing to do but this is their passion. This is their team! And of course, losing is not an option. Every game is there to be won.
The same goes with hockey. Ice Hockey is a weird sport. Three periods of 20 minutes and fifteen minute breaks between each period. i suppose this gives ample time to use bathrooms, buy more weak beer and eat more fattening foods. They will play music and try to get people pumped/interested in this time and you will inevitably find some older gent see himself on the big screen and lift up his shirt and dance wildly. Wanting to get the crowd going and behind him. Don't get me wrong. The AFL have their grannies, NRL has it's bogans, Union has it's graduates and A-League has its rioters but for each sport in America, there is no specific demographic. There is an even, widespread fan base split across ages, socio-economic groups and ethnicities. It is incredible.
I believe that this is definitely linked to the feelings that Americans have for their nation. Maybe it is because they see the world as a competitive event. The passion in terms of positivity, optimism and belief is astounding. Fans believe that their team can do nothing wrong. And there is definitely an undertone of that when they speak of their nation as well.
Their players are their troops. Their team, their nation. The respect and optimism is something that can not be taught. And don't get the impression that i am being negative in anything i have said here. It is admirable. It is remarkable. I have been moved witnessing the cheering and singing during their national anthem. The honour given to returned troops and military personnel (especially around Memorial Day). this is something which will take generations to build. The solidarity, the unity. There is the optimism that anything is possible. That they can do anything and achieve anything. It gives proof to the world that their flag is still there.
I mean it to be no sleight to American people when i see there is almost a juvenile love for their country and teams. I reiterate teams because the support, pride and passion that people show for their teams over here is on the same route (still pronounced "root" for me, not "rout") as they do for their entire nation.
For example, the four main teams which people from San Jose follow are the San Jose Sharks (hockey), San Francisco Giants (baseball), San Francisco 49ers (football) and Golden State Warriors (basketball). If i go for a walk outside of the apartment complex, i am almost certain to see at least one person wearing some paraphernalia for each of these teams. Given they are World Series (sic) champs in the baseball, there is so many Giants hats and shirts everywhere that you would think every day is game day (which is almost true) and that the stadium was right around the corner (not the truth!). As well as this, i am likely to find something or someone with an American flag on it.
Going to a game is a whole different story. This is where i make my point about a juvenile affection and love for their team and country. I grew out of my seriously involved fan days in about 2011. I still like watching my Penrith Panthers play and now understand that a win usually means three losses to follow but there is no growing out of this at all in America. At a ball game this week we sat next to a young family who had a 20 month old child with them. The child had apparently been to lots of games already and was yelling "Go giants!" all the time. You see grown men going to games with gloves, hoping to catch a home run from their favourite player or a foul ball from the opposition so they can be seen on the big screen throwing it back. This bit still does something with me. Grown men walking into stadiums and sitting down, punching their glove and waiting for their chance. It seems such a juvenile thing to do but this is their passion. This is their team! And of course, losing is not an option. Every game is there to be won.
The same goes with hockey. Ice Hockey is a weird sport. Three periods of 20 minutes and fifteen minute breaks between each period. i suppose this gives ample time to use bathrooms, buy more weak beer and eat more fattening foods. They will play music and try to get people pumped/interested in this time and you will inevitably find some older gent see himself on the big screen and lift up his shirt and dance wildly. Wanting to get the crowd going and behind him. Don't get me wrong. The AFL have their grannies, NRL has it's bogans, Union has it's graduates and A-League has its rioters but for each sport in America, there is no specific demographic. There is an even, widespread fan base split across ages, socio-economic groups and ethnicities. It is incredible.
I believe that this is definitely linked to the feelings that Americans have for their nation. Maybe it is because they see the world as a competitive event. The passion in terms of positivity, optimism and belief is astounding. Fans believe that their team can do nothing wrong. And there is definitely an undertone of that when they speak of their nation as well.
Their players are their troops. Their team, their nation. The respect and optimism is something that can not be taught. And don't get the impression that i am being negative in anything i have said here. It is admirable. It is remarkable. I have been moved witnessing the cheering and singing during their national anthem. The honour given to returned troops and military personnel (especially around Memorial Day). this is something which will take generations to build. The solidarity, the unity. There is the optimism that anything is possible. That they can do anything and achieve anything. It gives proof to the world that their flag is still there.
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