By making it clear that their wish is not only to see a British player win the Wimbledon, or any other, championship, but to have their Britishness reaffirmed by such a triumph, people run the very real risk that they themselves make its fulfilment less likely. Most of us will have experienced what it is like to enter a competition - the fear and anxiety, resulting in physical and mental stress. Now imagine what it would be like if you knew that the mental health of an entire country depended on your performance; how do you think you’d fare?
If I am to be subjected to background noise that induces a coma-like state, to have a portion of my licence fee subsidise the substantial television coverage, and to have to listen to colleagues wittering on about this fundamentally elite past time, I would appreciate it if those whom I live amongst could at least enjoy it for what it is. And that way, left to believe he is playing because he loves it and wants to be the best, not because he is a proxy for everyone else’s achievement, Mr Murray might even stand a chance.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
This sort of goes back to the whole jingoistic element of sports, such as the Olympics and the World Cup. Well, no, our national pride isn't damaged if my countrymen doesn't win, but wouldn't it be nice if that happened?
The only other parallel I can make ... suppose someone from your hometown was on Britain's Got Talent. Wouldn't you root for that person over someone else?
2 - cogitata
If I found myself watching that programme I'd be rooting for either my motor skills to kick back in or my captors to shoot me, quickly.