[B]Remember me? I used to write here, but that was many moons ago. Thankfully, the buggery charges were reduced and I was released from jail with time served, giving me at least a little more time to write for you, the loyal Nation of Blue reader. But, as I was reading the Lexington Herald-Leader this morning while waiting for my parole officer, I noticed a little cartoon by Joel Pett.
At first, I was like “OH NO HE DIH-EN!!!” and I was prepared to take to Twitter with a fury, sending out my hatred of all things Herald-Leader, and begging those around me to please, PLEASE cancel their subscriptions. DO IT FOR THE CHILDREN!!!!!
But then, common sense took over (stranger things have happened), and I realized that I don’t really care.
Why? Because for starters, it’s the Lexington Herald-Leader. Not exactly the last bastion of gossamer days gone past we’re dealing with here.
There are several reasons I don’t care about this cartoon. John Clay may very well be the only thing in the paper worth reading, and I follow him on Twitter, so if I want to read his stuff, I peep his timeline and click his links. Simple, and free. No subscription involved, and I don’t have to lose valuable time at work pulling my panties out of my butt after getting them in a bunch over a useless newspaper.
Another reason? Because the LHL isn’t exactly known for its vehement pro-UK stance. Sure, they cover the team (and in the case of Clay, rather well). But they still employ Jerry Tipton. I’m not bashing Tipton; I’m actually a fan of the man, both personally and professionally. Fact is, he had a large part to play in Kentucky’s being placed on probation over the whole “here’s $1000, don’t tell anyone” thing. So it can be said that the LHL hasn’t always had UK’s best interests in mind when sending a particular edition to press. If I was going to cancel a subscription to the Herald-Leader, today’s cartoon certainly wouldn’t have been the final straw.
How about this: I’m not upset about the cartoon because it’s pretty much the truth.
I’m a huge John Calipari fan. I love what he has done for the school, for his players, for the fans, and for the state in general. I love his kiss-my-butt-if-you-don’t-like-me approach. But, I’m not stupid. I know he has had two Final Four appearances vacated. Sure, he didn’t have any direct involvement in either situation, but neither history nor opposing fans give a damn about that. His reputation is tarnished, be it fairly or unfairly. And guess what? That’s fine with me. I knew it coming in, and I didn’t care. I certainly don’t care now.
I’m also a bit miffed over the UK-Indiana series. Sure, both sides were stubborn, but I’m not convinced that Calipari’s losing there didn’t play a part in it. And yes, I understand that Darius Miller got trampled after the game, but to me, that made for a good out. A part of me thinks that Cal is a little wounded over losing that game. Not necessarily any shame in that, but letting that be an ingredient in the cancellation (at least for now) of a storied rivalry doesn’t sit well with me.
But maybe the main reason I don’t care about the cartoon? I quit drinking the blue Kool-Aid long ago. I’m reasonable enough to understand that not everyone likes Kentucky. And honestly, I can’t entirely fault the ones that don’t. While I believe 100% that BBN is the most passionate fan base in America, I also believe 100% that passion often leads to whining and feelings of butt-hurt, and the case has never been clearer than today.
Why would Joel Pett care what Kentucky fans think of him? The man is a three-time Pulitzer finalist, and he won the award in 2000. He also won the RFK Journalism Award. He’s not some hack put in place by the LHL just for the sake of making Jim and Sally Kentuckyfan angry. He’s a legit, successful, respected cartoonist. That being said, I’m not sure what his logic is behind today’s entry, but more power to him, I suppose.
The only thing to me that doesn’t really make sense to me is what the Herald-Leader was thinking for letting this cartoon go to print, given how whiny passionate Kentucky fans are. For a fledgling corporation in a dying industry, alienating the fanbase doesn’t seem like a particularly savvy business move.
On the other hand, it could be said this way: Most younger fans, let’s say 40 and under, are more likely to get their news online anyway, free of subscription charges. This leaves the older fans, who are too interested in grousing about politics, and the brazen miscreants who won’t sit down in the lower level seats at Rupp Arena to, to get in a big kerfuffle over some cartoon. In that regard, don’t expect their numbers to drop off any more than they would have anyway. And don’t expect sponsors to stop associating with the paper.
How about this, Big Blue Nation? How about every time someone says something you disagree with (short of slander or libel, or genuinely horrible things), you simply take a deep breath, count to 10, and realize that everything doesn’t have to be so dramatic all the time. Honestly, it’s a little embarrassing being associated with a fanbase that cries to mommy and daddy every time they see or hear something they don’t like. And I say that with love, because I know (hope?) it’s the vocal minority that are making such a fuss over such a meaningless thing. Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to be a dedicated fan, to bleed blue, and still be a reasonable, logical, mature human being. You wouldn’t think it by looking at my Twitter timeline, but it can happen.
If we don’t quit with the whining and crying over every perceived slight, we are gonna be even more hated than we already are. Seriously, folks. We support a team with 8 national titles and more wins than any other Division I program. We are the hottest team in the country right now, and everyone is jealous.
Who cares about a cartoon?[/B]
