ism

My studios are just down the street from Michigan Stadium. Yesterday, a team from Appalachian State won a game that is probably on par with the "Miracle on Ice". It is interesting to hear the comments from people who attended the game. "It was a waste of an afternoon". "It was a waste of my money"... and on and on. I'm sitting in my studio thinking that would have been the best game in the world to witness even if I ordinarily don't go to sporting events.

I suppose most people buy athletic tickets to watch "their" team win. However, if they truly were there for entertainment, then they would realize that they witnessed something historical in terms of athletic achievements. It is not often that a team with absolutely no chance of winning wins. I suppose it is difficult to realize historical significance in the moment, but there should be a movie made about this game. The classic underdog story.

Sometimes, I think everyone wants to be the elite, while at the same time identifying with the underdog. A certain cosmic balance exists because the elite win most often, but when they fall, the win for the underdog is equal to all of the wins combined for the elite.

There is a metaphor for our country in this game. The reality is that many people feel as though they are the underdog, but they are the elite on an international platform. It is a tough predicament because while the mind wants to ponder that we are the disadvantaged in this game for having lost a little luster from our status, the majority of the universe is celebrating victory, and our fall. It is difficult to fathom that our misfortune provides hope to the majority. The phrase, "the world turns over every 24 hours on those who think they stand on top of it", seems to resonate today.

Maybe, that is why people who are clearly the favorite in life's hierarchy will attempt to convince others and themselves that they are really the underdog. The same dynamic that exists for people who have substantial means to convince themselves that they are poor.

(c) kenneth martin