I went to the Classic in the Country to check out some games and hang out with friends. I was looking forward to a good time and to going back for more. After my experiences with a couple of games over a couple of days, I changed my mind. I didn’t go back. I wanted to cheer for West Holmes during their match up with another team—and that team was not even Hiland. I didn’t think I would be put down and ridiculed by my own Hiland peers for simply choosing to support West Holmes during this particular game. The more I thought about it, the angrier I felt. Basketball is a game, and I believe it is still my choice for whom I cheer. Not only did I feel put down, but I felt embarrassed and ashamed by some of the cheers the Hiland supporters shouted at the players of other teams—even though Hiland was not even playing. Basketball is a sport that demands ongoing discipline and hard work from the players AND ongoing respect from the fans, regardless of which team is being watched. ‘Cheers’ (or maybe I should say ‘jeers’) that are disrespectful and mean should just not happen.

When I don’t ‘cheer’ the way others think I should, or for whom others think I should, then I feel as if the disrespect and meanness is pointed right at me. I will say, however, this is not about me. This is about certain behaviors that might be seen as ‘tradition’ and ‘all in fun’ in this ‘Christian’ community; but I see it as ‘bullying.’ Does it hurt me? Not really, but possibly. I am concerned that others ARE getting hurt because of the free choices they attempt to make—and end up getting this same bullying kind of treatment. The bigger picture is that this is not really just about behavior at a basketball game. It is more about a subtle loss of liberty. If Jesus would join the crowd in this so called ‘Christian’ community, how would He cheer? And would He be freely and unconditionally allowed? I do realize that many people will not agree with my opinions expressed here, and that is okay. I invite you to talk with me about it rather than talk about me behind my back.

Darian Pacula,

Hiland sophomore