If you worked or lived in Manhattan during the aftermath of 9/11, you must have noticed a strange phenomenon in the community. The divisiveness of the great melting pot suddenly congealed.
Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Indians, Russians, previously siphoned off into their own individual silos, suddenly had reason to collectively root for home team: America. People were smiling at each other on the subway, spouses were holding hands again, the elderly were respected, and children revered. Without incentive or provocation, people were courteous, and proud to be an American.
But like the old saying goes, nothing lasts forever. Time passes, we get caught up in our daily lives, and pretty soon we're back to normal. This feeling of group cohesion is nearly impossible to duplicate over the long term. However, New Yorkers have found a temporary solution.
Sports.
When a team from New York makes the post season, something magical happens. The entire city comes together. The current version is courtesy of The New York Jets. On the eve of their next football game, this underdog finds itself just two wins away from the Super Bowl. So look around and listen.
The city is filled with green jerseys. People are discussing the upcoming game on the street, on trains, in rest rooms, in offices, on grocery check out lines. Complete strangers are conversing, or reconnecting with old friends. Co-workers are becoming a little closer. We even have a reason to call our families. Once again, everyone is on the same team.
It's sad to think that we need a national tragedy or something as trite as a football game to bring us closer. But who am I to complain?
J-E-T-S.....Jets, Jets, Jets!
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