Underdog

The Super Bowl (football) is here again. When asked who I am rooting for, I replied, “The underdog.” I usually (though not always) pull for the underdog. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe its genetic or possibly inherited.

Curious, I looked up underdog: a person or group that is losing, or is expected to lose, in a contest or struggle; a person who is handicapped or at a disadvantage because of injustice, discrimination, etc. I'll go with the first definition above.

Ooooo, I just learned an hour ago that the Defensive End for the Saints #93 Bobby McCray Jr attended one of our denominational churches. My underdog role just got stronger. May the best team win.

Now let's get back to the underdog business. We live in an age where celebrities, both positive and negative kinds, rule. We have a section of our local newspaper (yes, it still comes seven days per week) where birthdays of “celebrities” are given. Ho hum. Most of them I don't know so I breeze by quickly just in case someone I know shows up. When he or she does, I mutter, “So that's how old they are.” Big deal, huh?

Celebrating celebrities is hardly rooting for the underdog which makes me wonder: How can we celebrate underdogs? Maybe it is easier using the second definition above: a person who is handicapped or at a disadvantage because of injustice, discrimination, etc. We do of course have the Special Olympics where we can root for the one with the least potential but game to try. We can't miss, really.

Some underdogs of course are underdogs because of lack of discipline, or stuck with a lousy coach or trainer, or given too much publicity which can be counter productive. It's true also that some prefer being underdogs because they dislike publicity or notoriety.

My wife and I went to a matinee to see Blind Side. After it was nominated for Best Movie and Best Leading Actress, a very demeaning column appeared hoping to make them underdogs I suspect. Later, we went to a restaurant that offers a senior discount. My wife inquired if I asked for the discount to which I replied, "Not necessary. They can tell." We underdogs are blessed with telltale signs, aren't we?