RealityCheck Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Lemme guess, you don't have a kid. I have friends that are school bus monitors. If you are kidding yourself about your chid's exposure to profanity, that is your right. When it comes to certain types of events, you have to accept that there are cultural realities. Going against the tide based purely on the use of profanity is misguided. However, fighting, drunk and reckless driving I think we can all agree on must be stopped.
I_want_2_BILL_Lieve Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 After some more consideration, I'm wondering if I have higher standards for what is "family friendly" than most; i.e., if I'm a little paranoid. Maybe it comes from having lived a few years in the Bible Belt. I'm definitely not advocating violence or drunkenness; I'm saying that a pro game is a place where grownups go to have some fun, and when your child is ready to understand the distinction between how we act at a football game versus how we act in other situations, well, that's when he or she is ready to go. I think we share some common ground. Two questions though: Where does a person's right to blow off steam interfere with my right to bring my child to see a sporting event? And, why the distinction between a HS game and a pro game? Why is blowing off steam acceptable in one case, but not the other?
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 I have friends that are school bus monitors. If you are kidding yourself about your chid's exposure to profanity, that is your right. When it comes to certain types of events, you have to accept that there are cultural realities. Going against the tide based purely on the use of profanity is misguided. However, fighting, drunk and reckless driving I think we can all agree on must be stopped. it's the profanity PLUS the puking/fighting/asinine behavior that will NEVER have me taking my kid to a game.
Fingon Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Lemme guess, you don't have a kid. Nope. Does it matter? All of this "family friendly" nonsense is about parents not wanting to explain things to their children... not any damage it will do to little Johnny.
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Nope. Does it matter? All of this "family friendly" nonsense is about parents not wanting to explain things to their children... not any damage it will do to little Johnny. With all due respect, then, you have no clue what you're talking about. If you're trying to teach your kid about civilized behavior, a Bills game is the LAST place you should take them.
Pondslider Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Nope. Does it matter? All of this "family friendly" nonsense is about parents not wanting to explain things to their children... not any damage it will do to little Johnny. So parents should have to explain why some moron is drunkenly trying to fight a security guard because he has been drinking since 9 am and his team is losing? "Well Johhhy, he obviously makes bad life decisions."
Offside Number 76 Posted August 27, 2011 Author Posted August 27, 2011 I think we share some common ground. Two questions though: Where does a person's right to blow off steam interfere with my right to bring my child to see a sporting event? And, why the distinction between a HS game and a pro game? Why is blowing off steam acceptable in one case, but not the other? The first question is a tough one; I think it's what this whole thread is exploring. I don't know where the line is drawn, but if it's drawn towards turning the stadium into a Chuck-E-Cheese, I'm against it. (If it's drawn towards turning the stadium into the infield at the Preakness, I'm also against it.) The second question: because high school games are about kids. Kids learning to play a game, kids learning teamwork, kids learning how to socialize with one another in the stands. The atmosphere is different, too. Ever been to a pro game where the whole crowd is chanting "@ss-hoooooole, @ass-hoooole" at a player or a ref? Can you imagine that at a high school game? I know the principal of my high school would have had a conniption if we had done that; probably would have made the next home game closed to non-players. But somehow it seems totally appropriate when directed towards Bryan Cox, you know?
Beerball Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 (edited) With all due respect, then, you have no clue what you're talking about. If you're trying to teach your kid about civilized behavior, a Bills game is the LAST place you should take them. Best piece of advice I ever got from a boss came after he offered me a transfer. His words of wisdom were "sometimes you'll learn how to do things from someone and sometimes you'll learn how not to do them." That said...I probably wouldn't take an 8 year old either. Edited August 27, 2011 by Beerball
Bill from NYC Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 If you're trying to teach your kid about civilized behavior, a Bills game is the LAST place you should take them. You mean because of the life threatening violence on every play? Drunks are already escorted out of the stadium. Now, they will be joined by cigarette smokers who light up out of the walls of the stadium. And, hypocrisy abounds (not referring to you Joe). The Bills SELL 24 ounce beers to drunks. They stop at halftime? So what. People just stock up before the half. Drunks can find a way to get plastered. Brandon is am embarrassment. He is a self rightous loser who did nothing but harm this team. He would be better suited to be a shift manager at Burger King. The sooner they fire this pompous p&$%k, the happier I will be. As far as I am concerned, he can shove his slogan up his a$$.
I_want_2_BILL_Lieve Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 The first question is a tough one; I think it's what this whole thread is exploring. I don't know where the line is drawn, but if it's drawn towards turning the stadium into a Chuck-E-Cheese, I'm against it. (If it's drawn towards turning the stadium into the infield at the Preakness, I'm also against it.) The second question: because high school games are about kids. Kids learning to play a game, kids learning teamwork, kids learning how to socialize with one another in the stands. The atmosphere is different, too. Ever been to a pro game where the whole crowd is chanting "@ss-hoooooole, @ass-hoooole" at a player or a ref? Can you imagine that at a high school game? I know the principal of my high school would have had a conniption if we had done that; probably would have made the next home game closed to non-players. But somehow it seems totally appropriate when directed towards Bryan Cox, you know? Again, we share a lot in common here. I don't expect any sporting event to be a Chuck_E_Cheese. And I know you have stated you're against the fighting, etc. But for your second answer, where did we (all) go wrong then? If we are trying to teach "how to socialize with one another in the stands", how do we explain our hypocrisy from one event to another. How can we enjoy a family atmosphere on Saturday, but feel the need to act poorly on Sunday? Why doesn't everything you say about a HS game apply to any pro game? I think if I went to a game with my daughter, I'd be fine with you sitting near me. I also think your principal taught you more than you realize. (And yeah, Cox was ... well... aptly named.)
Fingon Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 So parents should have to explain why some moron is drunkenly trying to fight a security guard because he has been drinking since 9 am and his team is losing? "Well Johhhy, he obviously makes bad life decisions." What does some drunk fighting a security guard have to do with people screaming in jubilation when something good happens? Go almost anywhere else in the world and people will be shocked to hear how prude and backward Americans are when it comes to sex/profanity. It's absolutely hilarious that people have no problem bringing their kids to a brutal and violent game, yet get offended if someone uses the F word.
Amstel Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 I have to say, No one should have to worry about bringing their kids to an NFL game. That said just use your judgement- be aware of who's sitting around you are there kids? Same thing tailgating be aware of who's around you.
LabattBlue Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 I've been to 6 stadiums to see the Bills play, and nowhere is as bad as the Ralph in terms of treatment of opposing fans, out of control tailgaters, etc... I give the Bills credit for the things they are attempting to do in terms of controlling the knuckleheads, but as long as people have 4-6 hours of drinking time before the games, the worst behavior is not going to stop.
Mike In Illinois Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 What if my mom is Mama Pecoraro? According to her latest commercial, she's apparently out doing kegstands at frat parties in Buffalo (while dad's looking for a toga). How can I make her proud?
BillsFanM.D. Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Nope. Does it matter? All of this "family friendly" nonsense is about parents not wanting to explain things to their children... not any damage it will do to little Johnny. Come on. Family friendly is one thing but I'm 40 yrs old. I don't need anybody throwing up in the seat next to me and to be frank, I get sick of hearing the F word every three minutes. A few posters have already touched on this but it bears repeating. This is about decent civility. It should exist in most phases of society and I would include an NFL game in that spectrum. Explaining things to my kids is fine and I've used the "that's how you shouldn't act" speech myself. I have no concerns 'being a parent' to my own kids. We all know, however, that parents want to minimize exposure if they can. Before you say 'stay at home', read above. Decent civility should exist in public. I never said don't drink, don't have fun, don't scream. Heck, if you let loose an F bomb...be a 'man' and apologize to the 8 year old in front of you. Teach him how to be a 'real man.' Or is being a 'real man' swearing all the time and being completely rude (language is often the least of the concerns) to everyone around you? Besides, staying at home saves the parent no trouble. At home watching games on TV, I have to explain to my kids what a 'satisfying sexual experience' is or what 'an erection lasting four hours' is. Go Levitra commercials! thanks for that NFL. Bigger problem is we have a society of "me" instead of "we." The Bills shouldn't have to police this garbage...act your age. Please enlighten me how it's cool/justifiable to drop the F bomb repeatedly in front of kids?? For folks who are adamant against any call for decency, I have one question: Is getting drunk and acting like an ass to other people really that critical to the 'experience' on an NFL game? No problem with brews but we all know there are 'nice' drunks and 'angry' drunks. Essentially, there are people who are aware/responsive to people and those that are full on "It's my game, my ticket, my puke and my seat and you can go somewhere else." Pure selfish behavior.
benderbender Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 When they stop showing beer and hard liquor commericals during televised games, employing scantly dressed gyrating cheerleaders, and aggressively advertising erectile dysfunction medication, I'll believe its a family friendly sport.
miserable_fan Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Although I feel somewhat guilty for this, I have a sense of pride that our fans are notorious for being rowdy and vulgar. I love hearing other players saying how intimidating it is to play in the Ralph. One of the very few advantages the Bills have in the NFL is the fans. We make it hell for opposing players. Bring your children at your own discretion. In a sport where home field advantage is so important, I don't think we should be catering to children and encouraged to "make mom proud". I know I'm going to get flamed for this post. But I love our notoriety for being drunk, football-crazed fans.
flomoe Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 Let me preface this by saying that there is no rational explanation for the behavior that we have seen at the stadium over the last decade. BUT, I feel that alot of the poor behavior and frustration we have seen is a direct result of the product on the field. It's a bit two-fold, you have a higher number of youngins that act like they can do anything they want because it's a football game which is most likely a result of the older folk not buying tickets to see such a poor product produced by management and owner. I had season tickets in my younger (early 20's to early 30's) days from '85 to '96 and the crowd was much more into the actual game. Sure there was a considerable amount of partying going on but everyone, for the most part, was considerate to one another. I don't know if it's a result of society and everyones lack of personal responsibility or if it's just frustration of what we have seen on the field. I am sure there are several factors contributing to the behavior we have seen, including a much larger number of foreigners going to the games and acting like they can do anything because they are from another country. Sorry to the Canadiens that act like humans there.
Bill from NYC Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 When they stop showing beer and hard liquor commericals during televised games, employing scantly dressed gyrating cheerleaders, and aggressively advertising erectile dysfunction medication, I'll believe its a family friendly sport. Thank you.
SageAgainstTheMachine Posted August 27, 2011 Posted August 27, 2011 (edited) Although I feel somewhat guilty for this, I have a sense of pride that our fans are notorious for being rowdy and vulgar. I love hearing other players saying how intimidating it is to play in the Ralph. One of the very few advantages the Bills have in the NFL is the fans. We make it hell for opposing players. Bring your children at your own discretion. In a sport where home field advantage is so important, I don't think we should be catering to children and encouraged to "make mom proud". I know I'm going to get flamed for this post. But I love our notoriety for being drunk, football-crazed fans. Here's the thing, though...the opposing players only hear general noise levels, not specific words. Yelling "FREE NECK TIES IN THE LOBBY AFTER THE COMPLIMENTARY POTATO SALAD!" has about the same effect as yelling "!@#$ YOU, YOU kitty !@#$ !@#$ DICKBAG!!!" So how does swearing increase the intimidation factor? In fact, the best way to make noise on a big play for the opposing team is to pound on the seats and bleachers. And kids LOVE doing that. Family friendly doesn't mean placid. It just means not out of control. Edited August 27, 2011 by SageAgainstTheMachine
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