Regarding the TA's "Stand up for the Timbers" chant, an effort that seemed mainly targeted at the money seats on the east side, I would like to share one Timbers fan's view; For me (who stands most of the time on the west side), it was disappointing to hear you spend your energy that way. Most people do not respond well to being told what to do, and you aren't going to win many converts with that approach. Individuals conduct themselves in ways they are comfortable with. If people want to stand, they'll stand. If not, they should be left alone. The fact that they bought tickets and showed up is all we need to know. Again, this is just my opinion. I have been a season ticket holder since moving here in 2008, and the TA's energy is a big part of what I love about game day. It is difficult for me to criticize anything about you, but I think the "Stand Up" chant, well-intended though it may be, should be put to rest.
It's an open invitation for the entire stadium to stand up for the Rose City. I don't see the problem with it.
You are really thinking to much about it. Is anyone holding a gun to head forcing you to stand up? No, at worse the other side fans want to get the crowd louder. You thinking that its something people might not like really doesn't matter. Everything I have gather is that its a pick me up chant and not a degrading chant, which are completely different. I really never though I would hear someone complain about their own fans chanting to have the other side to stand up. A famous American once said that "at sometime, somewhere whatever you say will offend someone no matter what it is." How would you get the other side to stand up and cheer for their team? Hand out a bipartisan flier? Maybe your fans shouldn't chant at all, you don't want to put anyone off. Everyone sit still don't move and don't get excited. You have to agree this is somewhat silly.
Perhaps that is how some or even most intend it. However, it came across to me as more of a command, especially when accompanied by gesturing towards certain sections.
Uh, no, I don't have to agree. Just like I don't have to stand up. If you need everyone to toe a line, go to church. Or maybe move to a place where independent thought and action is not respected, such as China or North Korea. Standing is great. I stand most of the time. But I don't desire or feel compelled to stand and sing for two hours, and don't want or need the TA telling me to do so. Does that make me a bad Timbers fan?
It's cool if you people don't wanna stand, like somebody already said, it's an open invitation. The China and N Korea blast is really not necesary bro, don't stand if you don't want to
It's an invitation to stand up and support the boys as they come out at the beginning of the game or the second half... and it works.
I stood in the north end for the full 90 and I thought that the pointing at the west side during this chant was pretty distasteful. I don't mind the chant in general (in previous years it always happened prior to the game and just before the 2nd half), but picking on a particular section strikes me as over the line.
Hey supporters, stop trying to get the crowd to invest themselves in creating a better atmosphere and inspiring the team to play beyond their abilities. I only take my orders from "trail cats" and organ music.
I sympathize so very little with fans that can't manage to stand for 90 *gasp* minutes at a sporting event. That said, I didn't think the chant worked very well at all, which is absolutely pathetic and the fact that a fellow Timbers fan would then come on this forum and whine about it is disturbing.
I think it is a good idea, particularly considering all the new folks who are attending matches for the first time, I thought of it as an invatation to them, to get involved and be part of it. Having said that, it did not seem to accomplish much.
Absolutely pathetic? Whining? Disturbing? Do drama much? Nobody asked for your sympathy; however, I just PM'd you a pic of my bare bottom that you can spank at your leisure.
I think some of you are missing the point. People who aren't in the TA, aren't in the TA for a variety of reasons, but that does not mean they aren't Timbers fans, and they should not be targeted because the TA doesn't agree with how they choose to support the team, even if it's just buying an expensive ticket and sitting on their asses for 90 minutes while someone brings them drinks. And, no, it did not come across as an "invitation". Along with the pointing, it came across as an attempt to brow-beat other Timbers fans into doing what the TA wanted at that moment. What seems to get lost in this conversation is that I think 99.9% of what the TA does is awesome for the team and other fans in attendance. You guys deserve most of the credit for creating a great atmosphere. This is one small criticism. If you disagree with what I am saying, then keep on doing it. But I think there are many who think it comes across poorly. Maybe that's why so many of them ignored it.
They're having the same discussion over on the Talk Timbers board, but they're managing to do so while mostly showing each other respect. I'm really happy that most of them didn't show the kind of attitude in evidence here by R.C.T.I.D. Let's try not to turn other Timbers fans into the enemy, ok? If we want an enemy we have one conveniently located 170 miles north of here.
This thread is becoming increasingly pathethic but here are a few random thoughts -Some of us would like to stand but can't unless everyone else in the section is standing lest we be pelted with empty cups and contraband beer bottle tops. - people who judge other people's choices about how to experience a game that those people paid money to watch are assholes. -people who questions someone's fandom because of those choices are also assholes. -people who get insulted when the freakin' supporters group tries to get them to stand and sing should feel fortunate that they have no real problems in their lives thus giving them mental energy to waste on being upset by a SG doing SG things. - If you want to point fingers, point at the east side Key Bank crowd - from my vantage point they appeared much quieter than the west side.
"FOR THE ROSE CITY... please, if you're so inclined and it doesn't hurt your sensibilities, and this is only an invitation not a demand, and you can sit down in a couple minutes if you want to... STAND UP." Such a nice ring to that chant, yeah?
That sounds like a passive aggressive attempt to belittle me. I am now offended. I am formally challenging you to a duel, next home game, 100 minutes before fist kick, meet me at 107 row O. En Garde!
I think the pointing started when the chant appeared to work a little bit on the sections nearer to the North End. Then the chanters gained some steam and perhaps chose to point at the next sections, hoping to have a similar effect on them. Maybe it was a bit too much enthusiasm, but I wouldn't say it was in poor taste or any sort of an attack on anyone's support for the team. I mean, this was opening weekend.
Some of the responses this topic has gotten remind me of those from religious sheeple that encounter a doubt or question about the dogma their identity and sense of self worth depend upon. My suggestion is to focus all efforts during the match on supporting our team and intimidating the opponent, not on Timbers fans that aren't energetic enough for us. If this suggestion bothers some of you, as it clearly does, maybe a psychiatrist can help you understand why.
That chant is one of the oldest chants in the TA's repertoire. It was started back when there were about 20 people standing in the northend. Imagine what the TA would look like today if we hadn't asked others to stand up. Now that I think about it, it's probably the most important chant in Cascade Rangers/TA history.