The "WE" question

[outrunner]

I've been having a debate with someone about the use of the word "we" when refering to a team.

He argues that fans cannot say, "WE won our first bowl game", because WE the fans did not play. All we did was pay and watch. He also says that fans say "we" so that they can feel included and important.

I argue that when a team wins, it is for the University, and that we are all part of the University, therefore WE won the game. We are the 12th man. Yes the team won it on the field, but the University won.

I wanted to see what other people thought about it.

[72bull]

We = teams, fans or anyone who supports "our" school and its programs, IMHO.

[pops94]

Yes and no...

[windbane]

We = teams, fans or anyone who supports "our" school and its programs, IMHO.

agreed

[pops94]

If you are currently a student or faculty "we" is definitely applicable.  If you are a donor "we" would be applicable because you are an active stockholder.  I could break down all of the possible relationship answers to help you win the argument but I think you can formulate some correlation to make yourself part of the team.  

In summary since I would like you to win this argument "yes", congratulations you won the Papajohns.com bowl because "we" did.  Of course keep in mind there is no "I" in team so "we" might have won the bowl game but "the team" did so you didn't.

Was there a wager associated with this debate?  

[outrunner]

No wager, just an arguement.

[Don Toro]

I can't wait till WE play Auburn next year.

[Guest BasketBull.]

Here's the rule on that:

If the team does well (won, etc.), it's "we".

If the team does poorly, it's "they".

[outrunner]

Here's the rule on that:

If the team does well (won, etc.), it's "we".

If the team does poorly, it's "they".

I typically label those people fair-weather fans.

We suck at basketball.

We are going to have a good football team next season.

WE ARE THE BULLS.

[usfgrad84]

I always feel that as a student or an alumni of a University, you are always part of the school.  The team is representing the University therefore it's a we thing.

I would never say the same thing about any home town pro team though.