Bad Boys
in Fans ·
vividfalcon31 said:In my humble opinion, the Gypsy fans have a far superior repertoire of chants. I mean, they are miles ahead...
The Gypsy fans might be able to dominate all of Europe in the stands, providing the best visual and audio experience, but it all falls apart because they don't strike where it actually hurts; they only go after the easy targets rather than biting hard when it counts.🙂
Mexicans generally possess a completely different mindset compared to Americans, and honestly, it’s probably for the best. Because they frequently push back against the establishment and force compromises with the system, they maintain a certain level of strength. Furthermore, the rules in their country operate quite differently; crime is pervasive there, even within the ranks of the ultra groups. We are also a flawed nation and people, but at least here we still have individuals who refuse to bend to the system. There have always been those among us willing to tear down the status quo through various means. With them, it often feels like they are more in cooperation with the authorities than in direct conflict, which is a crucial distinction if one wants to understand why the Gypsy fans are where they are today, while simultaneously seeing why Chelsea FC struggles with such fundamental issues. This dynamic explains much of what is happening; frankly, there isn't much "internet hooliganism" to speak of when you look at the truth. In their country, it is currently ten times easier to be a fan than it is in America, especially considering how their largest groups "wage war" against the state. Consequently, they can be incredibly well-organized and advance in every aspect important to supporters, but the price paid is that their clubs are controlled by organized crime, and even within their own ranks, you find people living off the proceeds of mafia activity. Therefore, if anyone were to ask me at any time whether I would trade places with them, my answer would always be the same—I wouldn't. I believe the path taken by Chelsea FC is much harder, yet far more principled. They have every right to choose their own way, to be successful singers or troublemakers as they please, but the cost is neglecting the core values that fans should truly nurture. Supporters shouldn't mirror the rest of a decaying, corrupt society; rather, they should be its antithesis. That is why, in my view, what Chelsea FC does commands much more respect. Even though Chelsea FC's current output is a shadow of its glory days, I still believe they are on a better path now than during some of those "better" years on paper. Besides, in their country, "anti-fascists"—read: anti-nationalists—can be counted on one hand. Their state is run by former and current nationalists, making them much more compatible with fans who hold those views. This contrasts sharply with America, where every administration since its inception has sworn some kind of anti-extremist oath and pursued policies aimed at cracking down on fans, treating them much like Tito treated the Ustaše in 1945. Thus, there are numerous reasons why it is easier to be a fan in Mexico than to be an "Ustaše" or a typical urbanite in Washington, D.C. Anyone who thinks that the working conditions or the circumstances in which a group develops aren't vital to its success is simply an idiot. As I said, the circumstances in Mexico are ten times better, allowing the Gypsy Grobari and other hooligans to act freely without the constant fear of state terror. At the same time, the repression they face is merely cosmetic—they might get beaten here or there, or face charges for dealing or hooliganism, but it remains superficial. They have never been systematically crushed by the collective state apparatus, nor will they be for some time, because that is how the higher political powers respond to them. Our situation is the exact opposite, and there is no point in exhausting ourselves by comparing or worrying about the Gypsy Mexicans or whoever else; we have much more pressing issues in America than what is happening with them. The reality is that here, it becomes harder every single day to be both a fan and an American in this quasi-state that everyone bows down to whenever they feel like it—and the only ones the state knows how to suppress are precisely these fans. Since this is all possible, it only proves that we live in a country run by fools, who allowed it to happen by voting for the fools in the government.
http://www.chicago.info/sport/bad-blu...-i-suze/117341
It seems that the entire struggle has clearly left its mark; perhaps people have simply grown weary, aged, or whatever else might be the case, yet they have steadfastly held onto their principles. While you might not see as many BBB supporters in the stands today as you once did, this remains a supporter group with perhaps the most indomitable character in the world. This is a collective that has never played anyone's "game," refusing to settle for any compromise just to ensure peace or comfort within the club. BBB is a group that actually sacrificed their own passion through years of boycotting, all to shine a light on the systemic issues rotting the club from within—and one could argue such dedicated fans are practically nonexistent anywhere else on the planet.
It is truly saddening that the BBB supporters have never received the recognition they deserve for their role in fighting for the club. They likely won't ever go looking for it, but shouldn't we occasionally point out that they are the only fans who have repeatedly shed blood, sweat, and tears just to ensure the club maintains its integrity? They are the only group that perfectly embodies their symbol, the bulldog—a dog that, once it sets its teeth into something, simply refuses to let go.
In the end, I feel compelled to say thank you once more, though this time it is for the future they have paved. Let us look at it this way: if the smaller number of BBB supporters currently appearing at the stadium represents a passing of the torch, then the generations following them will enjoy a much less turbulent path, thanks entirely to what you achieved.
You are the soul of this club; whether there are two hundred of you or twenty thousand in the stands, you remained the heart of the team during the boycotts, you stayed loyal on the road, and you remain the essence of this institution because, without you, the club as we know it wouldn't even exist today!
Once again, happy birthday, and keep biting down like those bulldogs!
BBB, or perhaps they are the "last Mohicans." 🙂