Why is Booing considered awful?

[weaverswonders6]

The conversation on booing your own team seems to always illicit strong responses and is one I was having with friends last night over drinks. I may be in the minority here, but why is booing considered so bad? I haven't booed at a game before (and I'm really not sure I ever would), but I don't fault those people at Assembly Hall that wish to voice their frustrations in this manner. To be clear, I am only talking about Booing - not throwing stuff, yelling obscenities, vulgar degradement, etc...those types of actions shouldn't be justified ever.

It costs a great deal to go to a game. From the cost of travel, gas, parking, to the general admission prices, food while I am there, and any team swag I want to purchase, it's very easy for one game at the Hall to cost hundreds of dollars per person. The people spending this money are expected to cheer their team on, clap, stand up, etc...when the team is doing well and playing their hearts out. And it's fun to do so. As Yogi's mom put it in her post, it's entertainment. However, when that entertainment stops being fun because the team you adore isn't playing with any heart, energy, or desire and we are getting our butts stomped, why can't you voice your displeasure? As one ESPN article put it, you are "buying the right to literally voice your opinion within earshot of the overpaid underachievers who deny you your bragging rights and disgrace the good name of your city and team."

It's an old debate, but I'm curious if most find it disgraceful. I think someone can be an enormous fan, supporter, etc...of a team, but still voice their displeasure when the team they love doesn't perform to the standards they're expected to. I'm not talking about wins and losses here either. Sure, our W/L record is about where pre-season experts picked it. I think everyone can agree the team played with little to no heart against Iowa.

Some will say booing helps nothing. It hurts the cause. The players already know they messed up, so you are adding insult to injury. However, isn't the booing a method for voicing your displeasure to the administration as well? Lord knows picking up the phone and calling Fred Glass won't accomplish much. However, when he's in the Hall for a game and sees large sections half empty, hears the boo birds calling when the team is underperforming, do you believe that influences his decisions at all?

[JSHoosier]

I don't think the players should be booed, and even though I think the booing is directed toward Crean I don't expect them to know that.  When there is a substandard product on the floor there's is a definite chance of booing, my only real issue is that players probably think it's directed at them even if it isn't.

[weaverswonders6]

I don't think the players should be booed, and even though I think the booing is directed toward Crean I don't expect them to know that.  When there is a substandard product on the floor there's is a definite chance of booing, my only real issue is that players probably think it's directed at them even if it isn't.

They are young men that are largely revered as idols more often than not around campus and enjoy certain "perks" most people will never experience. Shouldn't they also feel the opposite if/when they perform poorly? They get hoisted on shoulders of teammates and paraded around campus when they hit a game winner, so what's wrong with booing if they don't?

[Hoosier Roots]

They are young men that are largely revered as idols more often than not around campus and enjoy certain "perks" most people will never experience. Shouldn't they also feel the opposite if/when they perform poorly? They get hoisted on shoulders of teammates and paraded around campus when they hit a game winner, so what's wrong with booing if they don't?

it's just not helping anyone. Crean and Glass already know how some of us feel about the program. The players shouldn't have to play in an environment where their main motivation for playing good at home is not getting boo'd.

[biteoftheapple]

How do you feel when you are grossly disrespected?

[weaverswonders6]

How do you feel when you are grossly disrespected?

Depends on whether or not it's deserved.  When I muck it up at work and know I didn't give it my best, I gladly take any criticism that's thrown my way and work to reverse what I caused.  Do you honestly believe the effort given in the game against Iowa deserved cheering, people staying the whole game, etc...?  How is voicing your displeasure considered disrespect?  Again, I'm not talking about the people chanting for Brad Stevens, screaming vulgar slurs, etc...I'm talking about just straight booing to voice your displeasure

[rodmilbourn]

Look folks. I will address this as a parent. If IU is really YOUR team, u SUPPORT them when they are great and when they struggle. Period. Maybe trying a little more positive vocal activity may bring them around. Negativity never encourages nor cultivates. Parents? Would you boo your kids? I doubt it. Take ownership of this team and not just when they do well. GO IU. LETS DO THIS!!

[LazOffTheBench]

It's a "be true to your school" thing. Booing is not part of being a loyal fan. IMO. You can express your displeasure in other ways like posting Hitler videos making fun of Crean. That always works.

[weaverswonders6]

Well for those that are adamantly opposed to booing, are you fine with people leaving the game early?  Would you not consider it just as disrespectful to have the team playing in a largely empty arena before the game is even over?

[TrueHoosier62]

If the players are so thin skinned that they're emotionally shattered upon hearing boos, OR vulgar obscenities, then they're got bigger problems than shoddy play on the court. Ditto for any coach who can't take the heat. Have we really gotten to a point in our society where negative messages and pronouncements must be censored or eliminated; the person fired or banned because

those on the other side of an argument are so insecure in their person, so sensitive in their mind that they cannot deal with criticism or fiery debate? I find the same problem in the workplace and in forums like this one. Debate is stifled or stunted when someone, towards whom the offensive post was not even intended, takes exception to it's wording. I worked for a company years ago where we each took up residence in those lovely little things called "cubicles". There was a woman who's cubicle wasn't within 15 feet of mine, but she overheard a private conversation I was having with my wife. I was eventually called in to the office, then HR, because I'd used the word "babe" in a sentence. Over the phone. With my wife! I didn't get written up, but was told to refrain from such language, as "Winifred thought it belittling of women". People really need to grow up, grow a pair, and only worry about opinions when they happen to be the actual recipient of such criticism. Just my opinion.

[jmsgws]

I have no problem booing professionals.   These guys are not professionals.  I think being silent is more than enough to show your displeasure for bad play for college players.  
 

[shortspacequickness]

Anyone who actually boos, towards the coach or players, is a sad person. What does it accomplish besides nothing? There's only one way to make an impact. Don't go.

Acting like an idiot just exposes you.

[TrueHoosier62]

Anyone who actually boos, towards the coach or players, is a sad person. What does it accomplish besides nothing? There's only one way to make an impact. Don't go.

Acting like an idiot just exposes you.

Not once have I ever exposed myself at an IU game. :lol:

[HoosierReb01]

The idea that positive reinforcement for lack of effort or shoddy work is going to help doesn't fly with me. It would be ridiculous to boo them just because they lost, but just as ridiculous to cheer them when they are not even putting effort out there. And while negativity may not help anything, a parent should point out where a child's poor habits have created a negative. It's about the attitude, approach and wording you use to convey the message, not about whether it points out to them the cause and effects of their actions.

[Alford Bailey]

These young men ( no they are not kids anymore) arent stupid. They know the booing is aimed towards Crean. The players need to take it as a life lesson. Cause in the real world, which they are about to find themselves, when you fail to perform your probably not gonna get booed you will just get your butt fired.

[HoosierHoops1]

We're such a bunch of tough internet guys. SMH...

 

 

 

 

I'll add: Winifred is an idiot!

[TrueHoosier62]

We're such a bunch of tough internet guys. SMH...

 

 

 

 

I'll add: Winifred is an idiot!

Yes, she was. I'll never forget that day as long as I live. If you're old enough to remember the show, this lady was the spitting image of "Maude", including her attire.

[jmsgws]

These young men ( no they are not kids anymore) arent stupid. They know the booing is aimed towards Crean. The players need to take it as a life lesson. Cause in the real world, which they are about to find themselves, when you fail to perform your probably not gonna get booed you will just get your butt fired.

I agree with all but your 2nd sentence.  

Especially when it is happening, they do not know that.  

[MadAboutIndiana]

I hope you just made a typo, and didn't actually mean to refer to some of us as "pasty" banner-head fans as a form of derision. And by "pasty", I assume you mean old, white, Bob Knight lovin', national championship flag wavin', bologna sandwich eating, coke drinking, rowdy IU fans; yes? Come to think of it, I should thank you, if that's what you meant. I'm all of those things. Not sure how others here might take that though. Some of them probably don't like bologna.

I'm talking about the ones who boo coach and players at the home games. You know the ones.

[KB0]

I'm talking about the ones who boo coach and players at the home games. You know the ones.

 

Can I ask what is wrong with booing a coach at a game? You could make an argument for not booing the collegiate players, but what makes a coach untouchable?