Saharsh Week 3: Dub Nation
My room as of 9/22/2026
I might know nothing about someone, but if they watch basketball we have something to talk about. All I need to know is their favorite team and I could spend an entire conversation arguing about players or teams. Sports has almost become another language to me, and I learned this ‘language’ growing up watching the Golden State Warriors.
Sports has become a major part of my identity: you can’t go to a place without me talking about sports. Growing up watching the Warriors gave me something to look forward to and connect with other people over. As I watched the team through their first championship run in 2015 to the depths of the 2020 season with Eric Paschall as our starting small forward, I developed opinions (with the large influence of YouTube creator Flight) which became conversations that turned into a way for people to know me. Even the way I describe the Warriors shows that connection—when the Warriors win a game I say “we won,” like I had done anything watching the game on my computer. A study done by Oxford researchers found that fans of soccer often feel physical stress while watching a game.
This past winter, I visited Europe and went to Scotland during my trip. On a train, I passed an older man on the way to the bathroom and noticed a soccer scarf on his neck. I didn’t know the team, so I asked him about it. That one question turned into a conversation that lasted around fifty minutes; we started with soccer, and eventually moved on to food, and he told my family that if we ever decided to come back to Scotland we should come over and try some of his wife’s cooking.
I had started the train ride knowing nothing about him, and by the end I had an invitation to his home. That really shows why sports give people a shared language before they even know each other. The smallest things can turn into a conversation and keep people talking—no matter who they are and what background they come from.
Watching the Warriors and other sports teams helped shape part of me and will continue to play an integral part in my life through my conversations, how I carry myself, and who I associate with.
Saharsh, first of all your room is insane. I know nothing about the Warriors, but their color scheme is lovely. How long have you had that design up for?
ReplyDeleteAs for basketball, I know virtually nothing about the sport. However, I appreciate the connection that it gives between total strangers, and that is something I can relate to.
I have this phone case that is filled with vibrant watercolor flowers from an album made by one of my favorite artists, Adrianna Lenker. I bought that album specifically because I lose my phone constantly, and I needed something bright so I could find it.
There have been multiple occasions in which I have sat next to a stranger, and they complimented my case, saying that they love Adrianna’s music too. It’s funny how small things can connect so many people in so many different ways.
It was interesting learning more about you, and I look forward to seeing your future blogs!
Immediately, your photo caught my eye! I cannot believe you basically have a life-size picture of Steph Curry in your bedroom.
ReplyDeleteI can really tell how significant of an impact sports has made on your life. Although I never had a personal relationship with them, until starting track last spring, it is truly beautiful to hear about your deep passion and adoration for it. Growing up, I always mocked sports, not understanding how a game can put people in a trance for 2-3 hours. However, at my first track meet, I could understand and relate to the intense emotions and adrenaline that rush through your body when someone from our school is in the lead!
Also, I definitely believe that you deserve to say “we” when the Warriors win the game if you have been watching them since 2015!
Additionally, the personal anecdote you share about the man from Scotland is incredibly heartwarming! It really shows how one can build a community no matter where in the world they are, all it takes is one interest for a spark to build and grow.
Besides the Warriors, who is your second favorite team? Have you ever been to a real, professional game?
Hello Saharsh! Your post resonates with me as another fan of the Warriors! I feel like your commentary on how sports teams can really easily connect you to a community, and break the ice with strangers (as given by your example) really encapsulates my personal number 1 reason for watching sports. For many people including myself, finding like-minded people completely independent of your current social circle can be difficult, and something as easy to follow as sports serves as a critical ice breaker. It is things like striking up conversations with strangers and bonding over years of shared history, that is hard to replicate through other hobbies where people progress at their independent pace. Overall, your blog was a favorite for me as a warriors fan, and I am curious how you interact with sports culture? I look forward to future blogs!
ReplyDeleteSaharsh - I can’t help but notice those paintings. Nice work with color theory! Regarding sports, I also find that I get really invested with spectating. Although we don’t really watch the same sports, I totally get the craze behind soccer. (Especially in the UK… have you seen the football game chants? It’s insane!)
ReplyDeleteWhen I watch recordings of swim competitions, I also feel a strong sense of personal stress for the athlete I am watching, almost as if I were their coach! But that is what makes sports fun, no? The spice in a field of bland, the heavy breathing after a hard victory, the change of attitude after overcoming the dominant team, and the flood of adrenaline after securing that championship trophy; it's what makes life fun.
Sports gives the fans something to look forward to everyday for the athletes and at least a couple times per week for the fans, and for that, I totally resonate with your view on athletics.