Generally Cricket...
After reviewing today's news it was clear, early on in the game, that cricket is what's on every one's mind. South Africans are stumped in fact, their expectations have proven long off the reality of the situation. Seems the Proteas are at a silly point in the block hole, and believe me, no one wants to be caught behind a block hole, or is it black hole?
Yes, a disappointing result in the game against Pakistan. Graeme Smith is defending himself and his team protesting their unofficial title as "chokers." It got me thinking, perhaps its the same for everyone playing on a world-class national side, if you win you're a hero, if you lose...you're a doos (do-os [Doo-uhs] noun derogatory name for people who disappoint you even though it actually probably has nothing to do with you, you didn't contribute to the solution and in most instances, you don't know what you're talking about. Origins: South Africa, used by South Africans, usually to disrespect their national sports teams).
Graeme's voice cracked a little this morning on the news as he played up optimism and played down defeat. Got me thinking about ole Jiminy Cricket. Remember him? The character in Pinocchio that opens the movie with the Disney song, "When you wish upon a star" and then waxes lyrically to the audience about being optimistic and he was a non-believer once too, until he met Pinocchio. Now, there are several holes in that theory, like J Cricket uses little liar boy as an example but despite that, I love the lesson. Regardless of the situation, the score, the game, a little optimism is the only way to play and wishing upon a star? Sure, the returns on investment aren't guaranteed but is there any other way to play?
All the "realists" (which is code for pessimist) put your hands up. You? You're a realist? Well here's another Pinocchio inspired lesson for you...Jiminy Cricket tells Pinocchio that when he needs some guidance he should whistle, illustrated in the appropriately named song "Give a Little Whistle." I know many of you are wondering what kind of advice is that but take it like this...when you or the Proteas are floundering...show your support, not your claws. If your neighbours cat died and they were in tears carrying the kitty corpse, you wouldn't drop kick the lifeless body and confirm cause of death as choking would you? No. You wouldn't.
So, here's my point, you want to know cricket, take a lesson from Jiminy Cricket. Even though Pinocchio dies in what you think is the end...but the Blue Fairy rewards Jiminy with a gold badge for "acting well as Pinocchio conscience" and brings Pinocchio back to life. Let it be a lesson to you "Protea supporters," go for the gold, support in the face of defeat and who knows...the Protea-occhio's might just come back to life. Look on the bright side, the odds are always 20/20.
Post a Comment