lennox lewis-is he really british???

[raleights]

I don't get you guys of course it matters!

You act as if patriotism is a bad thing but sense of shared identity is what binds nations together.

If it wasn't for people feeling a sense of nationhood we would all just be one huge world country.

I admire Lennox Lewis as a boxer, and also respect him as a man but to me he just ain't British and whenever he fought a fellow Brit be it Mason, Bruno or whoever I was rooting heart and soul for the other guy.

It's not wrong for me to think this way, it's completely normal.

What is the point of all the seperate countries of the world entering world wide sporting events like the World Cup (soccer for you yanks) or the Olympics if nationality doesn't matter?

Your supposed to be proud of your country of origin and be a true patriot, especially when you consider that millions died in two world wars to defend that right.

Lennox Lewis is/was a fantastic boxer, the best of his generation, but his roots and heart arn't the UK so I'll never think of him as one of my own, and I'm completely comfortable to say that.

Why would you think of any fighter as your own? They have no idea you exist and probably wouldn't care even if you had a face to face, the relationship is very one-sided (despite what they may say about the fans). I see what your saying but it's still a primitive way of thinking, a level of blue collar I personally want no part of

And patriotism isn't a bad thing, but the extent people take it to is god aweful

Whats that Chris Rock said, oh yeah "Anyone who makes up their mind before they hear the issue is a fucking fool" - equate that to what we're talking about

A good man once said the times are a changing

[Kev]

I don't get you guys of course it matters!

You act as if patriotism is a bad thing but sense of shared identity is what binds nations together.

If it wasn't for people feeling a sense of nationhood we would all just be one huge world country.

I admire Lennox Lewis as a boxer, and also respect him as a man but to me he just ain't British and whenever he fought a fellow Brit be it Mason, Bruno or whoever I was rooting heart and soul for the other guy.

It's not wrong for me to think this way, it's completely normal.

What is the point of all the seperate countries of the world entering world wide sporting events like the World Cup (soccer for you yanks) or the Olympics if nationality doesn't matter?

Your supposed to be proud of your country of origin and be a true patriot, especially when you consider that millions died in two world wars to defend that right.

Lennox Lewis is/was a fantastic boxer, the best of his generation, but his roots and heart arn't the UK so I'll never think of him as one of my own, and I'm completely comfortable to say that.

Why would you think of any fighter as your own? They have no idea you exist and probably wouldn't care even if you had a face to face, the relationship is very one-sided (despite what they may say about the fans). I see what your saying but it's still a primitive way of thinking, a level of blue collar I personally want no part of

And patriotism isn't a bad thing, but the extent people take it to is god aweful

Whats that Chris Rock said, oh yeah "Anyone who makes up their mind before they hear the issue is a F****** fool" - equate that to what we're talking about

A good man once said the times are a changing

You have got come at this completely the wrong way. I support British fighters because they represent my country Britain.

If they win they win for Britain, the same way our soccer team does and our rugby and very rarely our cricket team. I support them because they are British and representing Britain not because I feel I have some kind of fantasy connection to them.

From where I'm sitting it's you who appears to select your favourite fighters based on sentiment. I don't know what nationality you are but I'm presuming American so take as an example Calvin Brock against Wladimir. Will you support Brock because he is American like you, or support Wlad because you like him better as a fighter?

If you say Wlad because you like him more, then what do you base that on? Seeing as you know neither apart from watching few prefight interviews and seeing a handful of their fights I'd day your rationale of choosing one over the other based on your subjective feelings of who is the best is actually quite absurd, as unless you know a boxer personally how can you possibly come to the conclusion that one is more deserving of your support than another?

To me my view makes a whole lot more sense. What I truly support is my country first and foremost, hence I will root for a British fighter over any other nationality any day of the week.

Having said that I still have sentimental favourites, Coralles for his heart, Pacman for his relentless all action style, etc but if Coralles ever steps into the ring with Ricky Hatton then you can bet your socks off that I will be shouting the Blue Moon anthem at my tv screen and cheering for my man Ricky to knock his ass out.

So you see, it has nothing to do with whether I like Ricky more than Diego as a fighter, or as a person, but everything to do with the fact that Ricky is waving my flag and if he wins it's another victory for Great Britain.

[raleights]

hehe like I said brother, vain primitive blue collar pride I want no part of - my worst nightmare is to be a sheeple (http://www.sheeple.net )

Yes I'm American, and I've been following Wladimir for a while and am a fan of his, solely because of ability not because of race or nationality - simply what he's capable of. Do I care for Calvin Brock? Not really as I don't like what I've seen, for me it's that simple, I don't let regional pride cloud my judgement.

Personally I don't know what to think about my country or the states it's in, so yes it's going to be a little harder for me to be up in arms about American fighters in the same manner you seem to be with British fighters. Also I don't think you've mentally reached a level that allows you to look past 'Britain this or Britain that'. America breeds that very same ignorance you're speaking of.

I was in a deli the other day and the guy taking my order was about 40 or so, and was working with 2 other individuals - one of them latino, the other italian. He speaks to both of these people in their native tongues without any problems whatsoever - and he was French..... Eventually I get around to asking this guy about how he speaks the different languages ect ect. According to him it's just the culture from where he's from, they're not taught to think 'America this or America that' like most of the people in this country are. So here I am this network administrator for an advertising firm and I feel so small compared to this guy whos making my sandwich. It made me realize thinking outside the box is important, and there's more to this world than just American and Britain.

Especially to a sport as universal as boxing, nationality should mean nothing. But on the otherhand, so much of boxing's success has been due to sheeples who support fighters who represent their homeland. Obviously I don't have the answers, but I can diagnos the problem

I'm definately not saying throw all national pride out the window, but don't let it consume you either. National pride has allowed you to like a shit song such as blue moon, is that not proof? kidding kidding

[Kev]

hehe like I said brother, vain primitive blue collar pride I want no part of - my worst nightmare is to be a sheeple (http://www.sheeple.net )

Yes I'm American, and I've been following Wladimir for a while and am a fan of his, solely because of ability not because of race or nationality - simply what he's capable of. Do I care for Calvin Brock? Not really as I don't like what I've seen, for me it's that simple, I don't let regional pride cloud my judgement.

Personally I don't know what to think about my country or the states it's in, so yes it's going to be a little harder for me to be up in arms about American fighters in the same manner you seem to be with British fighters. Also I don't think you've mentally reached a level that allows you to look past 'Britain this or Britain that'. America breeds that very same ignorance you're speaking of.

I was in a deli the other day and the guy taking my order was about 40 or so, and was working with 2 other individuals - one of them latino, the other italian. He speaks to both of these people in their native tongues without any problems whatsoever - and he was French..... Eventually I get around to asking this guy about how he speaks the different languages ect ect. According to him it's just the culture from where he's from, they're not taught to think 'America this or America that' like most of the people in this country are. So here I am this network administrator for an advertising firm and I feel so small compared to this guy whos making my sandwich. It made me realize thinking outside the box is important, and there's more to this world than just American and Britain.

Especially to a sport as universal as boxing, nationality should mean nothing. But on the otherhand, so much of boxing's success has been due to sheeples who support fighters who represent their homeland. Obviously I don't have the answers, but I can diagnos the problem

I'm definately not saying throw all national pride out the window, but don't let it consume you either. National pride has allowed you to like a S*** song such as blue moon, is that not proof? kidding kidding

I agree with some of what your saying but your taking it way too serious in my opinion.

I don't look at boxing or sport in general as a microcosm of the world at large, it's just my entertainment.

When a big fight is on and one of the guys is British, providing he doesn't come into my 3 criteria for contempt as mentioned above a) a cock b) Scottish c) Muslim then I'll be rooting for him.

You talk about regional pride clouding my judegment but I'm not deciding on which fighter I want to vote for to run my country, I'm just cheering for the hometown guy because if he wins it's another victory for Britain.

I don't see why it has to be more complicated than that?

If I want to discuss serious issues of race, politics and ethnicty I'll start posting on the BBC news website, I come here merely to talk smack about fighters and I watch boxing purely to see two guys kick the shat out of each other! :P

[VictorCharlie]

I'm a Texan and I have huge Texas and Southern pride b/c I love Texas and the South. I root for Texans, Southerners and Americans on a international level in all facets of atheletics because they represent my state/region/country so I understand regional and national pride. I wouldn't really consider Lennox British mainly b/c he fought in the Olympics for Canada and b/c I'm pretty sure he doesn't make the United Kingdom his permanent home.(correct if me I'm wrong) I kind of fine the sentiment that having regional pride and rooting for a fellow American/Texan/Brit etc as blue collar kind of insulting. First of all what about hard working people(blue collar) makes them close minded and ignorant(sheeples as you say)? You seem to have a bit of elitism about you. I'd advise you not to stereotype or underestimate the people who build our country by the sweat off their brow.

[Kev]

I'm a Texan and I have huge Texas and Southern pride b/c I love Texas and the South. I root for Texans, Southerners and Americans on a international level in all facets of atheletics because they represent my state/region/country so I understand regional and national pride. I wouldn't really consider Lennox British mainly b/c he fought in the Olympics for Canada and b/c I'm pretty sure he doesn't make the United Kingdom his permanent home.(correct if me I'm wrong) I kind of fine the sentiment that having regional pride and rooting for a fellow American/Texan/Brit etc as blue collar kind of insulting. First of all what about hard working people(blue collar) makes them close minded and ignorant(sheeples as you say)? You seem to have a bit of elitism about you. I'd advise you not to stereotype or underestimate the people who build our country by the sweat off their brow.

buddy my sentiments exactly.

Of course as a proud Brit I find the fact that I share the same values as a redneck rather sickening though

[raleights]

I'm a Texan and I have huge Texas and Southern pride b/c I love Texas and the South. I root for Texans, Southerners and Americans on a international level in all facets of atheletics because they represent my state/region/country so I understand regional and national pride. I wouldn't really consider Lennox British mainly b/c he fought in the Olympics for Canada and b/c I'm pretty sure he doesn't make the United Kingdom his permanent home.(correct if me I'm wrong) I kind of fine the sentiment that having regional pride and rooting for a fellow American/Texan/Brit etc as blue collar kind of insulting. First of all what about hard working people(blue collar) makes them close minded and ignorant(sheeples as you say)? You seem to have a bit of elitism about you. I'd advise you not to stereotype or underestimate the people who build our country by the sweat off their brow.

Nah I just happen to be from Texas and a blue collar background, and I'm running away from it as fast as I can

It's hard not to have this opinion when you're constantly surrounded by people don't even know why they believe what they believe, it's just how they were raised and it's their mindset doesn't question it for any reason (so yes sheeples). I can see having a bit of fun with it, but you literally can say the wrong thing about Texas football around the right people (which happends to be alot of people in this area) and they're ready for a confrentation. To me thats pathetic, and it's a standard on top of that.

So naturally when I see this same attitude torwards other things I tend to be vocal, no biggie. And after roofing for 3 years I can tell ya what the blue collar man does should be apreciated, but he's still ignorant. And when ya say you advise me not to say this or that, thats just another part of the narrow minded ignorance I speak of. Saying whats on your mind is important - and more than likely it offends people who aren't trying to understand whats being said

[BIG H]

i ask this cause iv never seen him acknowledge the british fans..now i know he was born in london and moved to canada when he was 7.learnt all his

11

[VictorCharlie]

Bilbo what do you define as a redneck? and why do you think I'm one?

[VictorCharlie]

I'm a Texan and I have huge Texas and Southern pride b/c I love Texas and the South. I root for Texans, Southerners and Americans on a international level in all facets of atheletics because they represent my state/region/country so I understand regional and national pride. I wouldn't really consider Lennox British mainly b/c he fought in the Olympics for Canada and b/c I'm pretty sure he doesn't make the United Kingdom his permanent home.(correct if me I'm wrong) I kind of fine the sentiment that having regional pride and rooting for a fellow American/Texan/Brit etc as blue collar kind of insulting. First of all what about hard working people(blue collar) makes them close minded and ignorant(sheeples as you say)? You seem to have a bit of elitism about you. I'd advise you not to stereotype or underestimate the people who build our country by the sweat off their brow.

Nah I just happen to be from Texas and a blue collar background, and I'm running away from it as fast as I can

It's hard not to have this opinion when you're constantly surrounded by people don't even know why they believe what they believe, it's just how they were raised and it's their mindset doesn't question it for any reason (so yes sheeples). I can see having a bit of fun with it, but you literally can say the wrong thing about Texas football around the right people (which happends to be alot of people in this area) and they're ready for a confrentation. To me thats pathetic, and it's a standard on top of that.

So naturally when I see this same attitude torwards other things I tend to be vocal, no biggie. And after roofing for 3 years I can tell ya what the blue collar man does should be apreciated, but he's still ignorant. And when ya say you advise me not to say this or that, thats just another part of the narrow minded ignorance I speak of. Saying whats on your mind is important - and more than likely it offends people who aren't trying to understand whats being said

honestly man you sound like self righteous, arrogant bigot.

[BIG H]

Get back on topic fellas - don't wanna have to move this

[Kev]

Bilbo what do you define as a redneck? and why do you think I'm one?

I'm just kidding mate, bit of banter seeing as we both agree that being patriotic is important.

:P

[raleights]

I'm a Texan and I have huge Texas and Southern pride b/c I love Texas and the South. I root for Texans, Southerners and Americans on a international level in all facets of atheletics because they represent my state/region/country so I understand regional and national pride. I wouldn't really consider Lennox British mainly b/c he fought in the Olympics for Canada and b/c I'm pretty sure he doesn't make the United Kingdom his permanent home.(correct if me I'm wrong) I kind of fine the sentiment that having regional pride and rooting for a fellow American/Texan/Brit etc as blue collar kind of insulting. First of all what about hard working people(blue collar) makes them close minded and ignorant(sheeples as you say)? You seem to have a bit of elitism about you. I'd advise you not to stereotype or underestimate the people who build our country by the sweat off their brow.

Nah I just happen to be from Texas and a blue collar background, and I'm running away from it as fast as I can

It's hard not to have this opinion when you're constantly surrounded by people don't even know why they believe what they believe, it's just how they were raised and it's their mindset doesn't question it for any reason (so yes sheeples). I can see having a bit of fun with it, but you literally can say the wrong thing about Texas football around the right people (which happends to be alot of people in this area) and they're ready for a confrentation. To me thats pathetic, and it's a standard on top of that.

So naturally when I see this same attitude torwards other things I tend to be vocal, no biggie. And after roofing for 3 years I can tell ya what the blue collar man does should be apreciated, but he's still ignorant. And when ya say you advise me not to say this or that, thats just another part of the narrow minded ignorance I speak of. Saying whats on your mind is important - and more than likely it offends people who aren't trying to understand whats being said

honestly man you sound like self righteous, arrogant bigot.

more along the lines of I think we're all shit

kinda like what Calzaghe said about Lacy! see I'm back on topic

[VictorCharlie]

Bilbo what do you define as a redneck? and why do you think I'm one?

I'm just kidding mate, bit of banter seeing as we both agree that being patriotic is important.

:P

I know bilbo I was just messing with you...Cheers mate! Or as us ignorant inbred rednecks says...Right on partner!

[raleights]

I guess this is how we fly Van