Why Everyone I Know Hates the Patriots
Story by Charisse Domingo

For some, Superbowl Sunday was just a football game of technique, prowess and power.   Maybe even winning some money.   But as much as people can say it's just a game, this Superbowl wasn't.   More than just going for the Philadelphia Eagles, this Superbowl was more about hating the Patriots and everything they represented: this indestructible, unshakeable, things-come-easy, play by the rules, powers that be that rule your life.

I growled with disgust when I saw the Patriots raise and kiss the Lombardi trophy last Superbowl Sunday.   Here they were 2005 Superbowl Champs, the third time in four years, whose win launched them into Legend territory, along with the Broncos, the 49ers, and the Redskins.   I almost puked the onion dip, chips, and salsa I had been eating all afternoon when the Patriots owner said, “We worked hard all year.   This is what competition and hard work is all about,” blah blah. “And this is what makes our country great!”   Cheers erupted in the stands. I could hardly stand it.   I'd rather watch reruns of Ashlee Simpson.

You know the feeling.   Last Tuesday night at a circle among friends in San Jose, everyone shared that feeling of hating the Patriots. One guy even was gritting his teeth, shaking his head, bouncing his knee, all at the same time. Thought we might have to do some intervention.

Truth be told, a lot of folks would've probably gone for whoever was against the Patriots, but to have Donovan and the Eagles be the ones to do it was especially sweet.   Why?   Cuz Donovan is society's underdog's Man. If he can lead the Eagles in taking down the empire, then you felt like you can do it too.

They were like the kids that once lived in your neighborhood and are doing something good in the world, and at this big game, you'd wanna think they're doing it for the hood, for you, for your mama.   If anything, just to say we can beat the powers that be. Even my boyfriend said he knew he'd walk in to work feeling different the next day if the Eagles won.   I knew that my friends would, people at work, would walk in feeling like “Yeah, we did it.” I imagined us slapping hi-fives, doing touchdown dances, throwing the big jug of Gatorade on the nice boss -- all in slow-motion.

But nah, the last thirty seconds of the game, when the Eagles were down three points and could've gotten into good field position to at least tie the game, every ounce of me was begging, Please Donovan!   Please make it! Give the ball to T-O!

In my mind, it's like I was holding hands with everyone in the hood.   But then as the clock ran out, when the Patriots intercepted the pass, there went the feeling of loss sinking down into my stomach. Dang, they couldn't even just let us hold the ball one last time.

Man.   It's like when Bush was re-elected.   Kerry's no McNabb, and not even close, but what was symbolic of this Superbowl was the struggle of our people at this particular moment in history -- the working your way to the one, momentous battle with the powers that be, only to be slapped back into your cage and put back in your place. We struggle against issues in life that pile us down personally and in our communities: police killings, budget cuts, working at low wages, toxic waste plants, gentrification.   The last ten years, so many laws and policies have been taking us down.   We've lost victories that our elders have won.   As a generation, we don't know what it's like to win.