Altered memory, Alter identity: Fan identity and memory in English football
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Keywords: Memory, Sport, Nationalism, Identity
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract
Authors:
Michael Creed Hawkins, Kent State University
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Abstract
As we see the increase of corporatization in sports, we also see uncertainty in how a fandom interacts with the sport. With these changes, one of the most impacted parts of fandom has been the geographic aspect of fan tradition. Matchday tradition is often linked to memory and physical locations that hold memories for fans. But as the sport gains a larger global presence, fans perceive these memories and physical locations as being negatively affected by a change in the physical landscape of the area.
This presentation looks at the impact of the global corporatization of English football, and how fans have adapted their sense of place to physical locations associated with their regional identity. This often takes the form of matchday traditions for fans, including walking a certain route from their home to the stadium or passing by their elementary school. These places are important in the formation of fan memory and often play key roles in the formation of fan identity. These physical locations may not be associated with any football club but are important landmarks in the fan’s life. For this research, I use a series of interviews and observational data to analyze types of locations and memories that have lasting implications on memory.
Altered memory, Alter identity: Fan identity and memory in English football
Category
Paper Abstract