Fans substitute profanity in new chant

By Li Ying Source:Global Times Published: 2012-12-9 21:10:04

 

Illustration: Liu Rui
Illustration: Liu Rui

Every Chinese basketball fan knows Su Wei's name, but the 2.12-meter star of Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) club the Guangdong Southern Tigers no doubt wishes he was a household name for other reasons. Su, 23, had to seek counseling from a psychologist earlier this month after his name became part of a condescending chant among sports fans.

His nightmare began in November when the latest CBA season kicked off. Chants of "huan Su Wei" (literally "substitute Su Wei") have been heard at basketball games around China when fans boo rival teams. Even in an NBA match between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in June, several Chinese fans were found holding a banner of "huan Su Wei" on the stands.

The three words have become a national slogan on the court. Fans seem to have replaced their old, profanity-laced insults with one that, on the surface, appears harmless.

Cries of "huan Sui Wei" were first heard during Game 4 of the 2012 CBA finals when the Beijing Ducks hosted the Tigers. Before the game, Su became Beijing fans' enemy due to an infamous expletive-filled tirade he unleashed on Ducks captain Stephon Marbury in Game 1. After this, Beijing fans booed Su when he was substituted for his poor performance in Game 4.

The CBA issued a ban on jingma ("Beijing curses") during the finals, which prompted fans to embrace "huan Su Wei" as a replacement to jeer the Tigers. During the finals, the sarcastic chant created an electric atmosphere when shouted in unison by 18,000 fans, and helped seal the Ducks' maiden CBA championship.

As a former sports reporter, I have heard various jeers in different arenas. Curses in football and basketball matches can at times be filthier than spectators' seats.
The public has generally shown a positive attitude towards the slogan, even if it has forced Su himself to seek counseling for mental anguish.

Crowd chants are ingrained in sporting culture. By eliminating curse words, the CBA can create a more family-friendly atmosphere at matches and, through "huan Su Wei," could even lure "virtuous" basketball fans craving more than the dull cries of "jia you" ("come on") or "defense."

Beijingers see the slogan as testament to their street credentials, as it reflects their innovation and sense of humor. Basketball commentator Yang Yi even said devising such chants is a form of "Beijingers' self-recreation."

But Su has taken it seriously. Whenever TV cameras zoom in on him during CBA match broadcasts as his namesake chant echoes around the arena, he appears confused and helpless.

Some pity Su, saying it is unfair for him to suffer such mind games. Others argue that, as a professional athlete, he should have thicker skin and take criticism on the chin.

The latter advice has been offered by Li Yi, a retired  footballer who was mocked by fans throughout his playing career. Li was chastised for his conservative playing style that involved guarding the ball and dramatic feigning of injuries.

In a recent interview, Li confessed he spent a long time trying to conquer his mental demons during a struggle that ultimately made him a tougher sportsman. And he hopes Su can overcome it.

Perhaps the "huan Su Wei" chant shouldn't be debated in terms of being good or bad. Whether the CBA decides to crack down on such chants is at its discretion, but an explanation should be offered if it does get banned. It might even offer Su some closure.



Posted in: Basketball, Twocents-Opinion

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