AOL Instant Messenger is a huge part of my life. Basically, it
is my only social outlet, and I sit in front of the computer all
day checking friends’ away messages and buddy profiles.
I have found that Instant Messenger is a viable source for
political news and a good barometer for judging the social climate
of America. For example, I saw this away message on Tuesday:
“LAKER TIME. SPURS YOU SHOULD BE GREATFUL (sic) THAT YOU
GOT 2 GAMES. NOW BOW DOWN TO THE WEST COAST.” That let
me know that it was time for NBA playoff action!
I was first captivated by Instant Messenger as a freshman, with
the dorms’ high-speed internet connection keeping me
connected around the clock. And as the Sacramento Kings faced the
Lakers in the Western Conference finals last year, I wrote a column
that ripped the Kings and their fans. I recently re-read the column
and I have got to say that some of my barbs ““ like making fun
of the word “hella” ““ were a little petty. Making
fun of the word “hella” is like re-enacting a scene
from the latest Adam Sandler comedy for your friends. I’m
better than that.
But I’ve grown as a writer and as a human being, so
despite my Laker pride, I can keep myself in line around Kings
fans. And my, how things have changed for the two teams. After
a full plate of playoff basketball Tuesday night, both the Kings
and the Lakers aren’t looking too great.Â
As an aside, Mark Madsen went to my prom.
So, am I rooting for the Kings and the Lakers this evening? Not
exactly, but you won’t hear things like “Doug Christie
is the ugliest mammal ever” pass through my lips. See, I
figure with both teams trailing in their series 3-2, there should
be some solidarity.
Repeatedly on Tuesday, the power of IM gave me a unique
perspective of the intense rivalry I’m trying to defuse. The
following AIM conversation with Arizona sophomore Brandon Richman
took place before the Lakers’ tipoff.
BR: I WANT TO ACTUALLY GO TO A UCLA PARTY WHEN I GET BACK.
DM: Dude, take off caps lock.
BR: LOL
DM: Watching the Kings game?
BR: Nope
DM: Why not?
BR: I could care less. I’m getting ready for the Lakers
game.
Obviously the buildup to game-time Tuesday night was intense.
Away messages and buddy profiles were popping up left and right,
with allegiances stated clearly. One augmented profile read,
“I need to study for my final in Indian History tomorrow but
i also need to watch my Lakers (expletive) the Spurs up. What
should I do study Indians or watch the Lakers? Ummmm
LAKERS.”
Another read, “Lake show!!! Please believe!! Believe it
please!!! You gonna see champs pop out like arms on sleeveless
T’s!!”
That’s a beautiful simile.
As I sat down to watch the Lakers game, I already knew that the
Kings had been blown out. But that really didn’t comfort me
as I watched the Lakers lose a heartbreaker that should never have
been that close. Both teams clearly need some support.Â
“Right now I’m rooting for the Lakers because I want
to see them play the Kings again. Since both teams have to overcome
a one-game deficit, we do feel a kind of connection. The Lakers and
the Kings are fighting the same battle.”
Those words come from UCLA sophomore Carly Grovhoug, a die-hard
Kings fan. Wanna know how I know she’s a real fan?
I asked Carly whether she thought the tattoo of a baby Christie
has on his bicep looks like a freaky alien fetus and she replied,
“No, I think its very meaningful and I really admire his
appreciation for his family despite all of his stardom.”
After the Lakers beat the Kings last season to advance to the
NBA Championships, Carly and her friends shared a good cry together
and then got forties and decorated the brown bags with the slogan,
“2003 champions.”
If there is one thing Kings and Lakers fans can agree on
tonight, it’s a victory ““ because no one feels like
brown bagging it just yet.
Miller invented saying the AIM phrase “jk” out loud.
He swears. E-mail him at dmiller@media.ucla.edu.