Lombardi Gras

I was seriously offended yesterday by Andrew Perloff, a writer for Sports Illustrated, when he wrote the following ignorant comment in one of his articles:

“Brees and the Saints have bought into this emotional wave and it gave them an edge. But to honestly believe a sports team's success can have a sustainable positive effect on a community seems naïve. Not to dampen the party, but Brees efficiently running the Saints' offense has nothing to do with real urban renewal. How many people's lives is this really going to affect in a meaningful way for more than a few weeks?”

First of all, who do you think you are to shoot down the excitement and emotions that this brings to the people all along the gulf coast? This is the team they have been rooting for and dedicated to for 43 years despite them never having won a championship game. This momentous victory not only comes after a long awaited time and a period of devastation but also on a weekend where the city (black and white alike) have united to elect a new mayor who we hope will bring positive changes and during the first big weekend of Mardi Gras. It brings tears to my eyes when I remember how far things have come in 4 ½ years—from a place of utter devastation to this.

The Saints winning is so much more than just winning the Super Bowl, it symbolizes hope and pride and gives a sense of unity as we are all part of the “Who Dat Nation”. This unity is critical to the city’s continuing recovery. For example, I received this email today from school:

Faculty, Staff & Students,

With the Super Bowl victory in hand, New Orleans has reached this momentous point in its history and recovery. As a key part of this community UNO encourages you to participate in the celebration that has brought us all together like none before. For this reason, the University will be closing at 1PM today. All classes at all locations are cancelled and all are encouraged to go to the parade and take part by supporting the Saints in their victory that symbolizes how far New Orleans has come!

Check out this article for more details of the impact this is having on daily life here. Only in New Orleans can you call your boss to tell him you are not coming in to work and he replies with "Duh". Haha. The culture and atmosphere down here is like no other.