By John Chiara
Helper, Carbon County
I originally considered drafting a response to the comments made by a few students in regard to a 'reality check' for both BYU player and fans. I have, however, decided that this type of negative attitude and lack of loyalty is merely a symptom of a greater problem prevalent at this university.
It is more than a point of interest to note that I am not only from a small town in Utah (population 2,200), but also that both my parents and three of my siblings are BYU graduates. With this as my background, I have been witness to an interesting array of comments about the state, its people and the university.
Many BYU students who hail from more cosmopolitan places bemoan the fact that there is nothing to do in the state. There is also the common complaint about drivers, roads, weather and myriad characteristics that combine to make this a hardly tolerable place to live.
As a Utah native I have been offended and surprised by the comments directed at the people from Utah. During my freshman year I was so offended by one of my friends that I reminded him I was from Utah, and he replied that I didn't act like it. I have been congratulated on turning out so well despite growing up in a small town and told how I am an exception to the rule for Utahns. These attacks are not merely limited to Utahns but anyone who comes from a small town or a non-coastal state. The fact remains that most out of state BYU students know very few people who are from Utah and nearly all of those attend BYU. I wouldn't judge another state on the people from that place who are BYU students because it is not a fair representation.
Lastly, it seems that many students have come begrudgingly to BYU. They bring with them their affiliations with home and choose schools from home to champion. BYU fans are so fickle because they have no loyalty and no heart. For those who love that distant university, it may be best to transfer because you will always be BYU alumni.
My response to this problem is simple. If you don't like Utah, its people or the school, then go home. If it is so wonderful in the big city you call home, I am quite secure that there is a fantastic school there in which you can enroll. That feeling that you are inherently better because you grew up on a coast or in a big city is what is commonly referred as pride. I won't argue that I am better or that Utah is better, simply that you don't have to suffer. The diversity here is great, but the complaining and lack of spirit are disheartening. The decision is simple - cast off your pride and find some loyalty, or pack up and head for greener pastures.