Teams

 Ramblings of a Retired Mind: Teams

Seers, prophets, tarot card readers, and various Chicken Littles have been predicting the end of civilization for generations. Every era seems to carry its own dire warnings. Why is that? It could be because there are always people who see the glass as half empty. But to me, the greatest threat we face isn’t a natural disaster or divine judgment—it’s our addiction to teams.

From the moment the first group of humans climbed down from the trees, we’ve divided ourselves—Team A versus Team B. It’s woven into our species' DNA. All of human history can be viewed through the lens of one team rising, only to fall to another, more cunning or better equipped. Tribes, nations, kingdoms, religions—civilizations have been built and broken over team rivalries. Even Darwin might just shrug and call it “survival of the fittest.” But I doubt the dinosaurs would’ve voted for Team Comet if they’d had a say.

From Tribe to Tailgate: Our Need to Belong

Our team mentality goes far beyond politics or national identity. It touches every corner of our daily lives. North vs. South. East vs. West. Red vs. Blue. Cubs vs. White Sox (don’t even bring that one up at Thanksgiving unless you're ready for mashed potatoes on the ceiling). In Montana, it’s Grizzlies vs. Bobcats—though I can already hear Team MSU asking why they weren’t listed first.

Even our snack and drink choices divide us: Pepsi vs. Coke. Bud vs. Coors. Fritos Original vs. Chili Cheese. Most of the time, these choices are harmless. But sometimes, team loyalty crosses into something darker—and far more dangerous.

A World Divided

In today's world, team fanaticism isn't just a nuisance—it's a threat. We are more divided than ever, split largely into two massive ideological camps. And the people caught in the middle, the ones trying to build bridges instead of walls, are the ones we should be listening to. But that’s hard to do when the loudest voices come from the extremes.

Thanks to the internet, volume has become a substitute for truth. Say something loudly and often enough, and it becomes “fact”—at least to one team. The Earth isn't flat. But try saying that to the Flat Earth Team without starting a war. The more we distort reality to fit team narratives, the more we lose sight of actual facts.

And now, with AI and digital tools that can alter voices, photos, and videos with shocking realism, the lines between reality and fiction blur further. What’s real? What’s manipulated? Who gets to decide? Imagine a day when JFK is edited to say, “Ask what your country can do for you,”—and people believe it. That day isn’t far off.

Our Weapons Today Are Quieter—but No Less Dangerous

Throughout history, we've fought countless wars—tribal disputes, civil wars, world wars. But today's battles aren’t always fought with guns. They're fought with misinformation, social media posts, and doctored content. And no matter how deep your cave or remote your island, another team will find you eventually.

As someone in the last third of my life—maybe even the bottom of the ninth—I worry less for myself and more for my kids and grandkids. What kind of world are they inheriting? Which team will claim them?

Hope in the Middle Ground

And yet… there is hope. You can see it in the quiet corners of our chaotic world. A collapsed athlete brings both teams to their knees in prayer. A good-news story at the end of a grim newscast reminds us we can still be kind. The Olympics temporarily unite us. When Neil Armstrong took that historic step onto the moon, people across the globe watched in awe—regardless of what team they were on (though some still believe it was filmed in a Hollywood basement).

I remember the days following 9/11. For a moment, we were all on the same team. President approval ratings hit 80%. There was unity. There was purpose. It can happen again.

Breaking the Cycle

The solution isn't easy, but it’s clear: stop aligning unconditionally with one side. Think independently. Be willing to look at both sides. Question dogma. Respect science, the arts, and those who think differently.

Maybe—just maybe—it’ll take an alien arrival to finally unite us. Nothing brings a team together like a common enemy. (Unless, of course, that alien looks like E.T. or ALF—who could hate those guys?)

Final Thoughts

Despite everything, I remain an optimist. History is filled with examples of people coming together across divides. We are capable of so much good. But we need to stop pretending our team is always right and the other is always wrong.

In the end, there is no worse feeling than realizing you backed the wrong team and hearing those four dreaded words: “I told you so.”

Let’s put down our flags, set aside our rivalries, and try to be one tribe—even just for a little while.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental.

What team do you root for—and can you still cheer for someone else's victory? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental.