Recent public opinion surveys, as well as a wealth of anecdotal evidence, suggests that anti-Dukism is prevalent and rising around the world. What explains this irrational, pathological hatred of Duke basketball? Is it something which Duke brought upon itself due to its policies, or is it an irrational hatred born of jealousy and envy?
One Duke player, freshman Luon Deng, argues the conventional realist position: anti-Dukism is simply a reflection of the balance of power in the world. As Deng puts, it "You always try to go for the underdog, and Duke has been winning so much in the past that a regular fan or regular person watching TV is going to go for the underdog.'' In other words, it is Duke's unipolar position in the world which inspires natural resentment and fear. Changing policies, better public diplomacy - none of these can hope to succeed in reversing rising anti-Dukism as long as this imbalance of power persists.
Others focus more upon cultural differences: "I think we arouse passion,'' [Coach Mike] Krzyzewski said. "We're in a different world. I'm not sure we're in a world many people have been on, we just have to learn how to manage it.'' In Coach K's "clash of civilizations" thesis, it is fundamental differences in values and culture which explain the animosity felt towards Duke.
After consulting with noted basketball scholars such as Bernard Lewis and Fouad Ajami, however, I can offer a fuller and better explanation of anti-Dukism. It isn't really about Duke at all. Instead, it is a dangerous intersection of three forces. First, anti-Dukism reflects the natural envy felt by the unsuccessful towards the successful. The rest of the basketball world needs to find some way to reconcile their own manifest backwardness and inferiority - particularly galling given that many of them have glorious pasts which make it hard to accept their current plight. Second, there are cynical and opportunistic leaders who deflect attention from their own failures by blaming Duke. Rather than address their own failings or reform their own programs, they direct the anger and rage of their fans and alumni towards a convenient stalking horse. And finally, there is a dangerous and unprincipled media environment, which sees nothing wrong with bashing Duke at every opportunity, making it socially acceptable and encouraging others to express such sentiments. This toxic brew - and certainly not anything intrinsic to Duke or its foreign policies - explains anti-Dukism. There is no reason for Duke to change, therefore; it should ignore the craven and cynical opportunists and their culture of hate, and do what it can to help them improve themselves rather than begin to doubt itself.
Happy March Madness!!!
P.S. The above analysis is largely hogwash when applied to explaining anti-Americanism. But since so many people seem to believe the hogwash, then they darned well better accept the analysis of anti-Dukism! Go Blue Devils!
Well, let's reverse the question. ¿Why should non-Duke fans LIKE Duke?
Posted by: Carlos | March 19, 2004 at 05:30 PM
Class. Quality. Honor. Integrity. Character. Great man to man defense. Spread motion offense that maximizes individual talent within a team concept. What's not to like?
Posted by: the aardvark | March 19, 2004 at 06:38 PM
Oh, I don't know.....those pathetic, jumping-in-unison assholes at Cameron? The floor slaps? The full-court arm-waving press when Duke take a two-point lead? The rather women's basketball-esque group hugs? It's the little things, Aardvark, that make Duke so hated, not the success. I mean--not even Indiana with Bob Knight inspired the present level of Duke hate.
Posted by: Justin Slotman | March 29, 2004 at 05:02 PM
Ah, but why then is every college basketball crowd in the country so desperate to imitate the Cameron crazies? Is there any self-respecting (or not) campus crowd in the country anymore that doesn't do exactly those things, while claiming to be way better than the Duke crowd? I think not.
And here's the difference between the Duke-hating stereotype and the reality: Chris Duhon, playing with hurt ribs, gritting it up and shutting down two of the best guards in the country, one in each half. And not even making the all-regional team. And not caring.
Posted by: the aardvark | March 29, 2004 at 06:44 PM
Not to mention that Duke staple: the One Incredibly Annoying White Guy. That Wojo character is the prime example of this.
Posted by: Justin Slotman | March 29, 2004 at 08:05 PM
Today is March 13, 2005, and this date will be remembered as the date on which Georgia Tech (my alma-mater) rose up and created an intifada that forever broke the shackles of Dukist hegemony and oppression.
We have already defeated the surrogate of Dukist oppression (UNC) and will today accomplish the full liberation of the all the ACC.
al-Mawt Duke
Marg bar Duke
Zindabaad Ga. Tech
BTW - if you read this, I must say that the original "Anti-Dukism" article was one of the best satirical essays that I have read.
Posted by: Greg Potemkin | March 13, 2005 at 11:26 AM