“Synecdoche,” our teacher said, “is part for the whole or whole for the part,” a statement as incomprehensible to teenage ears as was the word itself. “England beat South Africa,” came his follow-up, “that’s whole for the part. ‘All hands on deck’… that’s part for the whole.” He looked at us; we looked at him. “Write down exactly what I have said and think about it. If you haven’t understood it by the time I see you tomorrow, I shall explain. Come to think of it…” he was warming to an idea, “that’s your homework. And don’t think you can get away with not doing it…when I ask you to stand up and explain, I shall know if you didn’t.”
“South Africa Conquers New Zealand!” blared the headline.
Synecdoche, I mused, fifty years after the lesson on figures of speech, allows me a perspective on reality. Courtesy of the part of some thirty-odd South Africans, the whole of South Africa enjoys a holiday on December 15th 2023. As a bonsella we have the opportunity to believe we are made of the self-same heroic stuff that has crowned those players the kings of rugby. Not that we, the whole, would have been slow to ascribe to ourselves what the part had shown: we were all pulling on our Bok jerseys as fast as we would have been pulling them off had we not made it past Round One.
Being a sports patriot is the easiest form of that questionable virtue: when results are good, he appropriates the players’ attributes; when not, none of those faults are his. Come war and the call to move from the couch on which he has been shrewdly driving Team SA to victory, a sudden lack of drive is evident. A uniform does not suit a fair-weather patriot.
The prerequisite for nationalism is a nation. Histories of such can be read in books, followed online and seen on battlefields. That centuries of wars and conflicts have accompanied the growth and decline of nations is evidence that people value the identity which a nation gives them. Self-interest brings them together. What makes one differ from another in personality, ability and background, is less important than what is in common: the need for respect, protection and co-operation. In an ideal society each would understand the value of his or her role in creating a space where all can live, work and love; in reality, however, conflict over ideas about how best to progress, reward and govern can divide those spaces.
What can help to smooth those differences is that most people like to feel successful, but in the course of life, with its variables and unknowns, success does not come that easily. Sport, with its defined rules, final aim and reward for achieving this makes success possible and tangible. When the team one supports achieves the ultimate goal, the joy of celebrating that victory can brush out all the differences which exist and may divide those who support that team. That the Springboks, as individuals, probably have very little in common with most of their supporters is forgotten: being a part of their triumph brings them and the country they represent together. All people like winning. And if they can’t, then being on the winning side.
Stronger together, Unity is Strength, We are One…mottoes worn to emblazon nationhood. For the sports patriot, one needs to be added: “Don’t take it personally”. Have it in mind, ready to combat the base instincts of feeling superior to others, be they nations or fans, and holding on to prejudices about their identity. And when your team loses, there will not be the need to feel angry, inferior and even depressed. Professionals aside, “It’s only a game.”
Thanks to Fleur at Unsplash for the image
Why not simply say: the team delegated to represent South Africa won the match? It will dispense with all the quasi-philosophical jargon.