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January 11, 2007

"We've got spirit, yes we do", by: The Guv'na

I find this a fascinating and yet embarrassing cheer.

One side claims to have spirit and inquires of the other if they do as well. The opposition replies that they too have spirit and asks the other if it is sure that they have spirit. The other responds by reaffirming their original claim to having spirit, followed by a seemingly moot questioning of the opposition's level of spirit.

This continues until one side makes a surprising proclamation to having more spirit than the other. This final claim, which ends the debate immediately, is repeated several times by the most spirited side and routinely goes unchallenged by the other side.

Yet, what is the basis for this claim? No side presents any evidence of spirit other than the simple statement of having it. Rather, it seems that any side can claim - at any time - to have the most spirit.

Given these dynamics, my advice to any group asked of their level of spirit would be an immediate claim of having more, thus ending the debate. Conversely, I would never advise a group to ask another if they have spirit, lest they respond in like manner. If a group would like to express their opinion that they have the most spirit, I would recommend a new cheer that consists simply of "We've got more spirit that you!"

For consultation on topics like this or otherwise, please contact The Guv'na's Consulting Services (a subsidiary of Playaz, Inc.)

Posted by Phil at January 11, 2007 11:13 AM