n I am the father of a Boston University graduate and am a graduate of Boston College. I was also at the BU vs. Northeastern University game on March 28 ("NU's cheering inappropriate," Mar. 2, p. 7) and felt it was one of the better games of the season for all-out speed and action by both teams.
As to the incidents described in the letter, I did not hear or observe the bullhorn incident: "If you were a BU student, how would you prefer to die: Fire or train?" but agree that if it took place as described, there is no excuse for such classless behavior.
On the other hand, I did observe the second incident "NU students chased someone in a BU jersey and mimicked beating him with baseball bats" and missed any connection between it and the unfortunate real-life assaults on BU students.
To me, the music and actions of those involved was more in the slapstick vein of Keystone Kops or Benny Hill. I saw it in no different light than when our mascots fake coming to fisticuffs with each other.
After the BU vs. NU game, I sent an email to my BU daughter telling her what a great game it was, and how much I enjoy the spirit of both BU and NU fans. As a BC grad, I feel we frequently lack the same fervor and imagination.
I feel that in the former incident, as described, there's no wiggle room for an excuse. In the latter incident, I think perhaps too much may have been read into it, and we should be careful that we don't escalate our interpretations of fans' antics to the point where it may ultimately become "un-PC" to cheer (or jeer) for the teams.
Jack Zarkauskas
Scituate, MA
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