State of Toon-Mackem Relations

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I’d like to ask the current mackem contributors on here( superkev, ML#3, and hopefully the real OML) plus any other mackem lurkers, a serious question.
If you could wave a magic wand and create your ideal state of relations between the fans of Newcastle Utd. and Sunderland, what would it be?

Would that ideal state approximate to the present state of 'warfare', wherein anyone unaccompanied wearing a b&w shirt wandering into a SAFC stronghold could possibly find their life in real danger, and vice versa for anyone wearing a r&w shirt?

Alternatively, would it be a situation whereby say Screacher, Softie and I could arrange to meet superkev, ML#3 and the original OML in the Strawberry before and after a local derby at SJP, or somewhere equivalent in Roker or Seaburn after a game at the SoL, to chew the sh*t, discuss the game, wind each other up, discuss why SGE doesn’t select KP, and generally take the p*ss out of each other – but all over a couple of pints?
In answering this question try to ignore how the present situation evolved, or who you believe is to blame.

My follow up question is – if you would prefer the latter, do you feel you have any responsibility for trying to change the present situation, and trying to begin to point it in the other direction?
For the moment, ignore the magnitude of the task, and how you might go about doing it.

This is a very genuine question, so please try to take it seriously.

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2001

Answers

I am not sure if I agree with the purpose of your question Clarky but as you have asked for replies from selected Mackems I will refrain from throwing my two bob in for now ,

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2001

Buff, I thought you were a makem in disguise,as Elvis would have sung, and probably is somewhere

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2001

Doesn't look like I'm going to get an answer Buff - so it could all be academic!

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2001

Interesting question Clarky. I guess you already know what my opinion would be (I've not been caaled the Henry Kissinger of the BBS for nowt. Mebbes it was my looks??)

I'm sure we all know a few Mackems either socially or in work. Personally, I have no problem with anyone for supporting their team even Mackems. However, I do take dislike to biggots who just hate something because it isn't quite to their taste. This worls would be a worse place if we all pointed in the same direcion.

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2001


is no more,i'm getting sick of it now! i might even start being nice. As for your question ,the day will not arise where peace will break out.You just have to look at my social experiment on here the last couple of weeks to see that 'never the twain shall meet.' individually your average badger is fine,collectively not so.

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2001


Aha. I sense a chink in SK's armour. Indiviuallly, we're all OK. But as a group, we're not. Well, thank you for your experimentation SK (I hope it didn't waste to many brain cells). We knew that all along. Some of you are OK too.

Mind, there are exceptions ;-)

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2001


superkev (or is it Chris?),
You're giving up way too easy, but thanks for your response anyway.

Your view on the continuing state of relations between the rival fans for me is too pessimistic to contemplate, but sadly is shared by far too many otherwise sensible people - both mags and mackems. Indeed, I believe I am going to be told by one or two of my friends on here that "war" is the natural state between us, and always will be. IMHO that view is abhorrent as well as utter bollox!

The point is superkev, that to break it down needs a number of right-minded people on both sides to accept that i) the current state of relations is wrong and undesirable in this day and age, and ii) that they can begin to make a difference by speaking against the hatred, and doing little things to begin to break it down.

I've said on here before that while I detest SAFC, I certainly don't and can't hate mackem fans. I do detest their often hateful attitude, but that is equally as bad on this side of the fence. Football is a game for god's sake, meant to enjoyed by fans of both teams. Those fans are intended to be rivals, not bitter enemies.

Religious bigotry has much to answer for around the world, and that kind of bigotry and hatred has no rightful place in sport in general, and football in particular.

Personally, I won't rest, and won't be happy, until we have established the latter state of affairs, as described in my initial post - and I can sit down in pub and have this kind of discussion with you, ML#3 and OML over a few beers.

Don't give in to the 'dark side' kidda.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2001


I've got no real problems with Mackems, but I firmly believe that they have an inferiority complex with Geordies.

Look at the programme that was on after the derby game last season talking to the fans. One of the Mackems was saying how he hated Newcastle because we had Eldon Square and Sunderland had never got anything like that. That is just ridiculous, and that rubbish about Sunderland being a bigger city than Newcastle, it's all jealousy on the Mackems' behalf. It makes me laugh sometimes though.

Damnit, stupid moth on the monitor putting marks on the screen, just get it off :)

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2001


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