Offended By the Jets Logo? Solution: Get A Life.

I am a fan of politics. I am a fan of hockey. I do, however, like as much possible to keep the two domains separate spheres in my life. I don't think politics should be brought into hockey (aside from basic, direct political decisions like arena funding and, etc.), and I certainly thinking bringing hockey into politics is absurd (though some people don't; just ask Shane Doan).

So, with this, I have to wonder why some people have their underwear in a knot over the Jets logo. The alleged accusations are of promoting militarism and government foreign policy.

Quoth Mark Chipman:

"We felt it was important to authenticate the name Jets and we believe the new logo does that through its connection to (Canada's) remarkable Air Force heritage, including the rich history and relationship that our city and province have enjoyed with the Canadian Forces."

The fact of the matter is, the Jets are hardly the first team to do this. In fact, if you're reading this, disagree with my sentiments on anti-logo types, and are a Leafs fan, you might want to find a new team to cheer for. Why? The Maple Leafs nickname was an homage to a regiment that fought in the First World War.

Too subtle for you? Why don't we take a look at the OHL's Brampton Batallion uniform which is not just overly militaristic, but also fucking ugly.

Where is the line in professional sports? Are people next going to have a problem with Luke Schenn's charity in support of the Canadian Forces for that reason? If this logo is such a problem, is there ever any end?

What people need to remember are two important things:

1) Military ≠ government policy.

2) It's a logo of a professional sports team. Get over it.

First, there is a difference between supporting the military, and supporting a government and its policies that enter the military into wars. You can be pro-military and anti-war; hell, I'd dare to argue there are circumstances where being anti-war is the most pro-military stance you could take.

From these posts, I've gleaned one thing, however controversial: the line with many anti-war people has blurred. There is a hesitance to admit to being anti-military on their part, but at the end of the day, that seems to be what it comes down to. After all, why care so much about a sports logo paying homage to Winnipeg's air force heritage (and not government policy) if you really are pro-military/neutral?

Second, there are a lot of important issues in the world right now. Poverty, famine, political unrest, unstable economies. The US, the world's largest economic power, is perpetually teetering on the brink of a major financial clusterfuck. If anyone wants to be passionate about these issues, good on them. But, if you're taking time away from these matters to focus so much energy on the logo of a professional sports team, you really do need to get a life. Please note, the world will still rotate on its axis because Mark Chipman wanted a fighter jet on his team's crest.

If there is any promotion of past Liberal and Conservative governments' policies in Afghanistan in this simple hockey logo, I don't see it. If occam's razor holds true, and all this logo amounts to is an homage to military heritage in Winnipeg, then I don't see the problem. Admittedly, if you see something offensive with honouring the military and devote more time to a silly logo than the real problems in the world, I have a hard time taking your opinion seriously.