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Wednesday, July 18, 2007
School Spirit: Has It Gone Too Far?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I honestly do not know what to make of this story from Aileen Dodd about a new high-end subdivision in Lilburn that’s marketing itself to fans and boosters who love all things related to Parkview High School.
A street is named after the stadium. Children’s rooms in the model home play up the campus’ orange and blue colors.
Of course, it’s not the first subdivision to tie its identity to a local institution. My stepfather grew up in a Baltimore neighborhood that was the proud home of an aircraft manufacturer.
There the streets were named after airplane parts. How’d you like to live on Fuselage Avenue or Cockpit Street? Maybe you would prefer the more-dignified Left Wing Drive.
I, myself, have never heard of a subdivision connecting itself so closely to a high school — although, I’m sure others exist. I suppose it could be part of the recently reported trend of naming new public schools after community features, rather than civic leaders.
But because the Legends at Parkview touts the school’s athletic prowess, in particular, I’m wondering if it’s more a part of our country’s obsession with sports. As Aileen notes in her story, members of Parkview’s football team and the head coach were on hand for the subdivision’s grand opening.
Question: Is anyone out there having that this-has-gone-too-far feeling?
