Alexifish

Also native, but I do have a problem with imagery in sports because of what it turns into during parties and rivalries. It's just not a good feeling trying to cheer for your own college while the people around you are yelling racial slurs, "trail of tears," "scalp the ____"s, making posters of the mascot being hung (true story) and getting shitfaced while wearing neon feathers doing war-cries.

If it was just taking pride in your school/sport because they're the Chiefs/Redskins - they're your 'people,' and they're proud and resilient, that's one side. But the other aspect is that it now becomes a symbol. And that symbol for your sports team also happens to be someone else's symbol for their entire cultural identity and history. So, even though you're just trying to cheer for your own team and "beat the ____," it comes off a little differently than "De-fense... beat the bears/trojans/eagles/ducks..." Unless you're a bear, eagle, or duck, and for that, I apologize.

What happens, physically, when you're injured underwater? I picture someone gasping or even fainting due to being that far under and suddenly having a huge adrenaline/endorphin rush. Was that a problem for you during the bite and way back to the boat, or could you stay calm despite the pain?