But on a more abstract level, participating in Section 11 makes us feel good --when we can get over the guilt trip of seeing mothers cover their children's ears. It's a non-Ad-Boardable display of behavior unbecoming of a Harvard student.

Section 11 is, in a twisted way, a taste of what could have been, a glimpse into what life might have been like had we chosen a big state school instead of Fair Harvard. It's the lowest common denominator of the collegiate experience.

And so, this weekend, the craziness will almost surely continue. Overly drunk, body-painted fans will continue to show support for their team by engaging in activities that verge on homoeroticism. Someone will throw a mutilated stuffed animal onto the ice during the third period (always a bad idea, since it could mean a penalty for the home team). And, of course, there will be the usual barrage of insults and epithets.

Bring earmuffs for the kids.

Richard S. Lee '01 is a social studies concentrator in Pforzheimer House. His column appears on alternate Thursdays.