Some American habits annoy Canadians. The behaviour of some celebrities and politicians south of the border seems, to those north of it, well, a little impolite. A little too much self-promotion, attention-seeking and hey-look-how-great-I-am. We like Donald Trump, but like him even better for living in New York rather than London, and we get nervous seeing U.S. soldiers behave like cowboys when they invade Middle Eastern countries.

This is probably part of the reason Canadian commentators have been discussing Tim Tebow. He's become famous for his public quoting of the Bible, his calling on God and his public prayers. When he isn't quarterbacking – and doing a mediocre job of it, which is strengthening the annoyance factor – he's talking about God at news conferences, and praying on the football field. Images of him kneeling on the sidelines while his Denver Broncos teammates celebrated have gone viral. His name has become a verb meaning "to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different." Pictures of imitators are all over the web.

Some people see Tebow's displays of prayer as an interesting curiosity. Others see it as an affirmation of what they believe. Still others see it as a validation of America as a Christian nation. A few are offended. Sportscasters appear glad to see Tebow's football field faith as a great way to raise NFL TV ratings.

By way of comparison, most Canadians would not like to see Sidney Crosby on his knees after every goal; if he is thankful to God for each one, most want him to express that in some other way. Besides, if he were to get on his knees after every goal, it could seriously hold up the game.

Athletes, mostly American, praying on fields are a common sight. Their doing this publicly is not only a function of their personal faith – Tebow, for example, is the son of Christian missionaries; it is also attributable to the fact that American culture promotes the public expression of the individual. Tebow is expressing, in an Americanappropriate big way, his individuality.

All that being said though, perhaps prayer on the athletic field is completely understandable for another reason. Imagine being adored by millions of fans. Five thousand or 50,000 of them might be packed into a stadium where they (or about half of them) will do all they can to cheer you on. Imagine being part of a billion-dollar spectacle that's streaming live onto screens on several continents. Including onto computer displays in Fanshawe College residences and the occasional study carrel.

It would be perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with awe that you, yes you, are experiencing this rare and privileged moment. In fact, all over the planet, parents are making sacrifices and young athletes are practicing every day in pursuit of such experiences, not to mention the money that comes with them.

Perhaps every athletic match should begin with a brief public prayer of thanks that God has arranged his world in a way to make these spectacular experiences happen with amazing frequency in today's world. That spectators can come together to enjoy the game is truly something for which one can give thanks. Even experienced vicariously, a hockey game or a football match can be incredible.

I doubt that such prayers are going to be made over the sound systems in our arenas anytime soon. For the time being (in good Canadian fashion) we'll have to say them silently. And who knows, but doing that might help us thank God for a few other things too. And that would not be a bad thing.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.