Team x or Team y?

I saw Carmen today, which was very nice, but my first comment to Beth when the play ended was "Team Jose or Team Escamillo?" While this was said in jest (how could anybody not appreciate the endlessly tragic!love of Team Jose?), it made me realize "Team x or Team y" has entered into common vernacular now as a way of representing two sides of an αγων. I can think, off hand, of a million and one precedents for this (Team Achilles, Team Odysseus; Team Virtus, Team Disciplina; etc.) but the representation of these as organized groups with the rigid connotations and obligations of teammates is clearly a reflection of the dramatization that is endemic of any meme coming from a 12-16 year old demographic and a linguistic reflection of a deeper desire in culture to create dichotomies that extend beyond their original focus (Greek and Barbarian, Masculine and Effeminate). This is also reflected best, I think, in this overthought definition at urban dictionary for Team Jacob:


From www.urbandictionary.com heading "Team Jacob", definition #4 by pnayxkay, Jan. 5, 2010

In addition to other definitions, this group of Twilight partisans is also attracted to romantic relationships that begin with close friendships and turn into something more.

In contrast with the intense and potentially dangerous passion that has found favor with Team Edward, Team Jacob is comfortable with the idea of "being with the one who's best for you," rather than "being with the one you can't live without."

This way of thinking stems from Jacob's uplifting friendship and devotion to a depressed Bella in her greatest time of need during the second installment, New Moon.

For these reasons, Team Jacob tends to value qualities like friendship, loyalty, stability, honesty, and a sense of humor.

Team Jacob 1: Can you believe Bella rejected Jacob as soon as Edward came back at the end of New Moon? It's as if everything Jacob's done for her meant nothing.

Team Jacob 2: I can't understand it either. She obviously prefers a suicidal and paternalistic boyfriend over an easy-going and devoted one.

Team Jacob 1: I agree. Jacob makes her laugh, he doesn't underestimate her like Edward does, and their families get along so well. Plus, he's incredibly cut. Team Jacob all the way!