Community

The author uses the theme of community to demonstrate how an identity based on belonging to a group can have both positive and negative effects. Beartown is a small community that is centered around a successful hockey team. The people of Beartown are very devoted to both the team and the town, but this ultimately causes many to dismiss Maya's allegations, because they are inconvenient. If Kevin truly raped Maya, then he is not the golden boy everyone supposed. People worry that a violent act by a star hockey player will taint the sport and its culture. Thus it is easier for them to believe Kevin and let their love of hockey and their town go unchallenged.

Backman demonstrates that hockey has already caused divisions in Beartown before Maya's allegations. Sune, the beloved longtime coach of the A team is being fired and his job is...