Yeah, I think what other fanbases miss when talking about the Terrible Towel is that it is not at all about a stupid little piece of terrycloth dyed yellow. Rather, its as if it is a symbol of all that has gone before.
Remember, (and GB may have a similar history-so you all may be able to relate to this better than most) the terrible towel came about in the Steelers second SB run of the 70's. It was brought about by a beloved personality that became the crystallized memory of so many big plays and exciting moments.
Then , as the 80's came about and the mills and mines closes, people scattered all across the country. Family was split, the city lost over half its population or more. But hanging on the wall, was a simple symbol of better times, when family would come together and wave that towel-when Pittsburgh was the city of champions and life was good.
For many people, that towel has traveled with them, it has gone to many a game, it has hung on walls and in the back of cars. It has become a symbol and physical marker of not just football, but now of many things in life. I have a TT in the back of my car displayed out the back window. When I look at it, I don't just think Steelers. I remember displaying that towel driving across country after our 05 SB. I remember being in Denver, wondering what people would think of it after we beat them in the AFCCG. Then, I think about the snowstorms, and my wife and I rushing to check out of the hotel to get up over the Rocky Mountains before we were stuck. When Myron Cope died, a little bit of Steelers lore died with him. That too, is added to the towel.
In the end, the towel really is nothing more or less than a symbol of the integration of the team to the town, a physical reminder of many memories (many people still have their original towels), and a link to all six past superbowls.
That is why, when people stomp on the towel, wipe their feet with it, etc., it usually does not bode well for them-not because of some "curse" but rather, because the players see and respond to the disrespect. Not of the towel, but of everything I have said here-- The Rooneys, the teams of the 70's, Myron Cope, and the millions of dislocated fans all across the country.
I know, I know, You are saying, "Come on, don't be stupid. It is ridiculous for you to tie all that up in a towel." That may be, but ask Steeler fans what they think about when they see their towel. Ask them about a memory associated with the towel. You'll see that somehow, a silly gimmick became THE symbol of Steeler lore, and Steeler nation.
