Okonkwo gets his sense of manhood and pride from his days as a great wrestler. The event is still a large part of his life and he always watches it. His faithfulness to the past is what leads to his conflict with the colonizers and ultimately makes him commit suicide.

Slaughterhouse Five

Billy Pilgrim is stuck in the past, literally reliving the events of the war much like the old Permian players are stuck rooting for their team. Both pasts are what the characters hang onto.

The Color Purple

Instead of cling to her past, Celie looks toward the future. She doesn't hold her past life with her father or the definitions given by Mr.___ as truth. Instead of where she has been she focuses on where she is going and is successful in gaining her freedom.

Conclusion

The Permian Basin uses old fame and nostalgia during the football season to distract from poor economy and education. While Okonkwo and Billy are stuck in the past and have conflict, Celie looks towards the future and has success. This shows that it is better to focus on the future than the past.