Posts
George Orwell said that "Serious sport is war minus the shooting." I couldn't help thinking that, in some instances, the soccer World Cup was like a war of the world - there were the different countries competing against each other, the rallying of supporters, the "war-paint", the battle-cries and the "uniforms".
The soccer World Cup mobilises the largest number of people in the world. Apart from the more than 3 million who packed into the fan parks and stadiums, there was about a billion more watching on television or listening to the commentary on radio. Certainly, it celebrates national identity - never before have so many people in this country waved the flag in a celebration of national pride.
During apartheid even the sport was divided and soccer, which was seen as largely a Black person's game, suffered from the isolation and lost opportunities to play on an international level. Now we have experienced first-hand how unifying and mobilising the game can be. Unifying and mobilising across the artificial borders of class, race, religion, age and sex.
Imagine if this gathering together from all corners of the world, could satisfy the need for war. We would have referees to ensure fair play. The spectators would be there to bear witness to what had been done in their name. Everyone would celebrate the victors and leave satisfied that they had done their best, until next time. I can dream, can't I?
3 comments:
Your analysis of having a referee for fair play is so poignant. I remember watching so many replays in slow-motion and seeing that the referee's call was not the best one. Actually, it was often not the 'correct' one and I was frustrated that fifa didn't implement goal line technology.
As with the wars in our world, it isn't always fair but someone needs to lead and make decisions, even though they are not always seen as being the right decision. Fair play is a tough thing. Dreaming with you…
would they allows countries as small [population wise] as botswana to compete with india or china...? :-)
Hmm. thinking about that. I guess yes, the bigger countries would just have more to choose from but everyone would be sending the best they could. You don't get to choose more just because you are bigger - that would be like having a bigger army and mowing down the opposition. Food for thought...
Post a Comment