Pride. The world cup has bolded this emotion for me because of the pride the people take in soccer below the equator. It's more of a way of life rather then it being a sport some people like and play. I have been a soccer player and fan since I can remember. The sport itself is just so unpredictable that anything is possible. The best team does not always win. And because it is a team sport not only the super star can carry the squad to victory. It brings out goosebumps, tears, rage and heart-filled happiness for some. The finesse at which one can play verse the hard knocking body checks makes for the thrill. It is a game that is played over the entire world which to me makes me seem more connected with humanity.
Not saying that it is all fair and democratic, soccer has its faults on and off the field. Just as a refree can make the wrong call, the people of Brazil have called attention to the wrong moves made by FIFA and local politicans. I read an article this morning about a brazilian women that can not afford electricity, food, and her medical bills but have watched workers build a billion dollar stadium across the newly built highway with public money. She asked the simple question why couldnt that billion dollars be used to help me and my neighbors that live in poverty day in and day out rather then for a show that will last all but a month? This hurts my heart, my soul to realize the game that I love so dearly has perpetuated and highlighted the unjust way life works.
As a futbol fan, I watch the television for the scenic views of Brazil and fantasize about the beautiful landscape, delicious gourmet, vibrant colors and people. The broadcasters show the gigantic panoramas of the newly built stadiums but never turning the camera to include across the highway shots of the women that gave her perspective. Up until today I have denied myself of any kind realization of what these stadiums will symbolize in only a short few weeks as that last whistle is blown for the cup of the world. For me this brings the world cup off of the pedestal I have always placed it on and makes me start to ask big picture questions of how my participation in this sport effects the rest of humanity. It's moments like this that bring me back to my sustainable development roots. These questions allows people to take choice of their life, control. What I will choose to be a part of and what I can not justify my participation in. I don't know the answer to these questions. Will I stop watching the world cup? No not today. I need to wrestle with these questions more before I give up something that is a passion of mine and makes me truly happy. Am I making this more complicated then need be? Maybe, but it is what I do until I am satisfied that I fully understand the issue at hand and whether I want to be apart of it. In the mean time, VAMOSSS USA!!!
Not saying that it is all fair and democratic, soccer has its faults on and off the field. Just as a refree can make the wrong call, the people of Brazil have called attention to the wrong moves made by FIFA and local politicans. I read an article this morning about a brazilian women that can not afford electricity, food, and her medical bills but have watched workers build a billion dollar stadium across the newly built highway with public money. She asked the simple question why couldnt that billion dollars be used to help me and my neighbors that live in poverty day in and day out rather then for a show that will last all but a month? This hurts my heart, my soul to realize the game that I love so dearly has perpetuated and highlighted the unjust way life works.
As a futbol fan, I watch the television for the scenic views of Brazil and fantasize about the beautiful landscape, delicious gourmet, vibrant colors and people. The broadcasters show the gigantic panoramas of the newly built stadiums but never turning the camera to include across the highway shots of the women that gave her perspective. Up until today I have denied myself of any kind realization of what these stadiums will symbolize in only a short few weeks as that last whistle is blown for the cup of the world. For me this brings the world cup off of the pedestal I have always placed it on and makes me start to ask big picture questions of how my participation in this sport effects the rest of humanity. It's moments like this that bring me back to my sustainable development roots. These questions allows people to take choice of their life, control. What I will choose to be a part of and what I can not justify my participation in. I don't know the answer to these questions. Will I stop watching the world cup? No not today. I need to wrestle with these questions more before I give up something that is a passion of mine and makes me truly happy. Am I making this more complicated then need be? Maybe, but it is what I do until I am satisfied that I fully understand the issue at hand and whether I want to be apart of it. In the mean time, VAMOSSS USA!!!