With this win — the ‘rightful’ soccer powers have regained their positions at the top: A Brazil v. Germany final is very appropriate.
Any wins by the US women in the past was largely due to the fact that women’s soccer wasn’t given much thought in most countries — allowing the US to gain an ‘illusionary’ soccer super-power status.
Nope, they are not — “and will not be until they encourage black children to participate,” — said by non other than the King himself, PELE. Of course, not neglecting the other minority groups, including Hispanics, Asians, Africans and sundry.
Soccer in the U.S. has been until today, a white, middle-class, suburban sport, a trend that must be augmented with ‘inner-city’ and minority talent, if the US expects to stay on top of the world stage.
African-American soccer fans still have few homegrown role models, and this is changing — too sluggishly, and must be natured vigorously over the course of time.
Africa already has lots of shining examples, but infra-structural maladies, poor management and corruption has sometimes denied the continent great things in sports.
In various European leagues, African soccer stars despite contibuting heavily in elevating the game of soccer to higher echelons, have suffered racist chants and banners at the hands of fans for years, something that does not happen in America — as directly as in Europe, fortunately. Neo-Nazis often use games to recruit among fans — mixing their racist chants with those of thousands of other fans.
This problem is most pronounced in Germany, a country with swaths of Neo-Nazi fan blocs, who routinely shout “ape noises” and spit on black players.
The fight against xenophobia and racism is on-going in European Soccer, but with unchecked anti-Muslim bigotry, immigration restrictions and the senseless pontifications of right wing THUGS, it remains a tough nut to crack.
On Thursday, I watched the Brazilian women wallop and ‘Samba Dance’ all over the US women. Brazil was better than the United States in every way: speed, ball handling, talent, teamwork,..you name it. They could easily have scored TEN goals, and barring a catastrophic failure, I expect Brazil to win this World Cup on Sunday.
Brazil Clobbers The US - Women’s World-Cup 2007
| Can’t See Video(s)? - Click Here To Refresh Page |
Sincerely, I never thought any woman could exhibit the level of skill “Marta” and her team-mates displayed today!
It was a ‘wonderful watch.’
GO Brazil!
The other soccer powers will follow suit shortly — France, Italy, Netherlands, Argentina, etc…..Forget the English — They have been thoroughly lousy, and have won nothing since their 1966 fluke — 40 years ago!
Africa, where are you?
NOTE: As usual, the partisan US media always comes up with some excuse: If it is not a “lying excuse” to bomb a third world nation, it is another to absolve their over-hyped and mediocre team. Here is a more balanced report: Magic Marta sets up Germany clash
Brazilian Soccer Magic!
| Can’t See Video(s)? - Click Here To Refresh Page |
REFERENCES:
1. Who’s to blame for racism in soccer?
2. Racism and Xenophobia in European Football (Sport Leisure and Physical Education Trends and Developments Vol. 3)
3. The Changing Face of Football: Racism, Multiculturalism and Identity in the English Game
4. Pitch Invaders: The Modern Black Football Revolution
5. Racism and Anti-Racism in Football
European Soccer Racism
Women’s Soccer World Cup
Football Racism
Brazil Soccer
African-American Soccer
European Soccer
Sports Xenophobia
Immigrants and Sports
African Soccer
US Women’s Soccer
FIFA WorldCup Book Description
It is a fact that disproportionately few black football players have ever been employed as managers or coaches, despite their prominent presence on the field. How big a role does racism play in contributing to this depressing statistic? ‘Play the White Man’ is the metaphor King uses to explain how race, racism and inequality operate. He looks at the pressures placed on black players to adopt a culture dominated by white men in sport - in other words, ‘to act white’ in order to be accepted. He focuses on how racism functions when black players make the transition from the playing field to coaching, management and administration, and are forced to perform within the standards and systems set by white men who have historically held these positions. King provides provocative insights into the world of white-dominated British sport and raises controversial questions that are important for anyone interested in the game. |
Popularity: 81% [?]
No Related Posts
