Das Leben geht weiter ~ 12/27/2007

Bhutto's death highlights the lack of control currently in Pakistan. And soccer might be able to help out...

Were it a fully militarized state, then this might not have happened. But if the country had more trust in government, then it may not have happened either. Really, it is probably easier to shoot a politician here than in Pakistan. The level of trust in the United States is much higher; the political culture is one of conflict within the accepted political infrastructure. Only a few American politicians use body guards, most can walk freely in the street.

Of course I can also make the argument that this is the result of indoctrination, and that trust has nothing to do with it. The American stability is a function of long established normative behavior, brought about through our consumer habits, our educational system, our level of wealth and the belief in the possibility of upward mobility. In this sense, we would be less free (ideologically or otherwise) than someone in Pakistan. Ah, another paradox. Does this mean we have to trade freedom to be free? For our lifestyle to grant us the safety we expect, do we need to be more submissive??

Soccer, as I have argued, and will continue to do so, is part of civil society, and thus it is political in nature. Soccer is for its participants a way to establish bonds, behavioral patterns, living standards, and consumption habits. A dedicated soccer player, particularly one who starts at a young age, will form part (or all) of their identity around soccer, the image of its stars, and the social expectations of a 'soccer player.' As a result, if you establish a certain culture within the game, one of fair play, anti-racism, gender equality, etc, then you open the door to the possibility of socializing the participants. Anti-social behavior is corrected through the camaraderie, and necessary work ethic of a soccer team.

Well, that is the theory anyway. The reality is always less rosy. I remember, among others, the Woodgate affair at Leeds in the late 1990's, when this player and a few others were involved in a fight that apparently had racial motivation. And there is the recent Sol Campbell Interview where he challenged the F.A. to do something about the racial abuse he is getting from fans.