Pride, Patriotism, and Yes, Politics

Let me begin by saying today's blog was not my initial topic. But you know by now that "breaking news" often preempts "regularly scheduled programming." And right now that "breaking news" is the World Cup. Futbol to most---soccer to us here in the U.S. Once every four years domestic interest in the sport reaches a fervoured pitch. For many it's thirty days of thirty-two teams playing a slow, low-scoring game. But really it's about more. Much, much more. It's about pride, patriotism, and politics.

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v. 044 [gcid] defines "pride" as the following:

The quality or state of being proud; inordinate self-esteem, an
unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty,
wealth,rank, etc., which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance,
reserve, and often in contempt of others.

Let's face it. Before Wednesday's 1-0 defeat of Slovenia in the 91st minute of play, probably the only player of any notoriety on team USA was midfielder Landon Donovan. I'll even go out on a limb and say many knew of him not because of his professional accolades but rather his marriage to Rules of Engagement actress Bianca Kajlich. But oh what a difference eleven seconds can make! Now Donovan, Tim Howard, and Clint Dempsey are household names. Why, they're "Good 'ol boys! One of us!" Thanks to them "we" believe "we" can achieve anything. All of a sudden they're America's team and we're all walking with our heads a bit higher and our chests a bit more bowed. Feelings of superiority? You tell me.

I'm pretty sure the flags I see flying in peoples' yards and on the windows of their cars are not in early recognition of the 4th of July. Even I have foregone my bathing suit, swimming pool, and bottled water for my sequined stars and stripes vest and stars and stripes Converse high tops, the neighborhood pub, and an ice cold brew. Yet I'm modestly dressed from the looks of others. And rest assured I'm chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" as loud as the next guy. Look, currently we're a country divided on many issues-immigration laws, health care reform, bipartisan government. These World Cup games give us an opportunity to show our solidarity, our patriotism, our true love for our country. They bring us together as a united front.

Lastly, the World Cup is about politics. The host country obviously stands to benefit economically. You didn't really think President Bill Clinton was attending these games for lack of anything better to do? Furthermore, the simple fact that this year South Africa is hosting the vary games they boycotted during apartheid sixteen years ago gives the country a chance to show the world what they've become. Smaller countries whom have been victims of oppression to larger, more powerful countries have a chance to say, "We finally beat them!" A country's national team actually becomes a symbol of that nation. It's almost a bit intimidating when you think about it. In the hands of eleven men lies the power to say, "Our country is better than yours." No wonder Donovan was moved to tears when asked immediately after Wednesday's match, "What was going through [his] head?" at that precise moment.

So to Glenn Beck and others who say, "What's the big deal? It's only soccer and I'm not going to watch," you may wish to defer your comments. It's not only soccer. It's not just a game.