The staging of professional sports events is deeply political. It’s only when someone breaks character that we notice it.
Does the Super Bowl Feel Too Political? Thank Militarism
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Sorry, but the Super Bowl Promotes War
With its huge advertising budget, the Pentagon’s turning war into just another game.
Soccer Is Democratic. The World Cup Is Oligarchy.
Thousands of poor Brazilians were evicted from their homes to build multimillion-dollar World Cup stadiums that may never be used again. Now Brazilians are fighting back.
Soccer Riots and Egyptian Democracy
In early March, a resurgence in football riots erupted across Egypt, most severely in Cairo and Port Said. Thousands of football fans took to the streets, clashing with local police forces and, in Cairo, setting the Egyptian Football Federation headquarters and the Police Club on fire.
The World Cup and I
The World Cup is coming to Africa for the first time. The Cup will provide many opportunities to Africa and Africans; for example, Africa will have an opportunity to shine in the spotlight of world attention and forge a new post-post-colonial identity in the 21st century. The Cup also provides an opportunity for me to reflect on how my own identity has been caught up with Africa and soccer.
Postcard From…Cape Town
The 2010 FIFA World Cup is coming to Cape Town, the first to be held in Africa. But the anger of many South Africans is brewing. The righteous wrath stems from the continuing social rifts that divide this “rainbow nation” along racial lines. Sadly, xenophobia and extreme nationalism are also muffling the legitimate demands of the poor.