Oh, Zizou!
The village went to bed earlier than planned last night, as our 2006 World Cup Dreams ended on a missed penalty kick. The consensus seems to be: why not just toss a coin at that stage? Apparently, that's how this was decided in the past. It makes just about as much sense in the long run.
But, what everyone is wondering is: What did Materazzi say to Zidane to get that reaction? And, how could Zizou react that way, no matter what it was?
This hightlights one of the ugly truths about football these days; there's a lot of racism both amongst the players and the fans. Personally, I find it not only hard to believe but revolting. Surely we're supposed to have moved on from that in our new "small world" where everyone goes everywhere and the color of your skin is less important than the content of your character (paraphrasing the great Dr. King)? Obviously, however, I am wrong.
Incidents at matches of fans throwing bananas on the field, making monkey noises and doing other odious things are rampant. According to friends who follow the sport more closely, the Rome club (where Materazzi plays) is known for this as well as for fans giving the fascist salute from the stands. The players have also contributed to the racial slurs.
Thus, I'm sure that what was said on the field was vile. Perhaps Zizou felt that this was his last chance to get his own back, as he was retiring at the end of the game. Still, what a shame that that is one of the final images we will see of him and one which will remain forever in our minds.
I've always lived in big cities until now. I grew up seeing faces of all different colors, with friends who came from many different backgrounds. I had my own incident of learning that I was from a religious minority when I was a small child; it's something that has never left me.
Perhaps because of that, I've always tried to be careful to not judge anyone by the external signs of race or religion.
Deep down, I suppose that all human beings are somewhat racist. It's probably hard not to be, as nature makes all animals protectionist of their own particular group or pack. But we, as thinking beings, are supposed to move beyond that and be enlightened.
I guess that the football pitch is one of those places where enlightenment takes a back seat to our darker side. What a shame for us all.
Ciao for now.
Randy
But, what everyone is wondering is: What did Materazzi say to Zidane to get that reaction? And, how could Zizou react that way, no matter what it was?
This hightlights one of the ugly truths about football these days; there's a lot of racism both amongst the players and the fans. Personally, I find it not only hard to believe but revolting. Surely we're supposed to have moved on from that in our new "small world" where everyone goes everywhere and the color of your skin is less important than the content of your character (paraphrasing the great Dr. King)? Obviously, however, I am wrong.
Incidents at matches of fans throwing bananas on the field, making monkey noises and doing other odious things are rampant. According to friends who follow the sport more closely, the Rome club (where Materazzi plays) is known for this as well as for fans giving the fascist salute from the stands. The players have also contributed to the racial slurs.
Thus, I'm sure that what was said on the field was vile. Perhaps Zizou felt that this was his last chance to get his own back, as he was retiring at the end of the game. Still, what a shame that that is one of the final images we will see of him and one which will remain forever in our minds.
I've always lived in big cities until now. I grew up seeing faces of all different colors, with friends who came from many different backgrounds. I had my own incident of learning that I was from a religious minority when I was a small child; it's something that has never left me.
Perhaps because of that, I've always tried to be careful to not judge anyone by the external signs of race or religion.
Deep down, I suppose that all human beings are somewhat racist. It's probably hard not to be, as nature makes all animals protectionist of their own particular group or pack. But we, as thinking beings, are supposed to move beyond that and be enlightened.
I guess that the football pitch is one of those places where enlightenment takes a back seat to our darker side. What a shame for us all.
Ciao for now.
Randy
