By Amit Epstein | 15/07/2010
Now, when it's finally over and done, now, that the life of most (?/!) men and women are back to the ordinary, it's maybe the occasion for an inevitable inquiry; what does the Mondiale actually stands for?
Apparently, even octopuses are into it (made me think Cole Porter research for his song attested to be true – birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it…) – alas, football is the people's (and possibly all god's creatures') choice. At this point maybe needless to say excluding yours truly…
Entertainment has been the best distraction known since the ancient Greek, ask any emperors; Marie Antoinette knew all the masses want is a Brioche and some South-African merchants quickly realized the financial potential of the Vuvuzela (African tradition – Chinese manufacture) all over Europe – it's all about immediate satisfaction and the belief we let the boys play, whilst truly those on the field are just an excuse; an excuse to honk the horns, flag the flags, drink an unusual amount of bier and express political views under the radar of politically correctness, since "it's only a game".
I do not know what differentiates football games from other sports played by national teams on international competitions, but I see it is singular. It is obviously not just a game – more like a battle field. The green grass turns into continents as fans are reminded of wars and quarrels, stereotypes and dislikes, all bluntly shouted or barked in forms of slogans and "poems".
As I am in Germany I can mainly witness what's going on here, but reading Israeli newspapers on-line clarifies that although not participating the feelings are as strong and the opinions are of the same pattern.
Last time the games were held in
Still, as much as I detest it, I prefer it to wars any day…
