<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <title></title> </head> <body> <a href="http://www.rabble.ca/politics.shtml?sh_itm=7cf609af05474a8e0a5d2177a28e8e17&rXn=1" eudora="autourl">http://www.rabble.ca/politics.shtml?sh_itm=7cf609af05474a8e0a5d2177a28e8e17&rXn=1</a>& A socialist's guide to the World Cup Whether you're cheering on the boys from Brazil or avoiding the television at all costs, keep an eye on the political dynamics of this year's World Cup. by Simon Black June 9, 2006 As World Cup fever grips the globe, many progressives will be sighing at the prospect of another sporting spectacle distracting the "masses" from the pressing issues of the day -- the classic "bread and circuses" argument. There is a tendency on the North American Left to disdain sport: its competitive nature, the corporatization of its grand events, its inherent masculinities and cultures of exclusion. Some of this critique is grounded in good sociology; some of it bears an irrational disdain for that in which one does not participate or enjoy. In many sports, but especially in "the beautiful game," politics and the game have a symbiotic relationship. Politics can influence and be influenced by what happens on the field of play. The World Cup is no exception. My parents immigrated to Canada from Liverpool in the 1960s; growing up, soccer and socialism were the main topics of discussion in the Black household. Conversations at the dinner table moved seamlessly between football and politics, England's chances in the World Cup and the NDP's chances in the upcoming election. I only committed my life to socialism after being rejected as a professional soccer player (a brief stint with the English Premier League's Watford FC is my footballing claim to fame). In many countries, soccer is a terrain of political and ideological struggle like the media or the education system. Teams in Europe often have decidedly partisan political followings. Lazio of Rome was the club of Mussolini and retains a large fascist following today. Italian club A.S. Livorno has long been associated with communism and banners of Che Guevara can be seen waving in the stands at the team's home games. Clashes between Livorno's supporters and the fans of right-wing teams can dominate match day in this picturesque Tuscany town. [snip] </body> </html>