THIS! Watching the World Cup is an ethical struggle but I choose to focus on the stories of the players and countries. I love how this connects to the bigger picture of community and collective!
Same! I think it’s time to embrace the pure joy these events can bring to people. Football is a broad enough baseline many of us can get behind, whether we are actually invested in the game or not. I love how it can bring people together. The Arsenal parade in North London had a similar effect. It goes to show how much we crave these moments of collective joy! Like you say, we can choose to problematise it, or focus on the (overwhelmingly!) positive aspects.
Excited to hear you are embracing the World Cup joy and everything that comes with this rich expression of fan culture! I honestly think this is the best WC I've watched that I can remember, so many exciting matches, surprises, underdog stories - it's been a class act.
Personally I think A Lot has changed within sports watching fan culture in the UK over the years, especially in terms of women and children in the stands - we are much closer to even numbers these days, and all equally ready to be swept up into the madness of being far too emotionally invested. It feels like we've remembered again the fun part of the whole experience
I went for the first time last year to watch a golf major (the open) and was amazed by their fan culture. Really wholesome - in the end there's no nations or clubs, it's just people walking around playing their sport really well... But the way people in their tens of thousands were SO excited to be there and watch that battle. So uplifting!
Love this! I often think that many women who don’t care about sports are really missing something - it’s about community, common interest, celebration and shared pain. I’m into many sports and watch (and play!) regularly but I’m glad the World Cup and other big tournaments provide the opportunity to get in on the vibe!
I think you are so right re: women sometimes missing it. The shared pain bit is so true, too. I see that in my family who doggedly support lesser football teams. They show up every week together to experience pain!
THIS! Watching the World Cup is an ethical struggle but I choose to focus on the stories of the players and countries. I love how this connects to the bigger picture of community and collective!
Love this Rosie! I'm the same, zero interest in football the rest of the time but boy do I love to watch a big crowd of people sing and hug and cry.
me crying not bc my boyfriends team lost but bc the people in the stands are so fucking human
Been loving the collective effervescence lately! Wonderful words, thanks
Same! I think it’s time to embrace the pure joy these events can bring to people. Football is a broad enough baseline many of us can get behind, whether we are actually invested in the game or not. I love how it can bring people together. The Arsenal parade in North London had a similar effect. It goes to show how much we crave these moments of collective joy! Like you say, we can choose to problematise it, or focus on the (overwhelmingly!) positive aspects.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaM1kWKtiLe/?hl=en&wa_status_inline=true&wa_logging_event=video_play_open
I love this clip where Dutch and Moroccan fans celebrate together in Amsterdam
Beautifully written, it spoke directly and truthfully to my spirit and soul.
Loved this! Also couldn’t give a shit, also can’t look away 🤍
@catbotibol read this and thought of you!
Excited to hear you are embracing the World Cup joy and everything that comes with this rich expression of fan culture! I honestly think this is the best WC I've watched that I can remember, so many exciting matches, surprises, underdog stories - it's been a class act.
Personally I think A Lot has changed within sports watching fan culture in the UK over the years, especially in terms of women and children in the stands - we are much closer to even numbers these days, and all equally ready to be swept up into the madness of being far too emotionally invested. It feels like we've remembered again the fun part of the whole experience
I went for the first time last year to watch a golf major (the open) and was amazed by their fan culture. Really wholesome - in the end there's no nations or clubs, it's just people walking around playing their sport really well... But the way people in their tens of thousands were SO excited to be there and watch that battle. So uplifting!
Love this! I often think that many women who don’t care about sports are really missing something - it’s about community, common interest, celebration and shared pain. I’m into many sports and watch (and play!) regularly but I’m glad the World Cup and other big tournaments provide the opportunity to get in on the vibe!
I think you are so right re: women sometimes missing it. The shared pain bit is so true, too. I see that in my family who doggedly support lesser football teams. They show up every week together to experience pain!