The hand sticthed, thirty-two panel, leather sphere, filled with air until firm and strong. The bundle of stocks mangled and interweaved, artistic, and brilliant. The abandoned plastic bottle, once litter, now sport, lying on the ground. Whether an expensive adidas ball, purchased by the wealthy or an old filthy tee shirt, tied in knots by a underprivaledged boy, these objects all share the same unique social phenomenon, which is the football.
It is difficult to capture all o fwhat the football represents. For some, football is a sport, or a game. An activity or an exercise. Fore more, the fooball represents a way of life, which is deeply engrained in cultures around the world. it represents human interaction, free of stereotypes, politics, and racism.
Some people live for the football and some people die for it. In some places, it is used as a release. A release from the hardships surrounding them. Something to look foward to in a time a desperation and struggle. Something to hold as pride when all else has vanished. The football brings unity back into mankind, just like the panels on the ball which are stictched together, tight and solid.
Football is worldly known for being the poor mans sport. This is said because the poor play with the most passion and joy for the game. Just like America's basketball story of struggle and triumph, football is the same throughout the world.
The power of the football is unmatched. Where governments failed, the football has succeeded. Football has the influence that politicians, media, cocaine, and even the crack that is McDonalds could not obtain. Just recently, it had the power and influence to stop a civil war. The Iraqi national team brought hope and joy back to its country, after winning an Asain trophy. A hope and joy that has not been felt by the Iraqi people in a long time of struggle and war with the Americans.
I share a similiar story to millions of people across the world. As a youngin', I held the ball close, showing it love, passion and care. As I grew older, the ball never left my side. The same love that I showed the football, was given right back in return, giving me opportunities that only a footbal could.
You could say that the football is a Godly phenomenom. Its sperhic nature resembles that of the sun, moon, stars, and the mother earth in which we inhabit. Its 32 panels, sticthed together and its roundness represent the unity, togetherness, passion, and joy, which is the football.
6 comments:
This blog was very interesting in how you showed how the sport of football is more than a leisure. It has united countries together after years of turmoil. I never knew about the Ivory Coast situation. It's wonderful how a 32stitch ball can bring peace within a country. Also the joy for the people of Iraq who won the Asian Cup after only hearing about their war with America.
I think your comments about football being a way of life and a "Godly phenomenon" hold true in most sports, particularly in Europe. In America, you don't get the same feelings about sports as you do overseas, because here they are too commercialized. With the varying levels of economic status across the world, football is a game people play for the true love of the game, and I think that's the theme that stands out most to me after reading your entry.
EXCELLENT BLOG. As you can probably tell I really enjoyed it. Ive never played football but I have watched a few games just to get an understanding of the game. The way you broke down how it's a game to some but a way of life and a get away/release for others was really good. The link you included about how football recently stopped a civil war where politics couldn't was strong. Thank you for this, I now have a new understanding and appreciation for this sport.
Your blog about football was very intresting. I really don't know anything about the sport. I was amazed at how this sport even stopped war for a brief period of time. That really tells you how much football meant to the people. I just wished that you had mentioned why football isn't as popular in the United States. Do you think that it will gain momentum in the the US in the future? I hope it does because I have a son and all he talks about is football and for the first time this year he will be on the field
great blog bulls. i like how you especially mention how the sport and world cup put a civil war on hold. the commercial is touching and gives me goosebumps. well done.
I really liked your first paragraph. The way you painted a visual picture of the different kinds of footballs and their varying connotations was great. I liked the links you included, but I would have liked to see a few more links (maybe to some photos or news articles).
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