Soccer and Selena Gomez Fandoms

In How Soccer Explains The World, Foer describes the impacts of globalization which led to gangsterism and its nihilistic violence. It began with fans asserting their manhood because they no longer had a way to assert their independence in the workforce. The downsized men sought thrill through violence that was apparent and practiced in movies, music, and fashion. The violence associated with soccer fans is extreme; this is similar to the violence practiced among young fans admiring a famous idol. Fandom and idolization has been intensified through the globalization of social media and international pop sensations. While the globalization of social media and music has brought the world closer, just like soccer, it has introduced to society other facets of violence.

While reading How Soccer Explains the World, I could not help but notice how painful the violent acts were as metal poles were taken against an opposing team's fans. The interesting thing is I have the same reaction when I see kids attack other kids on social media websites such as Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

The lack of morality is comparable in both cases. Is the spread of technology to blame for the cruel acts taking place? Would this have naturally occurred on a typical day at school? Are we not setting up an environment for our children to be easily exposed to violence and oppressed by it as well? The spread of the internet has allowed our ideas and discoveries spread at what seems like at an immeasurable pace. The second something is shared it’s permanently bleeding through the internet. Whether or not it is truly deleted, it was easily seen by thousands if it was shared on a public website. It goes without saying that words can be just as harmful as physical pain. Because of the spread of the internet and technology, cyber bullying has become a place for those willing to hurt others to congregate or in other words, a gang of obsessed fans to attack others.

For example, I searched a top 40 hit by Selena Gomez on Youtube. I did not really put any thought, but I knew to expect some sort of expressed hatred towards Ms. Gomez. Selena Gomez fans love to destroy and compare Selena Gomez to another singer, vice versa. The dialogue between the two can be quite captivating because these fans can appear passionate and dedicated. The name calling and reputation trashing lasts for about 44 more back and forth posts.

Although the spread of movies and fashion do not really affect the dangers of cyber bullying in a direct manner, the spread of the internet and the spread of fame for an idol can ultimately lead to the same harmful, violent actions soccer fans practice. The virtual life held by children becomes a subculture that has the potential to become an overbearing culture leading to a moral demise society unexpected. Is this simply another psychology study? Is this another phase of our children that they would grow through? The downsized men lost their patriarchal presence. Perhaps, these children lost their innocence when constantly exposed to technology which obviously has its own evils.

The Spread of Ronaldo

 Franklin Foer discusses in his book, How Soccer Explains the World, how soccer has been globalized with teams like Real Madrid. I think Real Madrid does a great job of explaining how one, unique characteristic in a company or team can lead to the spread of its popularity across the world. This one, unique characteristic Real Madrid has is Cristiano Ronaldo. I believe this characteristic, whether it is the Nike swoosh or Ronaldo, helps the company or team in terms of revenue and popularity.

            Real Madrid is a sports team I used to never watch. I am not a soccer fan so I had no reason to watch them. However, I have discovered over the last few years that Real Madrid has a unique feature: Cristiano Ronaldo. I discovered who Cristiano Ronaldo was due to his incredible athletic ability and his marketable personality. As I saw more and more of this soccer player, I started to investigate. I would stop switching the channel when his highlights would come on. Eventually, I got to the point where I watched my first Real Madrid match. The marketing effort put forth by Real Madrid had finally worked. I never thought in a million years I would ever watch a soccer match, but because of this widely popular figure, I am now a staunch Real Madrid fan. I am not the only one who has this story. There are many people in the U.S. and across the world who have jumped on the Real Madrid bandwagon because of Ronaldo. In result, Forbes recently reported that Real Madrid posted the highest annual revenue ever in the history of sport.[1] I do need to emphasize that Ronaldo is merely the “logo” in this scenario. Real Madrid has plenty of other talent and ability to make it a great product.

            Nike is a similar example to Real Madrid’s situation. Nike arguably has the most recognizable logo/slogan in the world. The Nike swoosh with the words “Just Do It” is engrained in billions of heads across the world. I believe that this logo and slogan helped a company that started off with the name “Blue Ribbon Sports” become one of the most successful business in the world. However, like Real Madrid, it is not all about the logo. Nike makes high quality shoes, shirts, and now even golf clubs. I have friends from Florence, Italy whose wardrobe almost entirely consists of Nike apparel. There are plenty of other brands for them to buy in Italy, but they stick with Nike. This must be due to the imagery that the swoosh represents all across the world: excellence and success.

            I believe the spread of a good product across the world is beneficial for everyone. I benefit from watching Ronaldo because I, along with many other Ronaldo fans across the world, are entertained and amused by his great skill, and Ronaldo and Real Madrid benefit because they make lots of money and win championships. Of course there are losers in this example of globalization. These include lesser-known players who are Ronaldo’s competition such as Leonardo Bonucci. However, globalization provides insight to the world which product is truly the greatest because only the best ones can spread internationally.

---

[1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2014/09/05/real-madrid-posts-highest-revenue-in-history-of-sports/

Why a Micky Ds in Every Country is Good for the World

        Most American travelers would not be surprised to find some of their own nations flavor (in the form of a McDonald's meal) in whatever country they are visiting. It's astonishing how many countries McDonald's and other large food corporations are branching into. McDonald's currently is in 119 countries (other than the US) with over 34,480 restaurants.  However not everyone finds this type of globalization to be a good thing. Montenegro has banned McDonald's in their country in an effort to fight globalization. The idea behind this move is that McDonald's and other giant food corporations are dominating the market and causing small local businesses to be chased out. I believe that globalization will in the long-run benefit the world. A McDonald's in every country would create a better world because countries' economies would benefit, it would help unite different cultures and better the United State's reputation.
        I believe the point made by the Montenegro government regarding McDonald's is not accurate. McDonald's offers a completely different service and good and would not cause a burden to other food businesses. Firstly, the service. It is super fast-food and most restaurants are completely unable to compete with McDonald's from that standpoint. Because other restaurants especially small local ones cannot compete in terms of speed they are offering a completely different service.I do not believe that the consumer wishing to sit down to a meal with family and friends would consider McDonald's as an alternative to local brands and restaurants. Secondly, the food they offer is Western food. Although, McDonald's and other large chains that have globalized attempt to adapt their menu's to local culture the food is still Western. McDonald's might cause increased competition to American/Western restaurants in foreign countries but if you look at the big picture very little restaurants would be affected by McDonald's because their services and goods are so different.
        McDonald's and other large chains tremendously benefit a countries economy. They open up many jobs to unskilled workers. Finding work is such an issue in so many countries especially for the uneducated work-field. McDonald's provides good jobs to local unskilled workers. The job's are stable because they are backed by a large corporation so employees do not need to worry about going unpaid. They also open up opportunities to local entrepreneurs to start their own McDonald's chains. McDonald's food is generally in high demand. If their is a high demand for a McDonald's in a foreign economy it will be profitable and benefit the local economy.
        Having similarities has proven to benefit countries. It is the whole basis of "The Democratic Peace Theory". When countries have commonalities (such as franchised restaurants) it creates a partnership. Countries are forming working relationships through shared resources. What benefits the other countries will benefit the United States. McDonald's and other chains create a partnership and allow for countries to work together. This shared venture causes a co-dependence between nations. The co-dependence in turn allows for countries to create peace. Any sort of war with countries that possess shared resources would undoubtedly cause problems because they would be hurting the profitability and/or sustainability of those shared resources. The partnerships that are created by globalization of companies like McDonald's are only improving the reputation of America. Not only is America giving these countries an economic boost but the co-dependence they create allows for foreign nations to peacefully collaborate and work with large American corporations.