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.
I agree with you that the celebrity craze has increased dramatically since the birth of social media. Just look at all of the news stories we hear about Twitter battles. However, I would not argue that globalization has caused the increase in violence in social media. I simply think it is the rise of social media that has contributed to this. Not necessarily the globalization of it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting comparison between the two. I never really thought of comparing these two groups. However, I'd agree with Sam that I just think there is more exposure to this type of behavior and not really that there is more violent behavior. I think soccer hooligans are also very similar to fangirls/fanboys as well though.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sam's point. I don't think globalization is the key factor in the increase of social media feuds rather just the growth of social media as a whole. One point of your blog I disagreed with was when you made the comparison between violence in soccer games and violence related to fans obsession over celebrities. I agree that both obsessions are extreme, but the violence is different. Football violence is often fueled by the excessive amounts of drinking that goes on before the game, during the game, and after the game. I think most cases involving celebrity violence involves stalking incidences where the perpetrators are mentally insane not just drunk.
ReplyDeleteToby, I can see why you would disagree. However, the football violence discussed in the book focused on men being dethroned from their patriarchal chair which I assume leads to insecurity. Also, the celebrity violence I was referring to is kids or fanatics bullying, and bullying has that background of those bullying because of insecurities. My relationship between the both focused on lashing out because of internal issues and violently mixing with their obsession.
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