Isn't international sport a wonderful thing! A harmless battle between nations where unfair tactics are red-carded and combatants exchange congratulations, sympathies and jerseys. I am struck by the contrasting pictures of the World Cup in Germany, on the one hand, compared to the violence and destruction we see from other parts of the world. I am left wondering how we humans can simultaneously display the joy and elation evident in German soccer stadiums and the hatred and murderous intent seen on the world's current battlefields. An alien species would undoubtedly shake their heads in wonder and consider us a spectacularly unpredictable and bizarre species.
This morning, for example, I jumped out of bed to switch on the TV news to see the result of the Spain-France soccer match (it was shown live here in Taiwan, but at 3 a.m.). However, the first report I saw was about the Israeli Defense Force's incursion into Gaza. Dark, night-time images of destroyed bridges and a burning power station that had been bombed by Israeli jets, bright orange flames licking at the night sky, flashed on the screen. I sat, impatiently it must be said, waiting for the report to end. Of what possible importance were these Middle East political reruns to me when there was a soccer world cup to catch up on?
And it wasn't enough for CNN to inform me that the Palestinians were without electricity and a vital road link between north and south Gaza, or that the Israeli soldier, whose recent capture by Hamas militants has spurred Israel's overwhelming show of force, is a shy and introverted child of anxious and expectant parents, but they had to then interview various analysts and reporters on their take of the situation. Oh, YAWN!
But, my endurance was rewarded when the presenter finally said, "We will keep you updated on this developing story, but now for other news from around the world. First, to Germany where the last two fourth round matches of the world cup were played last night ..." Brazil, predictably, beat Ghana. France, unfortunately, beat Spain. Pictures of brightly lit stadiums, rainbowed supporters attired in the colours of their national teams, huge smiles and ear-splitting cheers, accompanied the upbeat report of the sport correspondent.
We are indeed a schizophrenic species.
Dion Marc Delport
28 June 2006