Let’s have a look at how a typical day in our lives can be modified. If you are keen on watching or reading the news on a regular basis, be ready to find sport news, sport news and sport news. The excessive media coverage of the competition comes second to none. And this leaves us with the strange feeling that we are living in an ideal world with no corruption, no poverty, no crimes, no misery. Next, schools allow students to be absent so as not to miss the matches, banks close earlier, shops close too, the streets become desserts for the period of two hours and people gather together in bars or at home no matter the time or day.
What’s more, the world cup has traditionally been almost the only excuse that brings the nation together. The feeling of patriotism becomes stronger than ever and the whole country seems to stop pulling in opposite directions. Amazingly, a football tournament has the power to leave aside prejudices and hostilities among the population. But, as experience has taught, after we wake up from this wonderful dream, we return to our hectic lives characterized by impatience, worries and disunion.
To sum up, the world cup has deep, temporary effects on people’s lives. In my opinion, most of them are positive. However, it is a pity that the union we are able to create during this month is abandoned after it and we return to normality and all of its implications.
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Hi Martu!! First of all, very nice space. Congrats! Now, on your topic, I'd like to tell you that I've noticed the same too. People's lives are disrupted amazingly. I also go along with you in that we seem to live in an ideal world. Last year the swine flu was used as a curtain to prevent people from thinking about important matters. Now, do you think that there are no people who have gone down with the flu this year? Of course there are, but this year, they've drawn that curtain and are using a different one: The World Cup.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to tell you Martu, and take this as a compliment, how much I feel that your language level has improved since last time I read something writtend by you. Really, well done! I think it shows how hard you've worked! =)
Gaby
I agree with you Martu, every single person is touched in one way or another by the World Cup. Love it or hate it, you can't stay neutral to it. I personally enjoy it (even though I'm no football fanatic) as a cultural event that, as you said, gives us a sense of belonging that few other things do. And it is a wonderful excuse to spend some time with friends or family.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that the media should keep us well informed, especially networks that are not related to sports. It is indeed a shame that we are all acquainted with the latest match results, but maybe not so much with the terrible floods happening in Brazil.
But I believe it is also our responsibility not to be deceived into thinking that all of the sudden we no longer have any problems to face or any work to do. The world doesn’t stop turning just because we pretend it does. It is up to us to enjoy this tournament as an event that brings the whole world together without letting it completely paralyze our lives. Because, as you said, sooner or later there always comes the time when we have to wake up.