Yes, it requires talent, yes etc. for all the rest.

IT IS A GAME. Like playing monopoly, or riding a horse in gymkhana, or running if you like to run.

IT IS A GAME.

It is way past time to make bigots aware that their views are not acceptable to the majority.

I was close to alerting on this post, raven, but realized I couldn't tell whether you were defending bigots, which is how I read your post at first.

I was reacting without pondering, I guess - I cannot understand how folks get so worked up over a sport, anyway (but don't ask me about college football...........).

Bigotry/racism/anyism is indefensible. I sure was raised that way, and mom died 2 years ago at the age of 96. Cussing wouldn't get you in deep doo-doo, but a bigoted remark involved her worst possible punishment (after she made sure you understood what you'd said).

No, dickthegrouch - I wasn't defending anything. Just a reaction to the general insanity surrounding the World Cup. I stand with the protesters 100%.

I am finding it very hard to take them as though you do not support this bigotry. I'm positive I would want to clarify my position if it was taken the wrong way by someone.

It was stupid to post that way - I was rallying against the idiots, not for them for sure. What the idiots need to remember is that it is a game - and not some evidence of racial/ethnic/economic inferiority or superiority. Talent for the sport is just that and it sure doesn't matter where you're from or what race you are or how much money you have. It does matter if you have access to the equipment and training - and the chance to show your stuff.

It is much appreciated.

The only place we may differ is why they do it.

Their racism/homophobia/anti-Semitism is a part of their lives. It's a hatred they have for their fellow man. The World Cup is just an opportunity for them to spread their hate.

Again, thanks for replying to me.

I'm usually pretty good at avoiding misunderstandings - the culture I live in demands it! Hatred is a learned behavior, and until we can educate parents it will, unfortunately, continue.

I appreciate your reply! This old hippie screws up, but I hope I fixed it!

has been coopted. WTF does it have to do with "white supremacy" anyway? Those early designs came from the Picts, NOT your average white guy. They even painted themselves blue... Woad anyone?

On edit: I googled it, and I think they mean this:

The swastika suffered a similar fate. I say similar because there are many who don't associate the Celtic Cross with racism...yet. It was adapted by racist skinheads in the UK, then it travelled overseas, mainly to the US. You will not see many Celtic Crosses associated with "white power" in South America, most of Africa, or South-east Asia. It is more "popular" in the US, Europe, and North Africa (for some reason). I am not sure about Australia (Oceania), the Middle East, or Central Asia. I haven't seen much written about the Celtic Cross there or its uses.

Last edited Thu Jun 19, 2014, 02:43 PM - Edit history (1)

But the racism and anti-Semitism that takes place abroad is frequently sickening by comparison.

It is disgusting, BtA; and it shouldn't be swept under the rug just because it's the World Cup.

directed at players of African descent.

Last edited Thu Jun 19, 2014, 06:34 PM - Edit history (1)

Mexican, Brazilian Teams May Face Penalties for Slur-Slinging Fans

Despite efforts made by FIFA and organizations such as GLAAD to discourage the use of antigay slurs during World Cup play, Mexico and host country Brazil could be facing disciplinary action for the behavior of their fans. The Football Against Racism in Europe group has reported that Brazilian fans shouted “puto” — a Spanish and Portuguese gay slur meaning male prostitute — at Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Meanwhile, Mexican fans allegedly used the same slur when their team faced off against Cameroon. Also, Russia and Croatia may see disciplinary action for racist and anti-Semitic messages on banners displayed by fans.

“The levels of homophobic abuse at some matches is also totally unacceptable," Piara Powar, a member of FIFA’s antiracism task force and executive director of FARE, told London's Telegraph. "There is some rapid education required before it begins to run out of control."

http://www.advocate.com/sports/2014/06/19/mexican-brazilian-teams-may-face-penalties-slur-slinging-fans

I really don't understand the level of animosity over a damn sporting event.

I don't think it's bigotry as much as it is ignorance.

http://imgur.com/gallery/LLxAO

He is a big giant Dane (not in the world cup) and he and his even bigger brother decided to root for Japan in the tournament. They donned Japanese shirts and were greeted with great shows of friendship. They said the fans were more awesome than the game and it was the most fun they had ever had at a football match. I had a similar experience at a baseball game in Tokyo. So that photo is completely believable.

Crack down on the fascists because they could embarass the nation in 2018, but after seeing the farce that was Sochi, I doubt it.