Pricey

I woke up with an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach this morning. Another headline of militant attacks on the coast of Kenya. More reports of unrest and corruption and oppression in Brazil in the midst of the World Cup Tournament. I, like the rest of the world, have been enjoying the World Cup thus far. It’s been dramatic, tense, heartbreaking. All of the things that good football should be. But, at what price? 

I also read about power rationing and the government purchasing extra power so that Ghanaians across the country could watch the US Ghana match last night. The article’s writer chalked it up to a move by the government to appease the people for all of its other failings. So here’s my question to myself today, and a question more of us should be asking. What am I willing to let slide to be entertained? What am I willing to let slide to be caught up in a rush of national pride (vicariously, of course, since none of the countries I have lived in long term are in the tournament)? 

To say that I am spoiled is an understatement. I get to live in a town where the biggest danger I face is walking home with my groceries through the rain or dodging the one car who doesn’t understand Wolfville’s unique pedestrian rules. I get to sit on my couch, well fed and dry and warm, watching the World Cup matches live streamed on the CBC for free. I am employed and able to support myself, even as a young student. In a few days, I get to see my family again for the second time this year. Read this man’s letter to the Kenyan president in case you also need a reality check for how spoiled you are: http://www.jambonewspot.com/kenyan-writes-president-uhuru-following-mpeketoni-attacks/

Yes, I am angry. But before you get defensive or think that I’m sitting here judging you, let me just remind you that I am perhaps most angry with myself. Only topped by how angry I am with systems worldwide that leave the average man oppressed by inescapable poverty. Only topped by how angry I am with cowards worldwide that leave the average man oppressed by fear to live out his daily routine. 

By no means, am I suggesting to boycott the World Cup and deny yourself of the security and tranquility of a privileged life. Those are extreme reactions, that may or may not be actually useful in the long run. I’m just asking myself (and you, if you should choose to) to sit with the price for a few minutes. If you’re anything like me, it’s going to be uncomfortable and probably very hard to come to terms with. 

Even in my anger, I don’t presume to know how to lower this cost. How to turn a money-making machine like the World Cup into something that celebrates human dignity and spirit in all quarters. All I’m asking is that as fans and global citizens that we pay attention to the voices that aren’t wearing jerseys and scoring goals in this next month. That we let them roar as loudly as a stadium full of passionate football fans. That we mourn with them as deeply as we mourn with our favourites who suffer defeat or humiliation on the pitch. If there’s anything we can learn from this tournament, it’s the power of a common cause to unite millions of people. I mean, Team USA even got Americans excited about football yesterday (okay, obligatory American jab taken care of, sorry, American friends). 

In conclusion, let’s not be the brainwashed, ignorant people the media hopes for us to be. Let’s pay attention over the next month, keep careful stock of the price, and be aware of our own issues with privilege and entitlement. Enjoy the games, cheer your hearts out, but don’t forget the rest of the story.

Here's a photo essay regarding Rio that makes me incredibly uncomfortable. It's worth your time. http://animalnewyork.com/2014/picture-rio-many-brazilians-hate-world-cup/