drew moser : : theological riffs, cultural rants, anecdotal quips

World Cup Headache

10 June 2006

Day one of the World Cup is here and gone. Upset of the day: Ecuador over Poland, 2-nil. I'm currently watching England take it to Paraguay. It's early, but England came out of the gate strong.

My conscience wouldn't allow me to gush over the World Cup without addressing some of the filth that has come with this event. I previously blogged on the positive global implications of soccer (football) and the world cup. But unfortunately, greed, wealth, and hyper-nationalism don't take a monthlong respite from this event. Hence the title, 'world cup headache'.

• First, the sex trade in Europe will be making a mint this month. Germany legalized prostitution in 2002. An estimated 40,000 prostitutes (aka 'slaves') will be shipped in from central and eastern Europe to cater to the 'needs' of 3 million plus world cup fans. New brothels have popped up all over the country to house the women, and special licenses have been granted so the women can work the streets. It's tragic to see a global, friendly competition being used to reinforce injustice, greed, and slavery. (hat tip: x3blog)
  
• Second, racial tensions have been mounting leading up to the event. Minority players and fans will undoubtedly be forced to endure racial slurs and insults throughout the tournament. USA Today has an article here.
  
• Third, anti-poverty organizations are being shut out of the opportune advertising. World Vision created a TV commercial comparing the daily cost to sponsor the English football team to the daily cost of sponsoring a child trapped in poverty. Officials explained that the ad was 'unfair to football'. A sport takes priority over poverty? Yeah, that makes perfect sense...sheesh! (hat tip: Urban Onramps)

This shouldn't prevent anyone from enjoying the world cup...just don't enjoy it at the expense of justice, humanity, and racial harmony.

As this post concludes, England is still up 1-nil.

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Drew Moser @ 9:14 AM : : permalink : : 1 comments : : links to this post