One of the main talking points of the belated 2020 UEFA European Football Championship was the involvement of footballers in coordinated anti-racist protests by taking the knee before the beginning of each match. Notably, the English football team’s decision to protest racism was met with disapproval by a fraction of their own supporters, who decided … Continue reading On Socially Acceptable Activism and the Deradicalisation of Taking the Knee
Accepted When You Win Attacked When You Lose
On Sunday, July 11th, the Football Euro Cup Final took place. Individuals across the globe, especially in Europe, traveled to parties, bars, houses, and gathered to watch the final game between England and Italy. Tensions high, within the first two minutes of the game, England scored a goal, setting the tone and leaving Italians worried … Continue reading Accepted When You Win Attacked When You Lose
Under-Evaluating Symbolism in Politics: Kneel Before Playing
Italy is founded on two pillars: the memories of unrepeatable past greatness, from the Roman Empire to Michelangelo and Leonardo, and the National Football Team, the Azzurri. According to my 28 years of experience, Italy feels Italian when it unites in front of a television set to watch 22 players chasing a ball: in front of … Continue reading Under-Evaluating Symbolism in Politics: Kneel Before Playing