The Olympic Games are traditionally thought of as the pinnacle of peaceful competition between nations. International sporting events are made to bring peace and unity to an ever globalizing world, but often some of the most brutal examples of violence are found at these events.
During the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Columbian soccer player Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in a match which Colombia lost 2-1. After returning to Columbia, Escobar was confronted by a gunman and shot six times with the gunman reportedly shouting “gol” with every shot. Throughout the years, other examples of this unnecessary violence have been seen all around the globe over sporting events. What causes this senseless violence over nothing more than a simple soccer match? A simple game?
For international sporting events nationalism can often be credited as one of the main causes. WWI demonstrated the devastating potential of nationalism on a large scale. As the world becomes more and more globalized; outlet of nationalism have become scarcer to find. One of the remaining outlet; however, is sports.
The existence of nationalism has been present since nations were first formed, but has only been made prominent in the last three centuries. The main reason for this is the evolution of personal property. Michael Hechter states: “The principle benefit of group formation lies in the concentration of individually held resources. By pooling at least some of their own resources, people can provide themselves with jointly produced goods-including security” (Hechter, 2000). Because of the increase in personal property brought on by the industrial revolution, people began to have more pride in the products their country was making. This pride transferred from the items being produced to the nation itself with the help of propaganda and as a result, nationalism increased (especially in Europe and U.S.).
Nationalism is prevelant in most if not all 20th century wars and this trend has continued into the 21th century. However; more recent wars have not been fought in the traditional stronghold of nationalism (The West). Europe since the end of the cold war has been relatively peaceful and the only western power that has been heavily involved in war in the 21th century is the United States. The War on Terror; however, does not affect the lives of many of the citizens of the U.S. and many of them are against the war. During this time period, there has been an increase in fan violence. This shows the lack of nationalism that has been directed at large conflicts over the past few decades.
Even though nationalism has not been expressed in large conflicts, it has manifested itself into smaller incidents (usually at soccer matches in Europe and South America). The feelings of pride in the success of a nation cannot simply disappear. They ultimately change the way by which they are presented. a
Hechter, M. (2000). Containing nationalism. New York: Oxford Publishing Inc.
During the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Columbian soccer player Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in a match which Colombia lost 2-1. After returning to Columbia, Escobar was confronted by a gunman and shot six times with the gunman reportedly shouting “gol” with every shot. Throughout the years, other examples of this unnecessary violence have been seen all around the globe over sporting events. What causes this senseless violence over nothing more than a simple soccer match? A simple game?
For international sporting events nationalism can often be credited as one of the main causes. WWI demonstrated the devastating potential of nationalism on a large scale. As the world becomes more and more globalized; outlet of nationalism have become scarcer to find. One of the remaining outlet; however, is sports.
The existence of nationalism has been present since nations were first formed, but has only been made prominent in the last three centuries. The main reason for this is the evolution of personal property. Michael Hechter states: “The principle benefit of group formation lies in the concentration of individually held resources. By pooling at least some of their own resources, people can provide themselves with jointly produced goods-including security” (Hechter, 2000). Because of the increase in personal property brought on by the industrial revolution, people began to have more pride in the products their country was making. This pride transferred from the items being produced to the nation itself with the help of propaganda and as a result, nationalism increased (especially in Europe and U.S.).
Nationalism is prevelant in most if not all 20th century wars and this trend has continued into the 21th century. However; more recent wars have not been fought in the traditional stronghold of nationalism (The West). Europe since the end of the cold war has been relatively peaceful and the only western power that has been heavily involved in war in the 21th century is the United States. The War on Terror; however, does not affect the lives of many of the citizens of the U.S. and many of them are against the war. During this time period, there has been an increase in fan violence. This shows the lack of nationalism that has been directed at large conflicts over the past few decades.
Even though nationalism has not been expressed in large conflicts, it has manifested itself into smaller incidents (usually at soccer matches in Europe and South America). The feelings of pride in the success of a nation cannot simply disappear. They ultimately change the way by which they are presented. a
Hechter, M. (2000). Containing nationalism. New York: Oxford Publishing Inc.
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