Soccer, known as football in Brazil, is VERY important in Brazilian society. For this reason, I want to focus a blog on it's cultural importance.
First, the Brazilian style of soccer is different from any other style in the world. Here are a few words from Wikipedia about how Brazilian soccer is played: "Brazilian football is known for its trickery, fast flowing, attacking style of play and considered a reflection of the country's multiracial society. Brazil's unique style is characterized by much creativity, swing and is infused with various rhythms and choreographies. The combination of those elements is called ginga.
The great foot ability could be traced to the physical coordination and rhythm associated with the capoeira and samba which are characterized by footsteps to dance or to play under the rhythm of African drums. It is believed that this unique style was developed in the low income areas largely populated by people of African descent."
In a developing country, Brazilians often find themselves without the luxuries held by people in wealthier countries. In fact, until recent year, Brazil had the largest economic gap in the world, meaning that millions live in poverty. As Wikipedia says, "Football quickly became a passion for Brazilians, who often refer to their country as "o país do futebol" ("the country of football"). Over 10,000 Brazilians play professionally all over the world."
Soccer has a major effect on Brazilian culture in various ways. It is the favorite pastime of youngsters playing football on streets. For children without video games, computers or books, a homemade soccer ball and a plot of dirt makes for a good game and great entertainment. It also inspires dreams... even the poorest child can make it to the top in soccer.
Also, soccer draws Brazilians together. Regional teams create a bond throughout the nation- rich or poor, black or white, everyone can debate soccer. As for the national team, it unites an entire country, with people skipping work to view the national team play, or employers setting up televisions at work for employees to watch. The general elections are usually held in the same year as the World Cup, and critics argue that political parties try to take advantage of the nationalistic surge created by football and bring it into politics. Former footballers are often elected to legislative positions.
Supporting a favorite soccer team runs through Brazilian blood. Every Brazilian has an opinion about soccer, whether it is a five-year old in a favela who loves the national team, the young Italian immigrant who supports Palmeiras or my 65-year old host mother who loves Corinthians.
This past Saturday I went to my third soccer game here in Brazil. As the excitement rose throughout the game, it was impossible to not feel a surge of pride for the winning home team, Corinthians. With a final score of 4 to 0, it was a great game and a great way to experience Brazilian culture.
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