This has been a remarkable week in the United States and it is an understatement to say that people have felt the results of the Presidential election quite keenly. Capping off this week is the historic matchup between the US and Mexico in World Cup Qualifying. And this time, it certainly feels different.
Soccer means a great deal of different things to its fans. For many, it is an escape, 90 minutes of freedom and release. And for many others–myself included–our brains don’t work that way. I view a crowd of people–particularly in the nationalistic setting of neighboring countries–and I can’t help but think about the politics of it (not partisan politics, but in the broader geopolitical sense). I also understand that first impulse, the impulse to just let go and enjoy something simple and beautiful.
Friday’s matchup between the US and Mexico is worth really considering in the light of recent political events. The match comes pre-charged with the soccer-specific emotions of wanting to win and wanting to qualify for the World Cup. Added to that mix is the election of a man who wants to build a literal wall between the two nations, a man who has demonized Mexicans.
What does it mean to be a Mexican-American cheering on the USMNT these days? What does it mean to be an Anglo-American like myself to cheer against Mexico? I keep thinking, “It’s just a game, you’re just cheering for players to score. Besides, Rafa Marquez is legitimately a villain and deserves your hate.” No matter how many times I tell myself this it rings hollow (everything except the part about Rafa, screw that guy).
For better or worse, the eleven men out on that pitch represent our country and in the wake of a large portion of people voting to endorse what I view as antagonistic (I’m being charitable) to my Mexican-American friends, the players inevitably feel like they represent Trump’s America. Cheering for U-S-A (I hate that chant) leaves a little bit of a bitter taste in the mouth this time around.
I’ve been to only a couple of US Men’s matches that involved obnoxious jingoism. Most notably, I remember the US v Turkey 2010 World Cup send-off in Philadelphia. A group of bros chanted “Fuck you Turkey” just 10 feet from groups of Turkish families (then again, this was in Philadelphia). It was disgusting and embarrassing. I also stood behind a Mexico fan dressed in his jersey and sombrero in the middle of the American Outlaws in the Copa America this summer and didn’t witness any problems.
This week has weighed heavily on me, particularly as I speak to friends who have experienced racism. And this match adds to that weight because soccer as escapism simply isn’t possible for many Mexican-Americans. Even without an idiot making an explicit reference to a wall, the entire match is a reminder of second-class status.
But there is another way to look at this. I have always loved the ways soccer has introduced me to new worlds and to new people. My first international match was the US against Honduras in Chicago, where after the match I shook hands with Honduran fans and we chatted about the match. I won’t be in Columbus, but I certainly hope that those at the match will seek out Mexican fans and just say hello. In fact, as I drafted this essay, Grant Wahl wrote about a fan planning to do just that.
If I flip a switch in my mind, I can cheer for an America that stands against racism, an open and inclusive America.
I can look at those players on the pitch as representing America, Trump’s America. I can also look at the players themselves and marvel at the tapestry they weave: German heritage, Colombian heritage, Haitian heritage. If I can confine myself to those 90 minutes and those players on the pitch, I can also remember that they stand for another America, an America made beautiful and strong by people from all backgrounds. If I flip a switch in my mind, I can cheer for an America that stands against racism, an open and inclusive America. So I choose do to just that, to cheer for those players breaking down walls. And for those at the match, shake hands with those fans. Build bridges.
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