Ever since the announcement that Beckham would play for the LA Galaxy, many have thought about previous attempts to make football [soccer] more palatable to the public in the USA.
The people who have sneered at football [soccer] in the USA have been and still are an ignorant lot who fear the future. Many of them are in government and in the “Mainstream” Media.
Who cannot forget how the Anglo-Saxon Mainstream Media in America who loves to dictate to others what to wear, what to talk, what sports to play, what artists to listen to, and even how to talk. The only coverage of football [soccer] was by the US Latin Media. The” Mainstream” Media used that coverage to talk about a “Latin Invasion of the USA via Soccer” to spread ignorance, fear, and hatred.
Many people talk about a passing fad since football [soccer] has to compete with the likes of basketball, baseball, and American Football. There was one radio announcer who talked about hooliganism and corruption in football [soccer] while overlooking the fact that Pete Rose corrupted baseball, the NBA [National Basketball Association] is cooperating with the FBI in the investigation of a referee who may have fixed matches during the 2006-2007 NBA Season.
The NFL [American Football] has had its shares of scandals and High School American Football [as well as other sports] has had their share of hooliganism. Roberto once went to a High School American Football Game in Ohio in the early 1980’s and had to leave because of hooliganism. A Group of People came around with knives and axes and started attacking spectators. Who cannot forget the behaviour of NBA Players and NBA Fans during a shouting match turned into a moment in anarchy?
For those who do not support football [soccer] because they are ignorant, I respect their ignorance. For the powers that be, including a Mainstream Media that is out of touch with the rest of the world, Football [Soccer] is gaining ground. There are people who are playing it in the streets, in the hills, in the mountains, even in their backyard.
The change in demographics has also been helpful in this transition to football. The gradual change in attitude has also helped. The US Soccer Team has contributed as well. Who cannot forget the visit of Kristine Lilley and Company to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas when Kim Jong Il was testing his missiles?
Who cannot forget the charitable work of US Soccer and the MLS when it comes to giving soccer balls and promoting programmes in school and community centres like the YMCA or YWCA?
Now the so called “Mainstream” Media in America has decided to jump on the bandwagon. It is too late for them since they have been discredited in everything from sports to popular culture.
Beckham will take football to new heights and there exists a ray of hope that Beckham and Donovan will engineer a transition to a new generation of US Footballers which will help US Football shine just like other countries have shined!!!!!
Long Live the Second American Revolution which is the Football Revolution!!!!!!