How/when did football fans evolve into the painted face, wig-wearing, national flag as cape (or skirt), silly hat freak show that it is today? I'm not old enough to remember supporters before 1974. But from the archival photos I've seen, they were a fairly reserved lot. Scarves, caps and "woollies" (ski caps) in national color schemes came into fashion in the 1970s, inspired in part by club football gear. The replica team kits first appeared in the 80s. When did it all go bananas? The 1990s? The 1994 World Cup in the US? Are we, the Americans, responsible? Was this our unique response as a country to a lack of indigenous football culture? I cannot speak for Argentina, Japan, Germany or any other country, as I am American, but I do feel there are certain fans in the American camp (see above photos) that show up to the World Cup matches only to make a spectacle of themselves. I ask you, what does Elvis Presley, Abraham Lincoln or Captain America have to do with football? I have to say nothing. Great Halloween costumes, yes; appropriate football match gear, not really.
I certainly enjoy the festive atmosphere of the World Cup, and wouldn't have it any other way, but you have to wonder if the spectacle in the stands isn't overpowering the spectacle on the pitch. Boring football one could say. But I do sometimes feel I am at a Mardi Gras parade rather than a football match. I am not suggesting that a person wearing a scarf and replica kit is a more fervent supporter than one dressed head to toe in a red, spandex body suit and Fruit of the Loom underwear (yes, I saw this!). Maybe there is a distinction to be made here, that of supporter vs. fan. Is it fair to define a supporter as someone that follows a particular team and cares greatly about the result of the match, and a fan as someone that is excited by the sport in general, but their enjoyment of the overall event is more important than the outcome on the pitch? Am I splitting hairs?
There is a brilliant book by Desmond Morris called "The Soccer Tribe". It undertakes to explain the football fan from a sociological perspective. It was published in 1981, long before Elvis began showing up at football matches. Perhaps it is time for a new and revised edition.
I certainly enjoy the festive atmosphere of the World Cup, and wouldn't have it any other way, but you have to wonder if the spectacle in the stands isn't overpowering the spectacle on the pitch. Boring football one could say. But I do sometimes feel I am at a Mardi Gras parade rather than a football match. I am not suggesting that a person wearing a scarf and replica kit is a more fervent supporter than one dressed head to toe in a red, spandex body suit and Fruit of the Loom underwear (yes, I saw this!). Maybe there is a distinction to be made here, that of supporter vs. fan. Is it fair to define a supporter as someone that follows a particular team and cares greatly about the result of the match, and a fan as someone that is excited by the sport in general, but their enjoyment of the overall event is more important than the outcome on the pitch? Am I splitting hairs?
There is a brilliant book by Desmond Morris called "The Soccer Tribe". It undertakes to explain the football fan from a sociological perspective. It was published in 1981, long before Elvis began showing up at football matches. Perhaps it is time for a new and revised edition.
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