Thought I'd continue with the theme of football as we are approaching the start of the World Cup!
Media is filled with rankings, speculations and analysis these days. Who will win? Who's the biggest profile? Which team has the nicest outfits? As I reported yesterday almost half of North Americans, naively, believe that the US will stand as champions in about a month. In a non-scientific poll 12,5 percent of Swedes believe that England will capture the gold-medals, almost as naive as the Americans if you ask me. A more serious poll was also conducted to see which nation Swedes would support in lack of Sweden's participation. Hardly surprising Denmark received the largest support with 17 percent of the votes, followed by England and Spain. Big football nations such as the Netherlands, Brazil and Argentina also gathered some sympathies. Equally non-surprising was that not a single out of the thousand polled persons voted for the US. Most, I believe, it has to do with the fact that the US historically has not been a big football-nation, regarding trophies and public interest, although the country has participated in the World Cup since the start. There is a resistance towards football being established in the US, the US holding the World Cup, or the national side reaching far in international tournaments among a, albeit small, segment of the Swedish and West European public. As an anonymous commentator on of Sweden's largest football blogs put it: "the eventual football-boom of the US can be a bit 'dangerous' as they will then start to export their plastic franchise-football one way or another". Of course this type of comments follows a general trend of fear against American influence, in Sweden for instance that it will mean too much of commercialism and capitalism. The fear of American soccer meaning turning world football into "plastic" and "fake" also follows a long tradition of views on the American nation, people and culture as not really "real", a different kind of reality, and one not as good. It should be noted however that slightly more positive than negative comments about American soccer culture have been posted in the last couple of weeks, so there is no general coalescing anti-Americanism going on among Swedish (and West European broadly) football fans and pundits.
It is further shown in an international poll which has been undertaken in the last couple of weeks, which shows that Italy is "the most hated team" in this years World Cup, with 20 percent of the votes. The US is number ten with three percent of the votes as the team people don't want to see as champions (interestingly with the same percentage as North Korea). More "feared" or "hated" are larger football-nations Germany, France, Brazil and Argentina, probably as they get votes from nations regarded as competitors for the gold. Here, the US is little to fear, as they shouldn't be feared to turn world football into plastic commercialism.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
U.S. optimism also in football
This years World Cup of football in South Africa is only three days away. Sadly without Swedish participation this year, but somewhat of a relief is that most other big football-nations are taking part, which will hopefully guarantee entertaining plays.
One such big nation is not the USA. On the contrary, taking in consideration its size and wealth it must be one of the "smallest" footballing countries in the Western hemisphere, as it so far has very few accomplishments on the World stage. Having made it to the round 0f 16 a few times since 1990 might be considered a decent result, but real successes have been lacking. This have not decreased Americans' optimism for this years tournament, where a whole 46 percent of North Americans (also including Canadians) believe that the US will bring home the gold from South Africa. The US is in general an optimistic society, where positive attitudes towards the future, one's own situation, and technology outrank those of the cousins in the West. When it comes to belief in one's own nation, as measured in the belief of the "cultural superiority" of the country, the US is only outranked by Italy in the Western hemisphere. I was a bit surprised to find that this had spread to football, which is still quite a small sport in the US. It has grown since the World Cup was held there in 94 though, and now the games in the domestic league MLS oftentimes fill more seats than the National Hockey League-matches.
That is not to say that the U.S. optimism about their national "soccer" side has grounds. I would say there is no chance of the US winning the gold, although they should advance from an easy group consisting of England, Algeria and Slovenia. Making it to the quarter-finals would be a big accomplishment for the Americans.
One such big nation is not the USA. On the contrary, taking in consideration its size and wealth it must be one of the "smallest" footballing countries in the Western hemisphere, as it so far has very few accomplishments on the World stage. Having made it to the round 0f 16 a few times since 1990 might be considered a decent result, but real successes have been lacking. This have not decreased Americans' optimism for this years tournament, where a whole 46 percent of North Americans (also including Canadians) believe that the US will bring home the gold from South Africa. The US is in general an optimistic society, where positive attitudes towards the future, one's own situation, and technology outrank those of the cousins in the West. When it comes to belief in one's own nation, as measured in the belief of the "cultural superiority" of the country, the US is only outranked by Italy in the Western hemisphere. I was a bit surprised to find that this had spread to football, which is still quite a small sport in the US. It has grown since the World Cup was held there in 94 though, and now the games in the domestic league MLS oftentimes fill more seats than the National Hockey League-matches.
That is not to say that the U.S. optimism about their national "soccer" side has grounds. I would say there is no chance of the US winning the gold, although they should advance from an easy group consisting of England, Algeria and Slovenia. Making it to the quarter-finals would be a big accomplishment for the Americans.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
R.I.P. Dennis Hopper
Movie-legend Dennis Hopper passed away last night at the age of 74. Most famous for his roles in "Apocalypse Now", "Blue Velvet" and "Easy Rider" (to which he also wrote the script, and received an Oscar-nomination for). Perhaps not one of the greater actors for my generation, as he starred in less than brilliant movies towards the end. But he will always be greatly remembered for his participations in some of the movie-history's timeless classics.
If I have to pick out a favorite scene of Hopper's it would have to be the "Pabst Blue Ribbon" from David Lynch's "Blue Velvet". Not because it is the most brilliant or spectacular, but it is energy and humor boiled down into 8 exploding seconds. Plus, it has some special meaning for me a a couple of friends. If one takes in the whole meaning of Pabst Blue Ribbon for the average American "Joe", it gets even more special. Sweden has never, seen the presence of this beer, although we our own somewhat equivalents of it (perhaps why it has never made it here). I think it is about time for some brewery to import now. If not for the flavor, then at least as a salute to Dennis Hopper!
If I have to pick out a favorite scene of Hopper's it would have to be the "Pabst Blue Ribbon" from David Lynch's "Blue Velvet". Not because it is the most brilliant or spectacular, but it is energy and humor boiled down into 8 exploding seconds. Plus, it has some special meaning for me a a couple of friends. If one takes in the whole meaning of Pabst Blue Ribbon for the average American "Joe", it gets even more special. Sweden has never, seen the presence of this beer, although we our own somewhat equivalents of it (perhaps why it has never made it here). I think it is about time for some brewery to import now. If not for the flavor, then at least as a salute to Dennis Hopper!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Martin Gelin's America, part III
So, I've been reading over 250 pages of Martin Gelin's "The American Promise" since I last wrote about it. Quite a bit to cover, but I will make an attempt.
When writing on Obama and public speeches, it is interesting to note that Gelin often makes comparisons to Baptist ministers, as a resemblance in style and how to address a crowd. It especially caught his eye (or ear) when he attended a ceremony, which started sound a lot like an Obama-rally. Obviously the two influenced each other, creating a movement among African-Americans; a political mobilization among this minority probably never witnessed before in American history.
One other interesting note was the one that Gelin makes on the styles of campaigning, where both Hillary Clinton and John McCain used negative campaigning and smear-tactics against Obama, which seemed to have been successful for neither of them.
I will come back to Gelin's notes and thoughts on America, the most interesting part in the book I believe, at a later stage. I will just leave with an entertaining story on David Axelrod, the chief strategist of the Obama-campaign, who is devoted an own chapter. To Gelin, Axelrod is anything but the traditional political strategist; he "wasn't very terrifying. He had a mild voice and a timid aura. His gaze seemed chronically a little sad, like a dog who had just been left home alone. Cheeks kind of puffy, like he just woke up." Axelrod also surprises by showing an incredible sense of self-distance, saying that his mother used to tell him "I looked like an unmade bed". Terrific sense of humor, among a lot of serosity that was the Obama-campaign.
When writing on Obama and public speeches, it is interesting to note that Gelin often makes comparisons to Baptist ministers, as a resemblance in style and how to address a crowd. It especially caught his eye (or ear) when he attended a ceremony, which started sound a lot like an Obama-rally. Obviously the two influenced each other, creating a movement among African-Americans; a political mobilization among this minority probably never witnessed before in American history.
One other interesting note was the one that Gelin makes on the styles of campaigning, where both Hillary Clinton and John McCain used negative campaigning and smear-tactics against Obama, which seemed to have been successful for neither of them.
I will come back to Gelin's notes and thoughts on America, the most interesting part in the book I believe, at a later stage. I will just leave with an entertaining story on David Axelrod, the chief strategist of the Obama-campaign, who is devoted an own chapter. To Gelin, Axelrod is anything but the traditional political strategist; he "wasn't very terrifying. He had a mild voice and a timid aura. His gaze seemed chronically a little sad, like a dog who had just been left home alone. Cheeks kind of puffy, like he just woke up." Axelrod also surprises by showing an incredible sense of self-distance, saying that his mother used to tell him "I looked like an unmade bed". Terrific sense of humor, among a lot of serosity that was the Obama-campaign.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The US enters the Swedish election
It rarely happens, but this year it has. The United States plays a role in the Swedish election race. The red-green coalition of the Left, the Greens and the Social Democrats writes in their program on Sweden's relation with the outside world that "a red-green government will demand that the US discontinue their nuclear weapons and military bases outside of the country's borders". The center-to-right-coalition Alliansen (currently in power) did not hesitate to jump on it, and criticized the policy heavily. The minister of foreign affairs, Carl Bildt, believed it would threaten Sweden's relationship with the US and give Sweden a minuscule role in world politics. Further, he claimed that this was an "apparent display of anti-Americanism". Right wing media has interpreted this as a show that the Left has gotten to much of a say as the party "remains in the isolationist world view of the 1970s where the US and Israel make up the axis of evil".
I am very much interested in the discourse of anti-Americanism, and to say that this policy bears the markings of it is an overstatement. Anti-Americanism is usually (although contested) defined as something close to "sharp criticism towards America with signs of hatred and despise towards the entire nation". This policy is more colored by a general criticism and, most important, skepticism among the Swedish Left towards the United States. The Right has in modern times usually been more positive towards American influence and American policies, in Sweden or in the world. During the Cold War the Left (then with the appendix "Communists") was closely aligned with Moscow, which has of course shaped their view on the US and how Sweden should relate to it. It has lead the Left to very critical of U.S. involvement in the world, almost regardless in which shape and form it has taken, and much of the view is a general skepticism towards American intentions. I will come back to the view of American among the different parties as the election comes closer (to be decided in September).
So the Swedish relationship with the United States has gotten a place in the election debate. Is it likely to affect much of the outcome? Highly unlikely. The sad state of Swedish foreign policy very rarely decide anything in elections, and I would be very surprised if this debate moves more than a handful voters between the blocs. Especially in meager and dire economic times domestic issues completely dominate the debate, sadly.
I am very much interested in the discourse of anti-Americanism, and to say that this policy bears the markings of it is an overstatement. Anti-Americanism is usually (although contested) defined as something close to "sharp criticism towards America with signs of hatred and despise towards the entire nation". This policy is more colored by a general criticism and, most important, skepticism among the Swedish Left towards the United States. The Right has in modern times usually been more positive towards American influence and American policies, in Sweden or in the world. During the Cold War the Left (then with the appendix "Communists") was closely aligned with Moscow, which has of course shaped their view on the US and how Sweden should relate to it. It has lead the Left to very critical of U.S. involvement in the world, almost regardless in which shape and form it has taken, and much of the view is a general skepticism towards American intentions. I will come back to the view of American among the different parties as the election comes closer (to be decided in September).
So the Swedish relationship with the United States has gotten a place in the election debate. Is it likely to affect much of the outcome? Highly unlikely. The sad state of Swedish foreign policy very rarely decide anything in elections, and I would be very surprised if this debate moves more than a handful voters between the blocs. Especially in meager and dire economic times domestic issues completely dominate the debate, sadly.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Stieg-success brings gender to the US
The third book in the oh-so popular Millennium-series by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, in English titled The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, is hitting the United States these days. If we are to believe the Swedish tabloids, it is nothing short of a major success, a "Stieg-fever in the states", even. I have earlier written about the meaning of Swedish success in the States, and will not repeat myself here. Good reviews from LA Times, New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post is impressive for sure. Foreign releases rarely bring huge hypes with them in the US, and especially not from smaller countries such as Sweden. What the Millennium-trilogy has brought with it to the US scene seems to have quite a bit to do with the character of Lisbeth Salander. "Americans are not used to such complex portraits of women. Women rarely get to have dark sides in our culture", says Maria Cellner, from a bookstore in New York.
I found this quote very interesting. It touches on something I have been pondering for quite some time but have not been able to put my finger on. I would argue that the US have if not the same then at least similar standards in equality when it comes to women in the workplace, wages, women in leading positions, and so on, compared to say Scandinavian countries and the majority of West European nations. Through the early entrance of modernity in the shape of technical appliances in the home American women were not always resorted to domestic work in the 1940s and 1950s, but could do other things, such as enter the workplace. This happened far earlier in the US than in Western Europe. But when it comes to issues of gender roles the US is hopelessly lagging. The larger parts of American society is very much stuck on old, idealized images of how women and men should be and behave. Guys should be strong, physical, very much into sports (but not dancing), like motor-vehicles and guns, be outgoing and outspoken, and so on. A bad version of a man is weak; a fagot or a pussy. Equally, a girl who likes guns or contact sports too much, or, as the quote above shows, has darker sides is looked down upon.
I am not saying that this is how all Americans think and act, but I am certain it is an ideology of the majority. I believe that the wretched thinking on gender roles also prevents further developments into equal rights and acceptance of homosexuals in the US, as they don't always act as American men and women "are supposed to". To be sure, Scandinavia is no paradise when it comes to gender equality and the acceptance of people who dare to step out of their supposed gender roles. But we have come quite a long way, and if part (not all, though) of our thinking on gender can spread across the Atlantic can be a positive think for further social liberalization of the US. Even if the successes of Stieg Larsson and Lisbeth Salander only makes a few people stop and rethink gender, it will be one of the more important Swedish contributions to American Society.
I found this quote very interesting. It touches on something I have been pondering for quite some time but have not been able to put my finger on. I would argue that the US have if not the same then at least similar standards in equality when it comes to women in the workplace, wages, women in leading positions, and so on, compared to say Scandinavian countries and the majority of West European nations. Through the early entrance of modernity in the shape of technical appliances in the home American women were not always resorted to domestic work in the 1940s and 1950s, but could do other things, such as enter the workplace. This happened far earlier in the US than in Western Europe. But when it comes to issues of gender roles the US is hopelessly lagging. The larger parts of American society is very much stuck on old, idealized images of how women and men should be and behave. Guys should be strong, physical, very much into sports (but not dancing), like motor-vehicles and guns, be outgoing and outspoken, and so on. A bad version of a man is weak; a fagot or a pussy. Equally, a girl who likes guns or contact sports too much, or, as the quote above shows, has darker sides is looked down upon.
I am not saying that this is how all Americans think and act, but I am certain it is an ideology of the majority. I believe that the wretched thinking on gender roles also prevents further developments into equal rights and acceptance of homosexuals in the US, as they don't always act as American men and women "are supposed to". To be sure, Scandinavia is no paradise when it comes to gender equality and the acceptance of people who dare to step out of their supposed gender roles. But we have come quite a long way, and if part (not all, though) of our thinking on gender can spread across the Atlantic can be a positive think for further social liberalization of the US. Even if the successes of Stieg Larsson and Lisbeth Salander only makes a few people stop and rethink gender, it will be one of the more important Swedish contributions to American Society.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Speak Swedish to me, part II
I've had a couple of days of hiatus due to bad health, but I'm back now and will try to keep up the tempo over here. The summer is usually a time of vacation also for politics, but rest assured there will be other things to ponder.
A couple of days ago I wrote about Swedish actors in Hollywood, and their sometimes inclination to speak the native tongue as part of their roles, something which Americans of course don't hear every day. I mentioned True Blood as a good example of this, and the character Eric played by Alexander Skarsgård. I now found a clip on youtube which shows the longest segment of Swedish probably in American TV (and movie) history. Over 4 minutes of Swedish dialog when Eric thinks back to his viking-past and how he became a vampire. Scandinavians as vikings is probably the most common image displayed in North America, but not in this way. What is additionally interesting (and entertaining) about this clip is that the Swedish dialog sounds really stiff and quite bad actually. Despite Skarsgård's participation it almost doesn't sound as if a single Swede has been involved in either the writing or the acting, which is very odd for a TV-show that excels in both areas. Anyway, it is very entertaining. Enjoy.
A couple of days ago I wrote about Swedish actors in Hollywood, and their sometimes inclination to speak the native tongue as part of their roles, something which Americans of course don't hear every day. I mentioned True Blood as a good example of this, and the character Eric played by Alexander Skarsgård. I now found a clip on youtube which shows the longest segment of Swedish probably in American TV (and movie) history. Over 4 minutes of Swedish dialog when Eric thinks back to his viking-past and how he became a vampire. Scandinavians as vikings is probably the most common image displayed in North America, but not in this way. What is additionally interesting (and entertaining) about this clip is that the Swedish dialog sounds really stiff and quite bad actually. Despite Skarsgård's participation it almost doesn't sound as if a single Swede has been involved in either the writing or the acting, which is very odd for a TV-show that excels in both areas. Anyway, it is very entertaining. Enjoy.
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