FIFA World Cup

Community, the definition of the world seems too simple but as I reflect on the presentation on Tuesday I realize that there is a deeper meaning to this word then just the definition. It is not just a group of people living together in a particular area or setting but a community can be a much bigger concept then just being part of a community. For example I am now living in Waterloo-Kitchener which instantly makes me part of the Waterloo-Kitchener community. But just because I am part of the Waterloo-Kitchener community does not necessarily mean I have a sense of belonging or that it is my only community. Sporting events are a great example of establishing community, in the readings by David Morley the hockey rink and baseball field were sporting events that brought together community, physical space and belonging. Although hockey and baseball are great sporting examples I believe the sporting event where I most felt a sense of belonging and community was during the 2010 FIFA world cup in South Africa.

The 2010 FIFA World cup in South Africa was a time in my life where I experienced a sense of greater belonging and community in a sports setting. Everyone from all over the world was representing their host or home land country, cars, houses and windows were all waving flags. Conversations were sparked with strangers who you felt a connection with because you realized that they represented the same country you were, friendships were created both online and at local pubs. Although I met people in different communities for example people from Brampton, Ottawa, Ajax, etc. we still felt connected as a community not just because we were representing Nigerian but also rooting for Africa as a whole, making us part of a greater community. When Ghana was the only African team left in the world cup it carried all of Africa on its back and the support from other African nations was enormous. This sense of community and belonging is seen in K’naan wavin’ flags video (See clip Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9abNWUM8ZJA ) During the time of the 2010 FIFA world cup all differences were put aside to celebrate something much bigger then what divides us. The FIFA World cup represented community.