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A review by jacobinreads
Soccer vs. the State: Tackling Football and Radical Politics by Gabriel Kuhn
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.75
The beautiful game has been one of the great ambivalences of my life. I adore the athleticism and artistry of players, the serendipity of chance and destiny that tinge games, the passion and pride of teams and their fans (the act of singing with hundreds of fans cannot be beaten). However, I also deplore the often toxic machismo, nationalism, sexism, and violence that sometimes accompanies the aforementioned 'beauty', and the crass commercialism and exploitation of the sport. Beauty, solidarity, hard work, collide with brutish tendencies and the greedy of the market that sees players, fans, and the game itself as a "brand"
Perhaps it mirrors my views on society, smushed down onto a pitch?
This book really spoke to that tension, and to the possibility of a sport that could be otherwise. It is stuffed with documentary sources, musings, interviews, and a history of the radical and working-class origins and present of football. This makes this an invaluable resource and curiousity for people like me.
So, this gets a recommendation for anyone in my miniscule niche; if you love football and long for a more just game and a more just world, this book may be for you.
Perhaps it mirrors my views on society, smushed down onto a pitch?
This book really spoke to that tension, and to the possibility of a sport that could be otherwise. It is stuffed with documentary sources, musings, interviews, and a history of the radical and working-class origins and present of football. This makes this an invaluable resource and curiousity for people like me.
So, this gets a recommendation for anyone in my miniscule niche; if you love football and long for a more just game and a more just world, this book may be for you.