Musings post the football World Cup, and the meaning I took away from behaviour on and off the field. How we act in victory is often less indicative than how we behave and treat others in defeat.
This was a tricky one to decide whether to publish as I feel I misspoke on a couple of things. So, in proceeding… please be aware I am conscious dictatorships are happening in other parts of the world and did not seek to highlight ones that have happened historically in African countries, as isolated or characteristic of the continent. Having lived in Nigeria as a child and travelled throughout parts of that continent, it is filled with memories and I love the heart and presence of people in different countries there and am cognisant in many cases, European dictatorships and autocrats have done more harm to plunder the continent. I also referred to poorer countries in referring to how big football is globally. I hope this is not interpreted in any way as superior or glib. It was not referred to with anything akin to that notion. I think I included that reference, in my head, on the basis that football requires a ball only, and for that reason is so accessible and therefore universal. The barrier to entry and understanding is low, so it becomes available to children everywhere and therein you hear the stories of young stars who came from origins of little resources. Nico Williams of Spain, whose Mum walked from Ghana, or how Ronaldo grew up wth nothing or Lamine Yamal, who was named after two gentlemen who helped his family in tough times. One piece of equipment and no barring entry level costs, like that of say F1 or hockey or most other equipment heavy sports, allows for a more equal playing field in football.
The rest of the references you may read as political, but they are not. Issues of dignity and safety are protected human rights and not affiliated views, so I will stand tall in my views on the current world leaders who openly and casually defile, degrade and cause harm to others by word, act or policy.
With those disclaimers and non -disclaimers in place, the last month of football fever has allowed us to witness a microcosm of both the best in people and the worst.
What counts is what we say, how we act and what we do under pressure. These are important times, institutions are being desecrated, books banned and non-invader countries being bombed and looted for autocrats to retain control and power.
Just as they are in public scrutiny, we ourselves, are also in a time of being recorded and watched, so what we say and do, even in our own small way, has a reverberation effect and will, likely, be remembered.
From the Egyptian coach, to players, to the Mexican President (Claudia Sheinbaum Parton) and the Spanish PM - Pedro Sanchez - who have spoken up against the genocide of the Palestinian people - their words and actions will and do have impact. The fact they have to deal with a US President that openly mocks and reviles, publicly penalises and derides them is also on show for the world to see and judge, accordingly.
Spain, holding up the World Cup as champions, after having been called ‘horrible people’ by the host country’s President speaks so much more to his lack of intellect, empathy, class and grace and THAT was what was on show throughout this tournament.
The men who RULED in their skill and honour outdid many of the men who currently rule …
So the invitation is to live your life as though it was a beautiful game, to know that HUMANITY always wins and to be the hero, in whatever small way you can, by speaking into injustice when you see it, by remaining humble in defeat as in victory and by being happy for your words of knowledge, empathy and kindness to follow you around, ‘be used against you’ and be your legacy and your summary…
From corporate lawyer to full time writer, Julia Mathison, in this 13 MIN EP, explores the contrast both on and off the field when people gather from all around the world and what becomes obvious to all about who the true heros are, when that world is watching abd taking notes…
Always a personal musing, featuring personal preferences, with a desired message to be kind, follow your hearts direction and accept the calling of your innate gifts.
MENTIONED:
Myth of The Odyssey - Homer. His epic poem post The Iliad, written in d’accoucher hexameter - six beats.
Now a movie directed by the master storytelling, Christopher Nolan.
Spain, as a nation, keenly aware of what genocide and fascism look like, having been through it under the rule of Franco. Pedro Sanchez does not just reference history, he is telling the world Spain has learnt from their own history and it will not be tolerated again at home, nor will they be silent witnesses to it abroad.
Support the show
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
PURCHASE MY STORIES AT
www.jemathison.com
