Splash Biography

During February 2006, Samuel Eto'o, one of soccer's most prolific goal scorers, decided to walk off of a live game. After months of monkey chants, fascist salutes, and fans throwing banana peels onto the field, Eto'o said "no más" (no more). Soccer is so much more than a game. It encapsulates some of society's biggest questions of racism, feminism, and violence. This class will look at how we can view society through the lens of soccer where African players are often subject to extremely racist and conservative groups, where soccer rivalries represent some of history’s bloodiest gang wars, and where women players and referees challenge the status quo. The otherwise beautiful game does not seem so attractive through the blood, fights, and racism, through which groups always seem to be offside.

The role of soccer in the modern era reflects monumental historical events, stories of violence, and struggles for social acceptance. This class will focus on the social implications of soccer through history. From its growth among labor workers in England, to its immortalization of social strife, and finally to questions of racial acceptance. We will look at soccer outside of the 90 minutes and outside of the pitch.