Right, that’s it. I’ve had enough of attempting not to write about the Confederations Cup. I wanted it, like the hype that didn’t precede it, to just die away and I could return to my normal life of never having to hear a vuvuzela. I have, on the odd occasion, accidentally changed the channel to South African football before, with the result being simultaneous immediately raised blood-pressure, panic and rage. But luckily this would only ever last a few agonizing seconds.
But on Sunday I was subjected to more than three hours of this hell on earth. That’s right; I went to a Confederations Cup game between Spain and New Zealand. Actually it was more like Spain against a school of special needs children, but that is neither here nor there.
We arrived at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace full of cheer and merriment. We told jokes on the way and would slap our sides with hortelling, chortelling laughter. Yes, indeed we were a truly merry bunch, ready for an evening of (pointless) Confed. Cup fun. But it was not to be.
I vowed, then and there, that after that first (and only) evening of the authentic South African soccer experience, I would never ever allow myself to be subjected to it again. There were many things amiss that left me disappointed and angry that evening, but none so offensive to my senses as the Vuvuzela.
Oh how the South African yokel loves to blow his own trumpet. One of the things I love most about the politicians that run this fair dominion is how, at their discretion, they can make up their own history as they go along. The vuvuzela is one such example.
According to SouthAfrica.info, a site run by the International Marketing Council of South Africa, the origin of the vuvuzela is rooted in the mists of time: “The ancestor of the vuvuzela is said to be the kudu horn – ixilongo in isiXhosa, mhalamhala in Tshivenda – blown to summon African villagers to meetings. Later versions were made of tin.” This is, of course, bullshit.
The real story is told by boogieblast.co.za, makers of the damn thing: “The first prototype was from America and changed somewhat for more comfortable blowing and effectiveness. We have researched the history of the Vuvuzela, and follows a trail back to a women’s Chinese basketball team.” But as with so many things in this country, history is as malleable as the minds of the people.
Those arguing for the vuvuzela maintain that it is part of the great South African soccer culture and that not allowing it would truly be an injustice. Bullshit. They’ve been around less than ten years. It was only when some bastard called “Neil van Schalkwyk, the co-owner of Masincedane Sport, which manufactures the plastic vuvuzela, won the SAB KickStart Award in 2001, which is an SAB-run project that assists entrepreneurs by providing grants and mentorship during the start-up phase of business.” that the vuvuzela really started making an impact.
But I digress. I know I sound like an old man complaining about the youth and their music, but by thunder I hate that sound. I hate it so much. I was sitting just in front of two young white whipper-snappers, who had obviously never been to a South African PSL match in their lives. Well, technically Kyle was just in front of them, but I was right next to Kyle. These children were blowing their little lungs out right into Kyle’s left ear. In what other venue on this planet could you blow an air-horn at over 120 decibels directly into a man’s ear without feeling the sharp crack as your jaw shatters on the pavement?
It is insane to allow them into stadia. I cannot imagine the kind of hearing loss these things can cause. But for reasons I cannot fathom they are thrust, literally, into my face whilst I am left just barely clinging to sanity. Apparently some psychologists say that the vuvuzela can cause rage in the human as, not only is it loud, but as it is constantly off-pitch, it is offensive to the senses. Just think about how much bagpipes enrage us, but luckily we have all but rid the planet of them.
I thought I had recovered after a few days, but just like those Vietnam flashbacks, I panicked when I switched over to a game yesterday. I actually got angry. I had to go outside and kill something. Luckily something wasn’t around.
One of the great ironies of the whole debate that has flared up over the proposed banning of the vuvuzela is that it is seen as a racist attack on a black South-African institution. This, when the entire vuvuzela empire is in the hands of a white Afrikaans man and a guy called Beville Bachman, need I say more.
I don’t know how, but by Odin I will have those things banned from the World Cup; even if I have to pry every last one out of the lifeless hands of the victims of the spree-killing the sound incites in me.
I don’t think anybody has the right to tell people how they should behave at a soccer stadium. If people feel like blowing their vuvuselas let them be. If you don’t like the sound stay away.
Three things, Aquilogy:
1. Why can’t I bring my lucky hammer, Hammy, to Confed Cup matches? Because it’s explicitly banned (…like air-horns), proof of which you’ll find on any ticket. FIFA and the stadia can tell you exactly how you should behave: they hold the right of admission.
2. Are rights the point? No. The point is: Should they choose to exercise their existing right to ban vuvuzelas?
3. I don’t like the sound, and do intend to stay away… Don’t know if you’ve noticed that FIFA has to give away tickets already.
Thank you soooo mch for your article. I cannot agree with you more. I don’t know how anybody can stand that unbearable noise. I also by accident stumble accross the soccer at times and is forced to change the channel in 2 seconds, the noise is deafening and constant. There is a lot that I can say about the characters that actually buy the rubbish and then mindlesly blow the plastic pipe but i won’t, it will be frowned uppon and I will be called a racist. Also thank you very much fo the history. Hopefully the right people see this.
This is the first time that i read your blog and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
“This is, of course, bullshit”. What makes you the authority?
I personally love the sound. LONG LIVE THE VUVUZELA !
Your article is filled with so much incorrect facts that i think you need to recheck your points of reference before you write so much bullshit and have the nerve to put it our there – my,my, the power of the pen. If you stick to getting the facts right you may have a leg to stand on – until then, why not climb under a rock! You talk about the Vuvuzela not being part of SA history, and fail to forget that history is created, just as you have created history with bullshit information. Don’t go to the World Cup games – you should not be there in the first place as you are probably one of those men who are at home on a Saturday watching ruby. Then continue doing that. But for those you love the beautiful game of soccer and enjoy blowing their Vuvuzela’s at the stadia, let them be. We’re a young democracy and must learn to tolerate and respect each others cultures. We are no longer living in the past where the minority will dictate to the majority, we’re living in the present where our diversity must be celebrated and respected, so that we can all live together in this beautiful land, peacefully and in harmony. Surrender and your anger too will vanish…..
Stick to rugby man. Let the soccer fans celebrate the way they want to!
Use #ban_the_vuvuzela in your Twitter messages and help make it a trending topic!
Thank you for this well researched blog. I personally find the debate around this conic “instrument” very interesting.
Being a proud South African, I can say that the sound of a vuvzela is something that grows on you.
Although this creation is still relatively young addition to SA’s ‘culture and history’, it has enjoyed great support, especially with black South African soccer supporters (who are by far the majority of soccer supporters in SA) and separating the vuvuzela and soccer would almost be like removing the ball from the game. The men (and women) who have grown to love these instruments will most definitely not depart from them easily.
That being said, I can most definitely understand that having a 120 decibel off pitch blaring sound in ones ear cannot be enjoyable.
I think this debate is long not over and that FIFA will have to do some ‘fancy footwork’ (excuse the pun) if they are to keep both local and global soccer supporters happy.
AQUILOGY it’s attitudes like your that causes our stadiums to be half full…
vuvuzela is not a south african heritage… yet to allow them in stadiums should also mean whistles, blowhorns, etc into the stadium…
I find matches where vuvuzela’s are used just causes unecessary noise… Can South African’s not muster up song’s, warcries that actually have cohesion and rhythm?
I cant stand the noise! But I will have to put up with it as I have tickets to three games in Cape Town for next year.
Lets just hope they get banned before the start of the tournament
It’s pretty simple. Vuvuzela wreck the game. Players can’t play properly, commentators can’t be heard and it totally enrages the TV audience. Much as I love the world cup, I simply won’t be able to watch and broadcasters will suffer. How typically African…
They keep you from watching it… on TV… Wonderful thing, called a volume control. I would suggest ear plugs. All the things I’ve seen in footy stands, and everybody’s panties get in a bunch because of horns?
In America, I think they’re banned in the indoor arenas (like hockey), but that’s why I bring earplugs. American football can be very loud (and I remember seeing the horns in college, like ’86… Not to mention the 200-piece marching bands), so earplugs are good to bring.
Songs aren’t part of soccer. Nor is drums, horns, flares, or fan organizations. The game predates them. But to say you love the English, Brazilian, Japanese, Korean, and Italian fans’ cleverness in showing their love for the game, you can’t turn around and say ‘no’ to SA.
American football can have hundreds of plays, but because the stadium is loud, they have HAND SIGNALS.
And if you need the announcers to tell you what’s going on…
Why would anybody use these beasts?
They do not create an atmosphere.
They destroy your ears
They make enjoying a match impossible.
They make South Africans appear like brainless animals.
If they continue at the world cup i will be forced to avoid games or watch on mute.
99% of people hate them. And it’s nothing to do with any damn culture.
Well, if the quality of football in South Africa 2010 is as bad as it was in Germany 2006, then at least the paying spectators can entertain themselves by grooving and blowing their vuvuzelas in the stands!
As for Xavi Alonso, how much did the monkey sounds by Spanish fans aimed at black English players a few years ago bother him? Don’t remember him having a lot to say then! All this eurocentric whining is rather pathetic – a bit of respect and tolerance isn’t too much to ask me thinks.
I would suggest that the authorities allow this instrument at all SA games only. Ban them from other non-SA matches.
Let’s compromise.
[..."diversity must be celebrated and respected..."]
thanks Vuvuzela Queen
Hello, let me state that I’m not from SA, therefore you’re right if there is a historical and cultural attachement to the vuvuzula, it’s completely lost on me. I am however a very keen football fan, and i must confess that i absolutely hate the sound generated by the vuvuzulas.
It may be an aquired taste, but clearly i haven’t aquired it yet, and let’s face it, the billions of people who will be tuning onto the worldcup won’t either. I am all for local culture and atmosphere to make it onto the world stage, but it should not take away from (1) the game and (2) the pleasure enjoyed by billions of viewers around the world. The World Cup is hosted in South Africa, i’m delighted about it, but it still belongs to everybody else, as it is a global event.
The fact is that those trumpets generate an uncessing noise, that sadly does not reflect what’s happening on the picth. You can barely hear the cheers from either sets of fans, you can’t hear the crowd’s reaction to what’s happening on the picth. Seriously, there is hardly any change of noise when a goal is scored. I find that the game and experience of the supporters does not gain anything from those trumpets, quite the contrary.
The sad part is that the crowd in the stadiums during the confederation up were a pleasure to watch, all so colourful, engaged, smiling and dancing. But that noise just took it all away.
Muting the tv is not the solution, as it takes away the atmosphere. Problem is, with the sound on or off, it looks like there won’t be any sort of atmosphere conveyed, as one constant sound does not help generate it.
SO I don’t remember people not watching World Cups of years past which had their version of this instrument blasted throught the stadiums. If those things were alllowed in other world cups (’86 and to some extent ’94 come to mind). I don’t see why it would be banned now.
You can have your normal life back of not having to hear a vuvuzela, simple , stay away from soccer as you do in your normal life
I dont think anyone quite understands how the vuvuzela came o be part of soccerculture here, firstly, the enterprising young fellow who created it merely tapped into an existing opportunity when he realised that S.A. soccer fans blew all sorts of horns including sirens and airhorns probably nicked from factories and railway machinery etc. Some were so zealous for their sport they would not mind carrying battery operated horns in bags to the stadia, yeah such was the mood in showing support that even kudu horns were part of the culture, I was there and any die hard soccerfan will reminisce about that. Then came the vuvuzela and everything alse turned around. But I do attest to taht the sound of the vuvuzela is not new just merely reached a crescendo never before heard in soccer or even sport anywhere in the world, it is truly south african. PERIOD.
first of all ryan u bladly idiot….. “99% of people hate them” which 99% are you talking about. the whites. you mad? we should stop blowing the vuvuzela because white people dont like it/ now cause you guys wana come to the stadium we should change what we have been doing all along. wen barca and man utd came to play here they didnt complain bout the vuvuzela. 100% of people complaing bout the vuvuzela are those who dont go and watch psl games and now they want to complain. it i loud yes, but just as loud as the singing done by the europeans. ppl dnt go to anifield to experiene an old traford experience. they want an anfield experiecnce. so if you guys want an european experience go and watch matches in europe. we blow vuvzela’s in here and that the atmospher you goin to get BITCHESSSSS!
Tebza, it is no surprise to me that you threw in the race line. If you look at my post earlier on, you will see that I predicted this…. GROW UP!!! The vuvuzela and its sound sucks!!!!!! Stop being so selfish!!!
The World Cup is a Global Event which is supposed to be enjoyed by everyone everywhere. These trumpets detract from the enjoyment of the game for many many people and add very little enjoyment to a small section of South African Fans. A simple utilitarian solution would be to ban the trumpets because they upset far more people than the make happy. The morons who like to blow them can sit at home in front of their own tv and blow away to their hearts content and bother nobody but themselves.
This is Africa’s opportunity to show the world that it can host an event such as this. Do you really want to piss off the majority of people around the world by blowing these stupid things? Because if you do you can forget about any major sporting event being held there for a very long time.
Apart from the facts that they are probably bad for peoples psychological health along with damaging their ears and inciting anger and violence in people .. these horns completley take any athmosphere out of a game as the sounds of the crowd are drowned out.
People who blow them and people who enjoy the sound really need to get their heads checked.
Tebza, you are missing an important point here. Just because the World Cup is being played IN South Africa does not mean that it is being played FOR South Africa. There are going to be millions (and millions) of people all over the world tuning into the biggest international sporting events that there is. More than 700 million people watched the final of the 2006 World Cup.
Nobody is proposing that vuvuzelas should be banned at local soccer matches, because that would be unfair. At local soccer games, 90% of those watching do enjoy the sound. But at the end of the day, the World Cup is an international event being played for a predominantly international audience, so it makes sense to please the majority. And I hate to say it, but when it comes to the international audience, the majority of people hate the sound.
Very funny article. Even funnier responses, my favourite being from “vuvuzela queen” who criticised the author’s grasp of objective information, then quite hypocritically espoused this gem;
“you should not be there in the first place as you are probably one of those men who are at home on a Saturday watching ruby.”
The pot just called the kettle black (which is probably a racist term like banning vuvuzelas; which is apparently born out of prejudice).
She also spelled rugby wrong so not the brightest spark then. Think we can write off her response as an assinine rambling.
Hi Andrew, nice post but may I correct you on the origin of the Vuvuzela, however politically incorrect it may be:
During the ’80′s soccer fans used to travel to matches by train. At the front of the locomotive, on the roof was fitted two metal pipes which constituted the hooter or horn of the train. The black Kaiser Chiefs etc fans used to clamber up on the roof of the train and vandalise it, ripping off the trumpet like train horn. This was then carried off to the match and blown. In a classic case of “monkey see, monkey do” the SA Railways were thereafter suffering great damage as other fans engaged in the same destructive behaviour, vandalising trains and stealing off the horn.
Compare the shape of a train horn to the original straight shape of the Vuvuzela – huge difference between that and the shape of a kudu horn…
See http://www.zasucks.com/?p=3873 for more info.
I could not have said more, Uhuru Guru! Anybody who followed S.A. soccer from the late seventies onwards will agree with your statements, even then listening on the radio you could hear the incessant blowing of the horns. I say this just to prove that vuvuzela has a direct link to soccer in this country and not Japan or the USA. Besides with all the controversy that has arisen out of this subject I think the turn out of 2010 fans at stadia will tell if your much loved overseas supporters will be put off by this instrument, I for one think that with or without it they will turn out in their droves, firstly soccer fans are a different breed, not snobs. secondly even if they dont come locals alone will fill the stadia to the brim, just see how CONFED support has outstripped expectations at most matches.
[Can South African’s not muster up song’s, warcries that actually have cohesion and rhythm?]
Dear Irratated
Sorry to disappoint you. Our current education system failed us. We cannot “muster up song’s, warcries that actually have cohesion and rhythm”. Conveniently some people blame it on the past. Whatever, the vuvuzelas fit the under-developed intellect of those who blow it.
By accident of place, I saw BRA squeak past RSA today (first Confed game I was exposed to). I wondered what was wrong with the transmission, the reception or the TV set that made it sound like a swarm of bees buzzing loudly and endlessly. Now that I know the source, I wonder whether some Brazilian entrepreneur will promote such a new, fanciful “national tradition” in time for 2014. My kids will surely love to blow a “vuvuzela” while watching that World Cup!
[ ...even if they dont come locals alone will fill the stadia to the brim, just see how CONFED support has outstripped expectations at most matches... ] according to “Vuvuzela with courage”
—————————————————————————-
Refer to the following article in Mail & Guardian and see why “CONFED support has outstripped expectations at most matches” and get real.
“Free tickets for Confed Cup
June 17 2009 at 01:00PM
Free tickets will be distributed for the remaining group matches at the Confederations Cup to help fill the stadiums in South Africa, Fifa said on Wednesday.
Fifa media chief said Nicolas Maingot said a share of the tickets will be made available for free in an attempt by the world governing body to fill stadiums.”
They’re not trumpets, they’re handheld atmosphere-vacuum cleaners. The football supporters in the stadium who are actually watching the match will voice their reaction to incidents on the pitch. But the people who are just happy to have a night out and can’t be bothered to watch the game will play the vuvuzela, making a dull, lifeless, monotous noise which conveys no sentiment at all.
Wow! Another European who proposes to dictate OUR customs to us Africans. Here you can have our continent back while your at it. Make yourself at home.
Wel we are africans we hav a culture of football lyk our weather its unique. If u earopeans dnt lyk it then dnt come to africa we are tired of your narrow minded attitudes in africa football wil be celebrated the african style. Vuvuzela!
@ JOE, well maybe u should stick with ur MLB or NFL! how did i know that ur american or maybe canadian? maybe because ur the only 2 nations that call it soccer, ITS DAMN FOOTBALL!!
and @ AQUILOGY, i dont care if it might sound racist, because i know for a fact that am not one, but most of u guys whome are defending this stupid instrument are SA, and if fifa dont ban it then i hope ur WC will fail just like the confed cup!
btwn, maybe u guys should worry more also about safety issues, because not just tourists were robbed and mugged, but even egyptian and brazilian teams were robbed in their OWN HOTEL ROOMS!!
I think they are here to stay, weather you guys like it or not…
@Maher: buddy those issue are address on a daily basis, but nothing gets done about it, what can someone on ground level do.
The security for the world cup, will be tight and very hectic… Confed cup is just test run for the world… Seb Blatter has already confirmed his love for the Vuvuzela’s, so i guess it wont be going anywehre, get used to it:)
PS: the Eygptian team allowed hookers into there rooms… bad move on there part!!! hahahahaha
I rate Phil’s comment. When you’re so busy blowing into that darned horn for 90 minutes you can’t possibly concentrate on the game and fully know what’s going on.
The problem with major tournaments like these is that you’ll get a sizeable number of matchgoers who are daytrippers and not real football fans. The daytrippers see the football as an event like any other, and they’re there first and foremost to ‘have fun’, rather than follow the game closely. If blowing the trumpet increases the fun they’re having, then football be damned, they’ll blow regardless of what happens on the pitch.
This Vuvuzela circus is crazy – In my world(kenya) when a guy is cut he doesnt sleep in the same house with the mother. This is culture. Our friends from wherever can even sleep in the same bed with our people!
Point- let the Vuvuzela blow them away! Respect!
The annoying Vuvuzela is out today, the Kuduzela is in since its the official one
Here’s an article from 2006 (edited)
Education and entitlement are hot news at the moment. It seems as if South Africans have a lot of learning to do before 2010.
Some weeks ago Sunday Times football columnist & radio jock, Bareng-Batho Kortjaas was quizzed about the vuvuzela come 2010, on SABC 3′s interface, claiming that it would be wrong to tell the Dutch not to wear Orange when they support their team at home? So, he asks, how dare any football fan or player come here and question the noise of the vuvuzela? Tell me of one person who has had his hearing damaged, the reporter claimed, and I will show you a liar.
Sure, the vuvuzela is uniquely South African, as he claims. That doesn’t make it any more of a musical instrument or any less of a noise. The vuvuzela makes a noise… finish ‘n klaar. It makes no difference what colour, class or religion we are. And if that’s what football fans want, so be it? As some say, this call – to keep the vuvu out of the stadiums, along with guns, bottles and bad behaviour – is a form of censorship and a dictatorial manipulation of the masses & an infringement on people’s rights? Don’t our visitors or those who do not want their ears damaged have rights as well?
The implication of course, is that this is a racial issue and anybody who suggests that the vuvuzela is damaging to the ear when blown close-up, non-stop for 3 hours, or that it will cause tempers to flare, is of course a you-know-what. Does that suggest then that the hearing of black supporters, in the long run, will not be affected?
At 110 decibels plus not only is it highly illegal (95db is the max allowed public noise-level by law) but the hearing of anybody, black or white, European or African, can get damaged. Hearing certainly will be affected. As is the game. That is a matter of fact.
So why don’t we consider what may happen when the football world descends on Africa come 2010? Be afraid South Africa, when those European football gangs descend on Africa and when excitement gets ecstatic and tempers flare! Be aware. When the performance is over or a goal is scored, people sing and shout and blow and make a noise. But for 3 hours? Where’s the respect and unbuntu for our visitors in that? Especially if they are wearing Orange or Red and want to focus on the play and on the beautiful game?
Why do South Africans keep denying, defending and justifying what is clearly an abrasive, divisive, destructive and intimidating noisy toy, and then dismiss the call for unity, through the power and beauty of our unique African voices, songs and dances as patronizing, colonial or racist?
If we talk about manipulation and rights, then we should also ask how much does a vuvuzela cost and who is making the money? I doubt if the suits and the sponsors who manufacture and sell or give the vuvu away for free (FNB have now joined in), go to the beautiful game. And if they do, then the profits will allow them to afford comfortable suites, far away from the noise and the masses.
Signed: For the Love of the Beautiful Game – Not the Self.
To All who nock rugby spectators:
I agree about the wrong info being published and negativity clearly showing, BUT why are so many of the responses suggesting rugby spctators are complaining. Is this a case of predjudice fighting predjudice.
I am 43yrs old, love rugby,played it, love soccer, played it, was a referee and helped my kids to make vuvuzela’s from dried seabamboo which we colorfully decorated with acrylic paint. I do think it makes a hell of a racket, but try to tolerate it. This does not make me an “old man that should stay at home and watch rugby”, now does it?
Come on, respect your fellow SA’s opinion.
It is unfortunate that many people think that the vuvuzela should be banned from this years FIFA World Cup. Vuvuzela is an African horn and it has been used for many years to mark important events. The 2010 FIFA World Cup is a big event and we will celebrate it in an African way, blowing our vuvuzelas. Sorry we can’t help it.
Democracy has nothing to do with this! Liking soccer has nothing to do with this! Being part of South Africa’s history/past has nothing to do with this!
IT’S ALL ABOUT RESPECT!!
And to make sure you understand:
Next time I go to a Movie/Concert/Art Galery/Whatever-event-that-gathers-people I’ll bring my Vuvuzela(I’ll be sure to buy one soon!) along with a T-shirt were you’ll be able to read: I like to blow vuvuzela!
Than, if you feel like your missing the movie, or bleading from your ears, my answer will be:
-”If you don’t like it, leave!”
…
I can understand that some people don’t like them, but the negative effects on the ears seem to be widely exaggerated. Yes, they are loud, but the sky isn’t falling and what this whole discussion needs is a little more respect for culture and tolerance. Just because you don’t like it, asking for a ban is a bit too much.
I am sitting here in my living room today watching England and USA – the dominating noise I can here is that of a Vuvuzela – but gues what – even the English and the Amenricans are playing it. This proves one thing, that one cannot afford to change such a rooted culture (South African football culture)I read above about a historey of football fans stealing train horns in the 80s – this was because the kudu horn was becoming scares, isn’t it – and yes, thanks to that Afrikaans man who found the solution to the problem and invented the vuvuzela – he’s got my respect, he is one of the few Afrikaaners who have accepted themselves as real South Africans – not some of those who see themself as half South African but yet the only nationaliy they have have is nothing but SA. He is one of those who appreciate being part of this RAINBOW NATION. So let us not make it a black and white issue – this was burried in April 1994.
As much as there are speculations about Vuvuzela causing hearing loss and all those psychological problems, there are 2 positive things we are forgetting to look at and i.e. business and fun/entertainment. But of course if you are snobby, like someone said above – then you would never understand this because you are nothing but a narrow minded little invividual.
Europe is developened because of their believe in invention – they invented guns and guns kill, they shatter lives, etc but have you ever heared anyone criticise them – NO, that is because they were not invented in Africa or Asia!!! Stop being narrow minded, beaing ever so ready to impress the Europeans, they don’t give a shit!!!
Firstly let me put it bluntly, it is a african tradition, i am proud to be part of this great nation. Sad for the facts that some racist remarks are thrown in, but ultimatly we as white south african never supported soccer in the past, and similar can be said as blacks on rugby. But that trend is chancing and i am proud to be part of that change, it will bring us back to nation building. This is what South Africa should be about. Let us hope that in future we buy earplug , pick up a vuvuzela and support our teams. With the past super 14 matches i was pleased to see more black supporters and whites, and guess what there was vuvuzela’s. We are all South Africans working on a proud future…
If the idiots used that ear-piercing thing to celebrate a goal would be one thing but blowing it for the entire game is just stupid. It makes those “fans” look like retards and it irritates the hell out of everybody. Forget about chants, commentaries and players talk. Al you hear is that fucking thing being blown for no reason whatsoever.
FIFA officials are politically-correct cowards. The vuvuzela has nothing to do with South African culture and their reasoning for not banning it is an offense to anybody who uses the instrument it’s supposed to represent according to the tolerance crowd (which is bullshit since the vuvuzela was imported into the country about 10 years ago).
Try using that shit at any stadium in the civilized world and your ass will be escorted out in no time.
Ban that thing. Please.
I hate the sound of those bees in a beehive,its annoying and it drowns out the sound of the crowd,and can cause harm to peoples hearing.
I lived in South Africa for 5 years and this excuse that the vuvuzela is a cultural thing is absolute rubbish, a kudu horn would pass as a cultural trumpet,vuvuzela is a zulu word describing its sound, they are just a copy of a south american cornet/horn nothing to do with south africa,
they were invented by an afrikaner businessman who won an entrepreneur award of the year in 2001 and nothing at all to do with african culture: rhythmic whistling,thumb piano, zulu style drumming and group singing would be much more realistic,culturally accurate and appropriate than a cheap plastic horn made by a dutchman that can damage your eardrums.
Fifa should have disallowed them to be brought into stadia under H&S grounds for saving peoples hearing and migraines, South Africa’s rich culure could have produced something more stylish and african than a mass produced plastic horn
I’m Argentinian. I was waiting four years for this cup and now I almost hate it because of the vuvuzelas. No one can hear anything, players can’t pay atention to the match, is incredible how that thing can destroy the game, but it does. I dont know if the vuvuzelas will be banned or not, but Im pretty sure is the last WC in South Africa… just because of the vuvuzelas.
¡Vamo’ Argentina!
Personally I don’t see the problem with these horns. I reckon that they are only annoying if you let yourself get annoyed by them.
Otherwise why is it that some people feel forced to turn off the TV and others do not, we are all the same inside, from a species point of view.
Via la vuvuzela I say!
I think we’re all missing the most important revelation here.
Soccer sucks harder than our mothers did the various nights of our conceptions. *All* of the horn-banning just goes to show how brain-dead the fans of the game are in general. If you feel the need to repeat a high volume, high pitched, meaningless, repetitive tone, to the point where everyone around you hates you- you’re probably still around 3 years old in your mentality. OTOH if you don’t bring earplugs to a public event before you even show up, knowing in advance that it is a PUBLIC event and that by virtue of that fact, retardation is likely to abound… and then bitch about your inability to pay attention to the world around you, then you’re just as bad.
The only positive thing I can say about Soccer is that this particular horn fiasco is causing quite a ruckus at /b/.
And I thank South Africa for that. *thumbs up*
Andrew you are unbelievably super funny! I laughed so hard when I read your story. You should consider becoming a comedian. Just remember, it ani’t nothin’ but a thang. Right on Bro!
Boo Boo