Harry swearing off West Ham after every relegation, then letting the opening fixture slip a week later, is such a precise picture of loving something that keeps letting you down. You keep him funny and stubborn all the way through, the WESTHAM plate, two hours in the rain at 75, so when he goes quiet and says now he can die it doesn't need underlining. Sport as the unrequited love that outlasts the ones you chose is a sharp thing to have caught in your own family.
Thanks for the thoughtful reflection on my article, Zachary! I’m so glad both his stubbornness and humor came across, that’s exactly how he is in real life. We love him for it.
I have to admit that I have a love-hate relationship with soccer. I enjoy watching the games, but I can never quite forget the negative excesses of soccer nationalism or the statistics on rising violence against women after soccer games. Especially as a German, I grew up knowing just how destructive nationalism can be, which is why I tend to root for the underdogs rather than for my home country or the big favorites. But I also see that people who belong to a diaspora, in particular, enjoy seeing their home countries on the big stage.
Of course, your text is only tangentially about soccer. At its core, it’s yet another empathetic portrait of someone close to you. You really have a talent for bringing these people to life in your writing. I hope you’ll be able to experience the World Cup together many more times! All the best to your father-in-law! <3
I also find violence around soccer and sports in general to be disturbing. I never think it should go that far. It’s fun when it fosters community and friendly competition. And as for a sensitivity to nationalism, I get that, too. I have many Japanese friends and family who are wary of that, not necessarily in soccer. But more generally in politics, after what the country went through during and post WW2. I appreciate your awareness of social forces and how they can influence or be reflected in a popular sport like soccer ♥️
Ahhh this is an incredible and personal profile! I see where (your) Harry gets it from (including his face!) haha. That second to last paragraph actually gave me chills and you know I love to give England a hard time. That's the beauty of the Cup my friend *tear*
I loved how you captured the depth of Harry’s love for football and the way a lifelong passion can become part of a family’s shared story. A very touching tribute to him!
Thanks so much, My! I’m so glad you enjoyed the read. Pieces like this are personal and a lot of fun for me to write, but I never know how someone outside my family might receive it. So I appreciate the comment :)
It was really interesting to read! It felt personal and genuine, and I think that's something people can connect with. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Harry swearing off West Ham after every relegation, then letting the opening fixture slip a week later, is such a precise picture of loving something that keeps letting you down. You keep him funny and stubborn all the way through, the WESTHAM plate, two hours in the rain at 75, so when he goes quiet and says now he can die it doesn't need underlining. Sport as the unrequited love that outlasts the ones you chose is a sharp thing to have caught in your own family.
Thanks for the thoughtful reflection on my article, Zachary! I’m so glad both his stubbornness and humor came across, that’s exactly how he is in real life. We love him for it.
Makes sense it reads true, the West Ham stubbornness is the sort of thing you can't invent. Sounds like good company.
Once again, a very compelling piece.
I have to admit that I have a love-hate relationship with soccer. I enjoy watching the games, but I can never quite forget the negative excesses of soccer nationalism or the statistics on rising violence against women after soccer games. Especially as a German, I grew up knowing just how destructive nationalism can be, which is why I tend to root for the underdogs rather than for my home country or the big favorites. But I also see that people who belong to a diaspora, in particular, enjoy seeing their home countries on the big stage.
Of course, your text is only tangentially about soccer. At its core, it’s yet another empathetic portrait of someone close to you. You really have a talent for bringing these people to life in your writing. I hope you’ll be able to experience the World Cup together many more times! All the best to your father-in-law! <3
I also find violence around soccer and sports in general to be disturbing. I never think it should go that far. It’s fun when it fosters community and friendly competition. And as for a sensitivity to nationalism, I get that, too. I have many Japanese friends and family who are wary of that, not necessarily in soccer. But more generally in politics, after what the country went through during and post WW2. I appreciate your awareness of social forces and how they can influence or be reflected in a popular sport like soccer ♥️
Ahhh this is an incredible and personal profile! I see where (your) Harry gets it from (including his face!) haha. That second to last paragraph actually gave me chills and you know I love to give England a hard time. That's the beauty of the Cup my friend *tear*
I loved how you captured the depth of Harry’s love for football and the way a lifelong passion can become part of a family’s shared story. A very touching tribute to him!
Thanks so much, My! I’m so glad you enjoyed the read. Pieces like this are personal and a lot of fun for me to write, but I never know how someone outside my family might receive it. So I appreciate the comment :)
It was really interesting to read! It felt personal and genuine, and I think that's something people can connect with. I'm looking forward to reading more!