There's one reason why I'm supporting England in this World Cup and one reason only, because I'm English. ... I wouldn't say you should support England. That's a bit strong, and, to be honest, if your heart isn't in it, then I don't want you to support England. But what I am saying is supporting England should come naturally to you.
Hey J4m3z, I used to be a big/huge/mahausive fan of everything English mate. Damon Hill (champ '96!), England football team, Henmania, Olympics.
But then I came to some conclusions. One doesn't support Germany in football over night just like a Muslim gives up Islam, haha!
One of which is the that exists in us humans:
us Vs them mentality . As a result, it is a natural tendency to identify and like people you are a part of. But this is a mental fallacy in this day and age I think, where diversity is far more important, especially in our connected world of businesses, financial failures and contagious flu viruses.
Then there is the issue of the world developing. If most of the world is tending towards being developed, what differentiates us then? So even though Asian Tiger countries are deemed "Westernized", it is more the case that (imo) any group of people who advance will inevitably become developed and appear "Westernized", it I think it is more the case the West just happened to be the first.
So, then, one has to consider, who defines *your* boundry? The people around you? Or what *you* think? Another thought: Would all humans would come together as a whole if an alien empire tried to invade us like in Independence day? I'm pretty sure we would! Another thought: I know Indians who are mad Man U fans, posters on Ronaldo on their work desks. Is that less Indian of them? How about my (British) relatives who where HUGE Michael Schumacher fans because he was an amazing driver. When he crashed infront of us in 1999 they wanted to leave, but only stayed because I wanted to see Damon Hill finish.
So if boundaries (such as for sports) are relative to the eye of the beholder, and diversity is better than segregation, I have to question why am I boxing myself via a natural instinct that exists within us?
So, yes, it did come naturally for me to support England. But after being fed up of their performance, and reasoning about the "them Vs Us" mentality, reasoning about what it means to have borders and boundries: I'm rooting for a team that plays well and don't feel any less English for it. Living in Germany had an effect too, the German team play more comfortably then sitting on-the-edge England. But don't get me wrong, supporting a Germany team is completely different to being a British citizen such as paying taxes, living up to British laws and values (and even British political ideas that really do make sense to me).
As I've mentioned before and I'll say it again: it seems to be not an issue to not care about a British tennis player, but yet when it comes to football, it gets all national. I'd gladly support England if they were playing well, but knowing them very well, it's not worth the heart ache and bitter bills ... I'm sure you know what it feels like J4m3z! If they improved and I enjoy their football, sure, I'll more than gladly support them, just like any other tennis player at Wimbledon regardless of nationality.
I won't be going to pub at all. I probably wont be watching the match anyways, have other things to do!!
Topic: The Official World Cup Thread