One Person’s Noise is Another’s Inspirational Tune; Leave My Vuvuzela Alone!!!

It appears the only noise that can drown out the buzzing VUVUZELAS at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa are the calls from some broadcasters, players, and coaches to ban the ubiquitous plastic horns. Ideally, with a sound level of 127 decibels – louder than a drum or even a referee’s whistle at 122 decibels – might not be a pleasant experience for some. However, this is South Africa, and there is a lot different about this World Cup in case you have not noticed. Like most people, I do miss the singing, cat-calls, chants and drumming which usually creates the fanfare at football matches. That was the experience and atmosphere at other World Cups in the past.

The quadrennial complaint from some players and coaches resurfaces at every World Cup. There are always complaints like “how the ball being used spins and bounces or the state of the playing field.” It’s no different this year in South Africa; this time it’s about a plastic horn - the VUVUZELA. What the people complaining are failing to realize is that this time around the object of their complaint is not just a horn with a “buzzing tune.” It’s an entity which brings inspiration to the players and excitement to the fans. These naysayers are up against a cultural identity of emotionally charged African supporters trumpeting their support for their teams in a carnival atmosphere. As FIFA president Sepp Blatter has pointed out in defense of the incessant VUVUZELAS, those calling for the plastic horns to be banned do not understand African culture. The Vuvuzelas have become part of South African’s sporting culture, and banning it on their home soil would amount to intolerance of the host nation’s culture. Again, as Blatter has correctly observed, Africa has a different rhythm and a different sound, and indeed, the sound of the incessant Vuvuzelas is definitely unique, however, disruptive and annoying some might find it.

FIFA must be applauded for not kowtowing to pressure from those who seem to find fault and whine about anything foreign to them. According to the chief World Cup organizer, the use of the incessant Vuvuzelas is being “evaluated on an ongoing basis and he would consider banning the plastic trumpets if there are grounds to do so.”

I submit that there are no sufficient grounds to ban South Africans from tooting their horns. Take for instance, the whining from France captain Patrice Evra who blamed the noise generated by the Vuvuzelas for his team’s uninspiring showing in their opening group match against Uruguay. That is just an underperforming team looking for flimsy excuses. French legend Zinedine Zidane thinks what France need is a “real coach” to put together a winning team, not quiet. Any player would love to play in the most ideal situation, but there is never one. Being a super athlete requires more than physical ability, it demands mental toughness as well.

Folks, lets learn to be tolerant and allow South Africans to celebrate this epic moment in their own inimitable style. “When in Rome, do as Romans do.” Let’s play ball and enjoy the World Cup in Mandela Land.