NationStates Jolt Archive

Perhaps a bit old but I could not find and threads about it...

Apparently the real reason that USA is in a crisis is soccer (see linky):
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680101041299201.html

So, what do you say NSG, is soccer ruining USA? :)

Soccer isn't important enough to have any effect on America.

i was suprised to find that that essay wasnt posted yesterday.

what a dick. he didnt grow up playing soccer so its a useless boring GIRLS sport.

Soccer isn't important enough to have any effect on America.

You sure ? It is the most popular sport on the planet after all, involving amounts of money that dwarf things like American Football, baseball and basketball.

I closed that article by the third paragraph, the sheer amount of retardedness (even if it was satirical humour) made me rage my pants off.

That's one of the more powerful published demonstrations of mental retardation I've ever seen. Kudos to the WSJ for giving a man with such an obvious handicap a voice.

I can see your problem right there in the first paragraph.

Every kid is a winner, and nobody is ever left behind, no matter how many times they watch the ball going the other way.

That's not soccer. That's America. In REAL league soccer, the best team always wins, and almost always by a sizable margin. Always.

I can see your problem right there in the first paragraph.



That's not soccer. That's America. In REAL league soccer, the best team always wins, and almost always by a sizable margin. Always.

So ties are when the teams are exactly equal?

So ties are when the teams are exactly equal?

I said league soccer. Which means, over the year. Nobody can accidentally win the title, like the New York Giants did in 2007.

oh... really?

(Bowling and golf come to mind, but the sound of crashing pins and the sight of the well-attired strolling on perfectly kept greens are at least inherently pleasurable activities.)
nah, at least soccar doesn't have the constant droning of the announcers who DO put you to sleep.

The linear, two-dimensional action of soccer is like the rocking of a boat but without any storm and while the boat has not even left the dock. like... say... Bowling (the ball is rolling, you can't toss it.) NASCAR (I love it when they turn left... then go straight... then turn left again... in a huge circle!)

1) Any sport that limits you to using your feet, with the occasional bang of the head, has something very wrong with it. yeah, like boxing.. you can use your feet and hands... no wait...

Football (american) you can kick and stomp on people... no that's not right either...

Golf, you can use other things instead of that sorry copy of a hockey stick... hmmm... there must be something that doesn't limit what the players can use...

2) Sporting should be about breaking kids down before you start building them up. and that's why TAG is now forbidden in schools... not enough breaking down... Gotcha! ;)

3) Everyone knows that soccer is a foreign invasion hmm... and Golf isn't? Wrestling? Tennis? Hockey?

4) And then there is the question of sex. I know my daughter will kick me when she reads this, but soccer is a game for girlsyeah... let's teach girls how to KICK BALLS. I hope your daughter doesn't kick yours. :)

I hate sports, but at least come up with some sensible reasons... M'kay.

I said league soccer. Which means, over the year. Nobody can accidentally win the title, like the New York Giants did in 2007.

You manage to thoroughly misunderstand every aspect of the United States, yet again. One would think I would get used to your shocking displays of total and utter ignorance, but I remain surprised each time I hear something idiotic about the United States trip off your tongue.

Praytell, how did the New York Giants "accidentally" win the Super Bowl?

You sure ? It is the most popular sport on the planet after all, involving amounts of money that dwarf things like American Football, baseball and basketball.

What does that have to do with America? MLS is a joke.

Soccer is a global infection that needs to be cured. The best cures come from companies like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. :p

You manage to thoroughly misunderstand every aspect of the United States, yet again. One would think I would get used to your shocking displays of total and utter ignorance, but I remain surprised each time I hear something idiotic about the United States trip off your tongue.

Praytell, how did the New York Giants "accidentally" win the Super Bowl?

The other team won the entire season comfortably. In soccer, if you do that, YOU GET THE DAMN TROPHY. But Americans need a crazy playoff system where you can win the title after finishing ninth.

The other team won the entire season comfortably. In soccer, if you do that, YOU GET THE DAMN TROPHY. But Americans need a crazy playoff system where you can win the title after finishing ninth.

you do know that American Football has two groups. NFC and AFC. the Superbowl is a meeting between the best teams from each group.

Kinda like the world cup where it's the best team from each country.

The other team won the entire season comfortably. In soccer, if you do that, YOU GET THE DAMN TROPHY. But Americans need a crazy playoff system where you can win the title after finishing ninth.

In other words, it wasn't accidental at all, but the result of a playoff system. Weird. I'm thinking of a world cup of some kind that operates on that exact same structure, but the name of that world cup is escaping me. Perhaps you know?

In other words, it wasn't accidental at all, but the result of a playoff system. Weird. I'm thinking of a world cup of some kind that operates on that exact same structure, but the name of that world cup is escaping me. Perhaps you know?

Nobody likes World Cup soccer. It's always pathetic defensive play from sides who would rather not lose and just take it to penalties. That's why it never works in the US and Australia and places like that; the most exposure you ever get to soccer is the WC, and it's always crap that's served up.

True sport is league play; you play your games, you win your game, you get the damn cup.

The other team won the entire season comfortably. In soccer, if you do that, YOU GET THE DAMN TROPHY. But Americans need a crazy playoff system where you can win the title after finishing ninth.

You could take offense at college ball, but the pros have it down pretty well.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680101041299201.html
What a xenophobic, sexist, and generally stupid collection of words.

you do know that American Football has two groups. NFC and AFC. the Superbowl is a meeting between the best teams from each group.

Kinda like the world cup where it's the best team from each country.

I am aware of all of that. And those aren't good things.

Nobody likes World Cup soccer. It's always pathetic defensive play from sides who would rather not lose and just take it to penalties. That's why it never works in the US and Australia and places like that; the most exposure you ever get to soccer is the WC, and it's always crap that's served up.

True sport is league play; you play your games, you win your game, you get the damn cup.

So, I suppose the 1.6 million people that have already bought tickets to the 2010 World Cup just had some extra money lying around that they needed to blow, and had nothing better to do on that day, so they figured what the hell and bought some World Cup tickets?

Or, alternatively, could you be talking out of your ass, yet again?

So, I suppose the 1.6 million people that have already bought tickets to the 2010 World Cup just had some extra money lying around that they needed to blow, and had nothing better to do on that day, so they figured what the hell and bought some World Cup tickets?

Or, alternatively, could you be talking out of your ass, yet again?

They go for the event, the national pride, and the big names. But the games are almost always fizzers. Only the group stage can actually provide decent games.

They go for the event, the national pride, and the big names. But the games are almost always fizzers. Only the group stage can actually provide decent games.

You can accurately speak to the motives of 1.6 million people, eh?

But the games are almost always fizzers. Only the group stage can actually provide decent games.
Aye, that's rather accurate.

I am aware of all of that. And those aren't good things.

Two points. 1) I never said it was a good thing.

and 2) the same could be said of the world cup. if one country's team is undefeated... should that team get the championship without going though the whole thing?

They go for the event, the national pride, and the big names. But the games are almost always fizzers. Only the group stage can actually provide decent games.

Your countries team hasn't won it have they?

You can accurately speak to the motives of 1.6 million people, eh?

I honestly don't know anybody who thinks the WC is generally a good spectacle. It's been going downhill since the 70s.

Your countries team hasn't won it have they?

What... Germany?

What a xenophobic, sexist, and generally stupid collection of words.

I more or less stopped after the first paragraph. I actually kind of feel bad for the guy. He thinks hes making some profound social critique, when in reality its plain for all to see he's just retarded. And now hes published on the internet.

I honestly don't know anybody who thinks the WC is generally a good spectacle. It's been going downhill since the 70s.

I bet people in Italy like the World Cup right now, since they're the defending champions.

I wonder why 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 World Cup, if they all think it sucks so much.

What... Germany?

Youre Austrialian.

What... Germany?

No, that would be Australia, the country that you're from.

I honestly don't know anybody who thinks the WC is generally a good spectacle.
WC is generally a good spectacle. There.

No, that would be Australia, the country that you're from.

I follow Germany. Just like all the Italian-Australians who were partying on Lygon St follow Italy, just like all the Croatian-Australians who were gathered in Federation Square follow Croatia. Don't bother trying to argue it, just deal with it.

What... Germany?

Like I know where you're from...

Youre Austrialian.
No, that would be Australia, the country that you're from.

And as it turns out, I was correct: Australia has never won the World Cup, and Germany hasn't won it in 19 years.

WC is generally a good spectacle. There.

Why?

Why?
Because it is something remarkable or impressive. In fact, I don't know anyone who thinks the WC as an event isn't a great spectacle.

It just isn't that spectacular football, but that's another matter.

What does that have to do with America?

America is not an isolated island without any ties to foreign economies. Soccer is an international industry in which an awful lot of money goes around. I very much doubt that that has no effect on the USA whatsoever - if only due to moneylaundering ;)

Because it is something remarkable or impressive. In fact, I don't know anyone who thinks the WC as an event isn't a great spectacle.

It just isn't that spectacular football, but that's another matter.

Oh, that's what I meant. Yeah, it's great to behold the passion and the glory of the WC, but the soccer is generally not that great.

America is not an isolated island without any ties to foreign economies. Soccer is an international industry in which an awful lot of money goes around. I very much doubt that that has no effect on the USA whatsoever - if only due to moneylaundering ;)

Eh, I'm not sure that soccer markets overseas have that much effect on America. I would say the biggest effect is on American humor a la making fun of you soccer loving pansies.

Eh, I'm not sure that soccer markets overseas have that much effect on America. I would say the biggest effect is on American humor a la making fun of you soccer loving pansies.

You know, a lot of Americans like to pretend like Soccor is somehow a girl or immasculating sport. And they seem to be under the impression that American Football is somehow really 'manly"...

Which, when you think about it, American Football is one of the most homoerotic things on TV. I mean, its a bunch of men in tight spandex pants piling up on each other, giving each other congratulatory smacks on the ass, and then winding down with a nice, steamy group shower...

Eh, I'm not sure that soccer markets overseas have that much effect on America. I would say the biggest effect is on American humor a la making fun of you soccer loving pansies.

You know that big insurance group, AIG? The one that was on the verge of collapse? Guess who they sponsor.

You know that big sporting goods company, Nike? Guess how bloody intertwined they are with soccer.

You know, a lot of Americans like to pretend like Soccor is somehow a girl or immasculating sport.

http://sportzfun.com/photos/albums/soccer/kick1.jpg
Isn't it?

You know, a lot of Americans like to pretend like Soccor is somehow a girl or immasculating sport. And they seem to be under the impression that American Football is somehow really 'manly"...

Which, when you think about it, American Football is one of the most homoerotic things on TV. I mean, its a bunch of men in tight spandex pants piling up on each other, giving each other congratulatory smacks on the ass, and then winding down with a nice, steamy group shower...

Maddox.

You know, a lot of Americans like to pretend like Soccor is somehow a girl or immasculating sport. And they seem to be under the impression that American Football is somehow really 'manly"...

Which, when you think about it, American Football is one of the most homoerotic things on TV. I mean, its a bunch of men in tight spandex pants piling up on each other, giving each other congratulatory smacks on the ass, and then winding down with a nice, steamy group shower...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt8kve-dEWE

http://sportzfun.com/photos/albums/soccer/kick1.jpg
Isn't it?

And let's not forget this classic:

http://www.weirdpicturearchive.com/img/vinniejones.jpg

When the fuck did the US get soccer?

*Proceeds to climb out of his hole*

Maddox.

Who?

I cannot believe a professor actually wrote such trash. God help his students with such a xenophobic, anti-European and sexist bigot for a teacher. He is actually a professor of religion and philosophy but yet he cannot even put together a sound philosophical argument. He will not be producing any great philosophers any time soon. I think he should stick to the religion because he certainly preaches his believes like a religious zealot.

His constant reference to foreign invasion is just plain hilarious coming from a person who lives in a country that has pretty much exported their culture across the globe. Using his argument we should view all American imports as a foreign invasion we should get rid of because they are destroying our culture. Now, I would never want that to happen!

'[...]soccer is a European sport because it is all about death and despair.'

Which Europe is he talking about because it certainly is not all about death and despair here. With such narrow views I would be surprised if he has ever been to any European country in his life or any country outside the US for that matter.

I prefer baseball and find football or "soccer" completely boring but I would never say football is bringing down an entire nation or should be removed.

He is obviously suffering from severe paranoia, identity issues, extreme xenophobia and a good old dose of plain ignorance.

I prefer baseball and find football or "soccer" completely boring but I would never say football is bringing down an entire nation or should be removed.

Wait... You find football boring and think baseball is exciting? :confused:

lol trolled

1. Rupert Murdoch gains control of the Wall Street Journal.

2. An article like that appears.

Makes perfect sense to me.

Why do they let morons like that near computers? This kind of shit happens.

Oh, and, by the way? Only the female soccer team of America is any good. And they are regularly owned by Brazil. :p

Perhaps a bit old but I could not find and threads about it...

Apparently the real reason that USA is in a crisis is soccer (see linky):
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680101041299201.html

So, what do you say NSG, is soccer ruining USA? :)

Better be satire, or somebody gonna get a-hurt real bad. (for retardness, of course)

Go sounders fc!

Sorry, I missed this thread because I was in Nashville, attending the World Cup Qualifier. And in fact the game wasn't boring, it included a hat-trick. :p

People who say soccer is boring to watch obvisouly has never played soccer and simply doesn't understand it.

I follow Germany. Just like all the Italian-Australians who were partying on Lygon St follow Italy, just like all the Croatian-Australians who were gathered in Federation Square follow Croatia. Don't bother trying to argue it, just deal with it.

Traitor. :p

I hope you weren't like one of those Italian-Australians who supported both and wore shirts that were half Australian-half Italian. If you want to go for Australia because you are Australian go for Australia if you want to go for Italy because of your heritage go for Italy don't go around saying I go for both.

You know that big sporting goods company, Nike? Guess how bloody intertwined they are with soccer.

Show me a sport Nike doesn't sponsor.

Perhaps a bit old but I could not find and threads about it...

Apparently the real reason that USA is in a crisis is soccer (see linky):
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680101041299201.html

So, what do you say NSG, is soccer ruining USA? :)


There is some truth to that. Many American's have a feeling of self-entitlement. I believe that this is a major issue, caused by the whole "Every Kid is a Winner" mentality. In our quest to make everyone happy, touchy feely people, we're emasculating ourselves into a nation of pantsies.

I more or less stopped after the first paragraph. I actually kind of feel bad for the guy. He thinks hes making some profound social critique, when in reality its plain for all to see he's just retarded. And now hes published on the internet.

And the ironic (or scary) thing is that he is a professor in philosophy...

When the fuck did the US get soccer?

*Proceeds to climb out of his hole*

Remember that time when we had a nice time....weeell it turns out I had soccer. So you better get tested. :p

Show me a sport Nike doesn't sponsor.

Fair enough, but they probably put more money into soccer than the other sports combined.

Fair enough, but they probably put more money into soccer than the other sports combined.

Nike got its fame and wealth from Basketball not Soccer. Its famous spokeman was originally Michael Jordan not Pele.

Nike got its fame and wealth from Basketball not Soccer. Its famous spokeman was originally Michael Jordan not Pele.

And how long ago was that? Nowadays, it's all soccer.

I bet people in Italy like the World Cup right now, since they're the defending champions.

I wonder why 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 World Cup, if they all think it sucks so much.

Soccer is so popular worldwide because because even poor countries can afford a soccer ball and a pile of dirt and throw a team onto the national stage and reasonably compete. Its a cheap source of national pride. This doesnt make it a great sport, it is more a commentary on how starved for entertainment and how lacking in anything else there is for a country to be proud of.

Soccer is so popular worldwide because because even poor countries can afford a soccer ball and a pile of dirt and throw a team onto the national stage and reasonably compete.

Wrong.

You sure ? It is the most popular sport on the planet after all, involving amounts of money that dwarf things like American Football, baseball and basketball.

The income from American Football, Baseball and Basketball dwarfs the GNP of some small countries.

Fair enough, but they probably put more money into soccer than the other sports combined.

False. Lebron James by himself has a $90-million dollar deal from Nike. Jordan's still getting $20 million a year. This year 52 of the 65 NCAA tournament teams were licensed to Nike.

Soccer is just an offshoot of their advertising that they got into to expand their international market after dominating the American one. they have a couple of big deals paying out over time (Man U. / France), but nothing like the thousands of deals they have with almost every other sport.

Show me a sport Nike doesn't sponsor.

Rollerfucking.

False. Lebron James by himself has a $90-million dollar deal from Nike. Jordan's still getting $20 million a year. This year 52 of the 65 NCAA tournament teams were licensed to Nike.

Soccer is just an offshoot of their advertising that they got into to expand their international market after dominating the American one. they have a couple of big deals paying out over time (Man U. / France), but nothing like the thousands of deals they have with almost every other sport.

Umm... check out this list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike_sponsorships#Association_football

The income from American Football, Baseball and Basketball dwarfs the GNP of some small countries.

What's your point, exactly? "Sure, it's smaller than soccer, but it's bigger than Nauru!"?

There is some truth to that. Many American's have a feeling of self-entitlement. I believe that this is a major issue, caused by the whole "Every Kid is a Winner" mentality.

I have yet to hear a good arguement for why teaching our kids that no matter what they all have equal self worth as a person is a bad thing.

In our quest to make everyone happy, touchy feely people, we're emasculating ourselves into a nation of pantsies.

Oh noes! Our kids might have feelings! Where will we get our macho, alpha male, marine core types now?!?

Good riddence.

I have yet to hear a good arguement for why teaching our kids that no matter what they all have equal self worth as a person is a bad thing.



Oh noes! Our kids might have feelings! Where will we get our macho, alpha male, marine core types now?!?

Good riddence.

So long as we don't bleed out into a pale everyone-is-special-so-no-one-is-special mentality, I mostly agree. Defeat happens, so does victory. I'd rather teach how to be gracious in both cases than teach that neither conditions exist anymore.

So long as we don't bleed out into a pale everyone-is-special-so-no-one-is-special mentality, I mostly agree. Defeat happens, so does victory. I'd rather teach how to be gracious in both cases than teach that neither conditions exist anymore.

But thats the thing, I dont see that happening. What I see is an effort to teach our kids "Whether you win or loose, you are just as valid of a person as the other guy."

Which for some reason strikes some people as a bad idea...

But thats the thing, I dont see that happening. What I see is an effort to teach our kids "Whether you win or loose, you are just as valid of a person as the other guy."

Which for some reason strikes some people as a bad idea...

It is if it's carried to the extremes I've seen it carried to. Why on earth should every kid get a trophy or such for merely participating? Now if it's a long run (marathon or scaled down for a kid's levels), or something that's an accomplishment just to finish, that's one thing. But an award for just suiting up? Nonsense.

I have yet to hear a good arguement for why teaching our kids that no matter what they all have equal self worth as a person is a bad thing.

Because eventually everyone has to suck up to the reality that your not going to be Michael Jordan no matter how much you really want to be. Kids should be taught to realistically evaluate their own worth and skills and proceed with that reality in mind. When i was a kid i couldnt draw to save my life. No amount of parents telling me i was the next Picasso was going to change that fact. You should learn to recognize and accept your limitations and proceed with life.

Because eventually everyone has to suck up to the reality that your not going to be Michael Jordan no matter how much you really want to be. Kids should be taught to realistically evaluate their own worth and skills and proceed with that reality in mind. When i was a kid i couldnt draw to save my life. No amount of parents telling me i was the next Picasso was going to change that fact. You should learn to recognize and accept your limitations and proceed with life.

I fail to see how this has anything to do with what I said.

But thats the thing, I dont see that happening. What I see is an effort to teach our kids "Whether you win or loose, you are just as valid of a person as the other guy."

Which for some reason strikes some people as a bad idea...

My father never taught me that everyone is valid win or lose, he taught me that i would be valid if i was smart and got good grades and got a good job. And that i would be a homeless bum otherwise. He was a smart guy.

My father never taught me that everyone is valid win or lose, he taught me that i would be valid if i was smart and got good grades and got a good job. And that i would be a homeless bum otherwise. He was a smart guy.

So anyone who doesnt do one of those things is worthless. Got it.

This is the reason people go on shooting sprees.

So anyone who doesnt do one of those things is worthless. Got it.

This is the reason people go on shooting sprees.

Your living in a fantasy land. Show me a homeless guy and a CEO of a company side by side and take a survey and see who wins the popular vote of who has value and who doesn't. Care to wager on who wins by enormous %s?

Your living in a fantasy land. Show me a homeless guy and a CEO of a company side by side and take a survey and see who wins the popular vote of who has value and who doesn't. Care to wager on who wins by enormous %s?

So its a worse crime to kill the CEO then the homeless guy? Tell that to a judge and we'll see what he says.

So its a worse crime to kill the CEO then the homeless guy? Tell that to a judge and we'll see what he says.

No its not, but a more telling response is how much more community resources will be spent investigating and finding the killer of the CEO then the killer of the bum.

No its not,

So they have equal worth has human beings.

So they have equal worth has human beings.

Nothing like cutting off my answer prequalifier as though thats all there is to my answer and drawing conclusion from that only.

And no they dont have equal worth. They should in theory both receive equal justice but does one life have greater value then another? Certainly.

During the Manhattan project when a few thousand people were walled up in a city racing to be the first with a nuclear weapon, their lives had greater value then almost every other life in the entire country. There is nothing wrong with the concept of certain lives being of greater value then others. My life has way less value then Obamas does. Not to me of course, but certainly to the vast majority of people who "assign" value to things.

Nothing like cutting off my answer prequalifier as though thats all there is to my answer and drawing conclusion from that only.

The rest was irrelevent. If its just as bad to kill either one, they are, therefore, of equal worth.

but does one life have greater value then another? Certainly.

Oh really? How? Why? Where do you get that conclusion from?

Tell you the truth, if we could get a Soccer team, either here, or in New Orleans that had a chance (if it went through the system, etc.) of playing the European Soccer Teams, Id watch it....

Tell you the truth, if we could get a Soccer team, either here, or in New Orleans that had a chance (if it went through the system, etc.) of playing the European Soccer Teams, Id watch it....

New Orleans residences en mass should wear like 4 foot high stilts at all time as protest till they get that mess cleaned up down there. Soccer on stilts now THAT id watch!

Umm... check out this list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike_sponsorships#Association_football

Impressive list, but do you have any proof that Nike is paying more money to advertise in soccer than they do in the rest of their sports combined? That was the original point that you made and that I refuted.

New Orleans residences en mass should wear like 4 foot high stilts at all time as protest till they get that mess cleaned up down there. Soccer on stilts now THAT id watch!

It would be funny as hell, but the Mess is largely cleaned up, the only problem now is rooting out the Political Corruption that accompanied it...

Unfortunately, the Louisianan Government wasnt quite as efficient as the MS one...

On the bright side though, the Army Corps of Engineers is getting a new and improved Levee system in place...

The real reason? Two words.

Brittany Spears

The day her home videos got a TV show while substantive knowledge of the US constitution continued to flatline...that's the day we bent over in front of a sign saying "SCREW ME, PLEASE!"

I have yet to hear a good arguement for why teaching our kids that no matter what they all have equal self worth as a person is a bad thing.



Oh noes! Our kids might have feelings! Where will we get our macho, alpha male, marine core types now?!?

Good riddence.

It's simple: when you screw up, or you fail, or you lose...

YOU SHOULD FEEL LIKE SHIT. That way you'll try harder, or do something else where you can actually SUCCEED.

Further, winning SHOULD feel good-particularly if you didn't cheat to do it. This encourages excellence.

Trying to make everyone 'feel the same' has a name-

Mediocrity. If you truly think mediocrity and banality are good goals for your children, then you probably only watch foot-bal (aka 'soccer)l to see the nice toned legs running about the field.

Bill Hicks did say it best when he made the following observant question to the audience:

"Since when were mediocrity and banality a good example for our children?"

Why the hell is the "everybody wins" mentality associated with soccer in the US? Soccer is one of the most brutally "suck shit, losers" sports in the world.

there are many names for it, but what it comes down to is people having more affection for trying to impress each other then simply letting each other be happy and enjoy living.

Because lately, people with low self-esteem and poor self-image have this habit of picking up lots of firearms and ammo, then heading for the most public place to start shooting.

It's simple: when you screw up, or you fail, or you lose...

YOU SHOULD FEEL LIKE SHIT. That way you'll try harder, or do something else where you can actually SUCCEED.

Riiiiiiiiight.


Tell you what. You raise your kids that when they loose, they should be filled with self loathing. I wont. And we'll see whose kid shoots up their school, k?

Why the hell is the "everybody wins" mentality associated with soccer in the US? Soccer is one of the most brutally "suck shit, losers" sports in the world.

There are ties in soccer. Fail.

It's more likely that soccer will take down countries like england and germany, as the people will NOT be happy when they realize the government deceived them into thinking the name is actually "football" :p

wait... so the reason why the USA is heading down hill is because Foriegners are better at kicking balls?


ouch... :(

Riiiiiiiiight.


Tell you what. You raise your kids that when they loose, they should be filled with self loathing. I wont. And we'll see whose kid shoots up their school, k?

Who said anything about self-loathing? You feel like shit, you use that feeling to improve as an individual and as a team, you get better, you lose less often, you feel like shit less often.

As I said, it's about both winning AND losing with grace and tact. That's what needs to be taught. Be ecstatic when you win, of course, but not cruel to those you've defeated. Be upset when you lose, of course, but not grossly or melodramatically so. Be glad you've all got the ability to play, and get ready for the next game.

Sheesh, so much all-or-nothing...ness!

wait... so the reason why the USA is heading down hill is because Foriegners are better at kicking balls?

ouch... :(

Well, you are still better at kicking your own (american) balls. :)

Rollerfucking.

Don't be so sure... (http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7601/rollerfucking.jpg)

Who said anything about self-loathing? You feel like shit, you use that feeling to improve as an individual and as a team, you get better, you lose less often, you feel like shit less often.

As I said, it's about both winning AND losing with grace and tact. That's what needs to be taught. Be ecstatic when you win, of course, but not cruel to those you've defeated. Be upset when you lose, of course, but not grossly or melodramatically so. Be glad you've all got the ability to play, and get ready for the next game.

Sheesh, so much all-or-nothing...ness!

I guess I fail to see why you need to be upset when you lose.

Im usually not. But Im not competetive.

I guess I fail to see why you need to be upset when you lose.

Im usually not. But Im not competetive.

Well, that's you.

If you worked hard and did your best to win, it's reasonable to be a bit upset if you don't. If you're not, that's cool, too. I didn't say it was required, just that it be moderated if it's there at all.

It's simple: when you screw up, or you fail, or you lose...

YOU SHOULD FEEL LIKE SHIT. That way you'll try harder, or do something else where you can actually SUCCEED.

Further, winning SHOULD feel good-particularly if you didn't cheat to do it. This encourages excellence.

Losing is it's own punishment and winning is it's own reward. Why compel children to do activities they don't want for the sole purpose of teaching them they're not good at it? To encourage disobedience and resentment of a system designed to fuck them doubly?

Trying to make everyone 'feel the same' has a name-

Mediocrity. If you truly think mediocrity and banality are good goals for your children, then you probably only watch foot-bal (aka 'soccer)l to see the nice toned legs running about the field.

I was going to just rebut you but now you're talking about nice toned legs and you're creeping me out.

Bill Hicks did say it best when he made the following observant question to the audience:

"Since when were mediocrity and banality a good example for our children?"

Making everyone FEEL the same - like, positively - is a good thing, at least if you're not trying to manufacture another Colombine shooting.

"Mediocrity" is not a feeling. It's a judgment, and a pretty banal one at that. It has nothing to do with what you were talking about.

Making everyone FEEL the same - like, positively - is a good thing, at least if you're not trying to manufacture another Colombine shooting.
Hmm. Does anyone know HOW the children were raised ? Because I seem to remember they were all raised in the equality belief you propose...