This week was interesting with the visit to PEPFAR office and the discussion of How Soccer Explains the World. One thing that really stood out to me was the contrast in the image of the United States portrayed by PEPFAR versus the image portrayed in the book How Soccer Explains the World.
In his book, Foer explains the impact of globalization using the metaphor of soccer, and someone pointed out during our discussion that Foer is writing this book from an American perspective, which I agreed to showing the example of Chapter 9. Another thought that I had while reading this book was that Foer seems to point out that globalization actually has the effect of promoting nationalism, which can be seen once again in chapter 9, where Foer explicitly describes a "football revolution" which tends to build a national identity that leads the people in a nationalistic way (Foer pg 217-234). This concept can also be seen once more, although not explained explicitly, in chapter 6, where buying a Nigerian soccer player is considered a "humiliation (Foer pg 157)." This reflects a more nationalistic message that Ukraine could do well without tapping into international labor market. Another example is the Brazilian soccer in chapter 5, where the failure of foreign investors has actually led people to seek for power within the nation rather than from foreigners who are drawn through globalization (Foer pg 115-140).
One interesting aspect of this book is that he seems to have written this book from an American perspective, he doesn't actually vindicate the United State, but seems to criticize the United States for not being the part of the world through soccer and instead are stuck in its own bubble, where they play sport that is not "globalized." This, then, serves as the metaphor for the fact that the United States is resisting the power of globalization, and almost depicts the picture of the United States closing its doors on everyone.
However, during the visit to PEPFAR, I saw that the United States is actually trying to reach out to the world through this AIDS program, which is in stark contrast to the feeling I have received from Foer's book. So is the United States closing its doors culturally, while trying to maintain its global power by reaching out to other nations through these kinds of international program? Integrating the message from PEPFAR and How Soccer Explains the World, I would have to say yes to this question, but would also like to ask the question, why?
This was a really interesting take on our week. Although absorbing and processing both activities this week, I'm now realizing I let them marinade separately instead of trying to synthesize them like you seem to have. First, allow me to applaud your efforts, and second, allow me to offer an alternate theory. I saw PEPFAR's presentation as a continuation of the tone of chapter ten, wherein the United States feels compelled to decisively do it's own thing while simultaneously striking out to make everybody else do their thing too. Not that AIDS prevention isn't a good cause- it just doesn't seem to be as pressing an issue (based on funds contributed) to other involved countries.
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