In Serbia today thousands of “hooligans”, as described by the BBC, violently tried to disrupt a gay pride march in downtown Belgrade. According to the report more than 140 people were hurt and 200 were arrested. Since our reading of How Soccer Explains the World, I have noticed a significant difference in the cultural reactions and violent riots of Europe. Soccer was merely the underlining “punching bag” of anger for the Europeans to take out any violence or aggression they had on a different country. However, this type of violence as shown in Serbia is morally wrong and dangerous no matter what viewpoint an individual holds.
Sunday's gay pride march was viewed as a major test for Serbia's government, which has pledged to protect human rights as it seeks European Union membership. After our class visit to the European Union just a few weeks ago we were able to touch on some of the debates and conflicts that coincide with membership. Serbia's pro-European government still faces strong opposition from the conservative and nationalist forces opposed to the modernization and reform of the country. The opposition by the conservative group to reform the country could be damaging for the entire scope of the economic stability of Serbia if not addressed promptly. The parade was the first of its kind in Belgrade and was seen as a test of Serbia's readiness to become a more modern, open society after years of war in the 1990s caused by ethnic hatred.
These right wing extremist groups are devastating not only to the people within the country, but are a stumbling block for the opportunity for Serbia to join the EU. These extremists group argue that march is contrary to the values of predominantly conservative Serbia. Even though last year the Serbian parliament passed a bill banning discrimination against homosexuals, anti-gay sentiment still runs deep in the country.
Similar to the hooligan rights illustrated in How Soccer Explains the World, the country of Serbia needs to establish increased protection and security when they are informed that a parade is going to occur. My only hope is that because of these riots Serbia chances to be accepted in the European Union will not be drastically impacted.
Sources
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11507253
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