With the distribution of Euro currency in paper form hastening the creating of a single European economic powerhouse, the United States needs to be especially wary of economic competition on the global superpower level. Given our growing industrial trade deficit, the need for America to continue to surpass the rest of the world in technological development is paramount for the continuation of our status as “superpower.”
It is with this in mind that I feel the need to point out a glaring deficit in American technological advancement. The failure of the United States to develop and maintain high and rigorous standards in the field of soccer hooliganism could be the first domino on the path of decline.
After attending Saturday’s Men’s Soccer game, I was disgusted at the performance of the so-called “fans” of our Billikens. A large contingent of the opposing supporters made the trip to our team’s fair city to support their team. They successfully occupied an entire section of the bleachers and were able to cheer their team without having to dodge so much as a single 2 x 4!
If Saint Louis University held itself to the same levels of hooliganism as any second-rate European college, the rival school’s fans would have had no opportunity to enter the state, let alone root in our stadium!
When the intruding fans dared to applaud the scoring of a goal by their team, where, was the retaliation by SLU supporters?
I did not see a single rotten vegetable, paint-filled balloon, animal carcass, or Molotov cocktail thrown at those haughty revelers! Why were there no stakes erected for the impaling of the opposing team’s goalie?
I have seen more fearful mobs rampaging out of bingo halls than the pathetic few on hand Saturday evening to support our Billikens! SLU students show more zeal when charging towards Griesedieck Cafeteria on burrito night than when cheering for the very symbol of their university!
Some may try to make excuses for this nationwide epidemic by pointing out-very correctly-that soccer is not a very popular sport in America. Yet, hooliganism has not matured beyond its infant stages in Major League Baseball, the NFL, NBA, or even the supposedly rough world of professional hockey. I recall a string of fights in Major League Baseball recently, yet, not a single mob hit has been attempted upon any mound-charger or wild pitcher.
For all of the fermented hops consumed at professional sporting events, the inability of large groups of drunken Americans to attack others of a rival team’s persuasion shows, not only a decline in our drive to triumph, but also that Americans no longer are concerned with being atop the world. We have lost the desire to spread our ideals and impose our will upon the rest of the world. If we cannot even cause the opposing pitcher to fear us, how is any weaker nation going to be bent to our will?
While youth soccer programs have done a commendable job of instilling blood wrath into the parents of the young, more advanced programs, high school teams have actually tried to dissuade participants and spectators from crossing cleats in combat. For all of my loathing of government programs, it is imperative for the good of Americans as a culture to set up some sort of long-term promotion of hooliganism.
I propose the creation of an autonomous agency with immediate funding to set up education programs and weapon distributions throughout high school and college-level sporting activities.
By building on the successes of youth soccer programs, we can build, within the next decade, a new generation of Americans with a renewed desire to be the best. A new generation who will assure worldwide Pax Americana for years to come.
Nicholas Hantel is a freshman studying aviation science.
