More Than a Club
In 1968, then Barcelona President, Narcis Carreras said the famous words of "Barca es més que un club." He was referring to the fact that Barcelona was more than just a football club, it symbolized and carried the Catalan identity wherever it went. During the rule of Franco in Barcelona, Catalonia was entirely banned and could not be spoken or studied at all. However, one way in which the Catalans could express themselves was through FC Barcelona. Just supporting FC Barcelona gave pride to the Catalans and still does today.
Every time that FC Barcelona has success, this means the success of Catalonia and this is especially true against rivals Real Madrid. This is not just a rivalry between two clubs, this is a match of the Spanish nationalism versus the Catalan nationalism. A loss for Real Madrid in a way, means a loss for the Spanish nationalism and a victory for the Catalan nationalism and vice versa. It is quite normal to even hear the Catalans chant, "Independencia!", after a victory of the El Clásico. With the recent success of Barcelona's near dominance over Real Madrid, this has further pushed the effort and possibility of Barcelona and Catalan independence. Barcelona supports its Catalan roots, a prime example being their yellow and red striped jersey which symbolizes the Catalonian flag.
How do sports organizations act as social and political outlets for its supporters?
Why could this outlet be a good or bad thing for the Catalan people?
How do sports organizations act as social and political outlets for its supporters?
Why could this outlet be a good or bad thing for the Catalan people?
Barcelona fans expressing their famous motto.
For more info: http://www.helpcatalonia.cat/2013/01/the-role-of-fc-barcelona-in-catalan.html
Many teams use soccer as an outlet for their politics. From Liverpool over ticket prices, to Milan over the shared stadiums, it is important that fans make their opinions known. As it was with the Church decades ago, the place to make opinions known has now become the football stadium.
ResponderEliminarSports Organizations bands people together based on the same love of something. Most of the time the majority of people tend to share the same ideas, in this case the same type of cultural ideology in which they can support one another and be praised for their beliefs. They know that the people around them share similar views therefore they are free to act and say what they feel comfortable with. - Daniel Dzhurayev
ResponderEliminarDaniel, do you think that there could be potential problems with Catalans being so open about their views and beliefs in relation to FC Barcelona? I believe that there could be a stereotype towards Barcelona fans in Spain that they all stand for the Catalan push towards independence.
ResponderEliminarI think it is interesting that Spain has the division that is so infused within sports. I do not think the US has anything like this. If there was anything similar to this it would be potentially with Jackie Robinson. If the Dodgers won, black america won in a way. So yes I do think that sports can act as a way of expression of political or social expression because it gives a large group of people with similar views a big stage to express their mind. And by having a collective crowd feel the same way you do who is cheering for a team, their success equals your success's and the cause's success because then they are getting more media attention. I think this is a great way for Catalan people to express their views; however I do not know if it is good for the catalan people. I really have no idea whether or not catalan independence is a good thing so I cannot comment and such things. What I will add is that by sharing these views with many people in Catalonia and perhaps around the world and having FC Barca win all the time must make them extremely proud of their culture and proud of their origins and happiness is always important.
ResponderEliminarIt is amazing how sports can bring together so many people and unite everyone around a common theme. Yes, the love for the team is obvious, but things become special when there is an even bigger idea that people join forces for. With respect to FC Barcelona, the large fan base does not start and stop on the pitch, but is a symbol of pride for the people and the region. The Catalan pride seen through FC Barcelona is truly amazing and I feel very lucky to experience it.
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