Nationalism and International Sport: German Soccer and the Reluctance to Show Pride
Location
CSU 202
Start Date
21-4-2014 2:10 PM
End Date
21-4-2014 3:10 PM
Student's Major
Government
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Joseph Kunkel
Mentor's Email Address
joseph.kunkel@mnsu.edu
Mentor's Department
Government
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
International sports play an integral role in the global community. In many countries, international sporting events allow fans to show their national pride as they cheer for their home country. Even though it may seem harmless for the fans, governments have been using international sports and the subsequent displays of nationalism as instruments to drive their political agendas. Historically, the German nation has experienced the ideology of socio-political movements used in the context of national sporting endeavors. Early in the 19th century, Turnvater Frederich Jahn started a gymnastic movement in order to strengthen and unify the German people in response to the Napoleonic occupation. In more recent history, this was particularly exemplified during the era of Nazi Germany through their soccer team. As one of the most popular sports in the world, soccer has been commonly used in this role as countries try to showcase their dominance on the global stage. As the master race, the German team was held to high standards while also receiving high levels of support. The extreme nationalism shown in regards to this team as well as the political movement resulted in a negative perception of German pride and the reluctance of the German people to display it. This research will examine the history of German soccer and politics as well as the negative repercussions faced due to the extremism leading up to its reemergence during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Nationalism and International Sport: German Soccer and the Reluctance to Show Pride
CSU 202
International sports play an integral role in the global community. In many countries, international sporting events allow fans to show their national pride as they cheer for their home country. Even though it may seem harmless for the fans, governments have been using international sports and the subsequent displays of nationalism as instruments to drive their political agendas. Historically, the German nation has experienced the ideology of socio-political movements used in the context of national sporting endeavors. Early in the 19th century, Turnvater Frederich Jahn started a gymnastic movement in order to strengthen and unify the German people in response to the Napoleonic occupation. In more recent history, this was particularly exemplified during the era of Nazi Germany through their soccer team. As one of the most popular sports in the world, soccer has been commonly used in this role as countries try to showcase their dominance on the global stage. As the master race, the German team was held to high standards while also receiving high levels of support. The extreme nationalism shown in regards to this team as well as the political movement resulted in a negative perception of German pride and the reluctance of the German people to display it. This research will examine the history of German soccer and politics as well as the negative repercussions faced due to the extremism leading up to its reemergence during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Recommended Citation
Reffke, Anthony. "Nationalism and International Sport: German Soccer and the Reluctance to Show Pride." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2014.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2014/oral_session_10/2
