What is the vuvuzela’s place in the World Cup? Should it be left alone because it is an African tradition and this WC, after all, is supposed to be an “African World Cup”? Or is the constant droning (even during halftime) actually hurting this WC’s legacy as it drowns out other nations’ attempts to celebrate and be heard?
First, the rationale for allowing the vuvuzelas. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has hitherto ruled out a ban, saying the plastic trumpets are part of a unique South African soccer atmosphere. How can you squelch fans’ expression? BBC writer Fayari Mungazi wrote, “What would be the point of taking the World Cup to Africa, and then trying to give it a European feel?” Also, the vuvuzela is just another noise-making product used at a WC (see the British wooden rattles and the thunder sticks that originated in Korea).
Critics of the vuvuzela would argue that the horns actually inhibit fans’ expressions at matches. As many point out, there is no perceptible change in the tone or rhythm of the droning despite the action on the field; you’d figure the fans would blow more passionately after a goal or controversial play. Furthermore, the many vuvuzela-blowers continue blowing right through half-time. (Click here for one person’s rather humourous interpretation.)
There are concerns related to health as well. One study found the maximum volume produced to be 127 decibels; according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Centre, sounds over 80 dB are considered potentially hazardous (depending on how long one is exposed to the sound).
On a less serious note, the effect of the horns on the quality of WC product being presented has been called into question. Many players and coaches have complained that the vuvuzlea hinders communication to an unprecedented and unmanageable extent; indeed, Lionel Messi said it was “like being deaf.” Fans’ ability to watch or listen at home has been impacted, too, as many complain that they cannot hear the broadcasters and often watch games with the sound muted.
So the balancing act begins. Do we sacrifice some culture and tradition in the name of health and product quality concerns? Or do we maintain this part of the South African vibe of WC noise-making practices at the risk of damaging some fans’ ears and making it more difficult for some fans at home to hear?
FIFA have a tough call on their hands, one I’m glad I don’t have to make. Personally I have no problem with the vuvuzela if it’s used in a seemingly organized manner. This may appear ignorant coming from a person who is not very familiar with South African culture, but there seems to be no place for incessant, non-rhythmical droning. At the same time, who are we (or FIFA) to decide how fans should express themselves (provided it’s not in an offensive manner)?
Therein rests the issue I guess: what exactly is “offensive”? Drowning out other fans’ forms of expression, hindering fans’ experiences at home, and possibly leaving some with hearing damage? Or is it “offensive” to trample on a South African tradition and deny them the same right fans had in past WCs to use of noise-makers? Like I said, I’m glad banning the vuvuleza is not a decision I have to make.
