If you have seen any coverage of the 2010 World Cup, you have probably seen a vuvuzela — one of those really long horn things that make an extremely obnoxious noise. Well the World Cup has added another audio feature so that we will no longer think a swarm of bees are coming out of the TV. I for one think this is just stupid.
Although I am not the biggest soccer nut in the world, I do wish I had the opportunity to go to South Africa and catch a game or two. But since I can’t, I have the next best thing — my TV. When I’m watching one of these games some of the highlights to me are the chants and vuvuzela sounds. And now they want to block that out? Those are the kinds of things that give you the “at the game” feel.
Yes, the vuvuzelas are annoying and obnoxious. I probably wouldn’t want to be sitting in front of the guy who had one unless I had one too, but they are part of the game. The fans obviously love them otherwise no one would have one. And who would the players be playing for if the fans didn’t buy tickets to the match or turn on their TV to watch it? That’s right, no one. You anger the fans and your revenue will be effected and then everyone looses.
Most importantly the vuvuzelas are a piece of African tradition. And since the WC is being hosted in South Africa, it’s only right to respect their customs and traditions. So I say let the vuvuzela buzz away and anyone who doesn’t like it can buzz off.
Sources:
Host Broadcasters to ‘filter’ noise [ESPN]
