We hates you preciousssss
Jun 15th, 2010 by Peter
Watching the World Cup Soccer tournament?
I am. At least the Danish matches even though we didn’t get a good start loosing 0-2 to Holland (well-deserved by the way).
I would’ve been keener on watching other matches too, but to be honest, I get annoyed by the constant noise of the bloody Vuvuzela horns after 3 minutes. I tried adjusting the audio settings on the TV but even so, the sound is overshadowing everything. Turning the volume down will make me loose half of what the commentators say. So that’s not a real option either. I have read that the TV producers do their best to isolate the noise, so the commentators are easier to hear, but they can’t. It is that loud. And it’s not like its a sing-along tune or a rhytmic chant. Nope, just a plain and neverending honk.
Today I read in the newspaper that the decibel of the horns is comparable to a F16 Fighting Falcon. They can go as far as 127dB. In Denmark 85dB is the maximum allowed in workplaces. A constant of 100dB in over 15minutes can give you permanent hearing damage. Sure going to a rock concert will do the same for you, but why encourage loud noise in sports too?
FIFA made an official statement that they’ll not ban the horns from the matches, arguing that they respect the tradition of different nations. I even read a FIFA official say that it’s only a tiny group of people that’s against the horns. I hardly think that’s the case, but on the other hand, I too, don’t base that on any statistics. I can’t help but think that there might be big money involved.
I do respect other nation’s right to have different traditions, but there has to be a line where celebrating and annoying meets. To me the horns are way past celebrating and miles into the annoying zone. Soccer is a sport where you communicate with your teammates and the referee blows a whistle to control the game. Both are next to impossible to hear in the infernal noise.
So what the point in the horns? Personally I can’t find any, but I guess most pro-vuvuzela would argue that they are:
- Supporting your team – Not quite sure the players can differ who you “cheer” for anyway.
- Making a good mood – If blasting your tympanic membrane is a mood enhancer, then yes.
Or in short: There is no reasonable argument or maybe I just don’t get it?
I’m a conservative grumpy old man, granted, but I still haven’t heard anyone say that the Vuvuzela horns are a blessing to the sport. On the other hand, I’ve heard many say that they are extremely annoyed by them.
Soccer is a spectator driven sport, and when people consider turning off the TV, or not going to a match because of the noise, maybe it’s time for FIFA to rethink their argument?
Oh, and don’t get me started on the newly designed “Jabulani” football too.
Jabulani: Officially produced to make the game faster and increase number of goals pr. match. Unofficially a product made to increase income with the side effect of adding more fumbles in-game. Do I hear a silent “yay!”?
Vuvuzela horn is now proudly added to my blacklist.