Other than the Olympics, there is no event like it. Nations from every corner of the world coming together for a team competition. Several aspects set it apart from the Olympics. The Olympics is supposed to be the youth of the world coming together in unity for competition in events of all sorts. The focus is the individual athletes, their development on the world scene, and then their success or failure in the Olympics. The commentary is wonderful stories of their backgrounds and their desire to be the best at a particular event. More on the commentary in part II.

I am a people watcher. I can join a group for a meal or gathering and spend most of the time watching rather than saying anything. The fans at the Olympics have different character based upon the events they are watching. Ice Skating fans are very different from Snow Boarding fans, while Track and Field fans are very different from gymnastics fans. The events bring the character to the fans. World Cup is all soccer fans, with the only arguments being who is the best player, and whether they say Futbol or soccer. It is the countries that bring character to the fans.

The singing of each fan group is slightly different. Have to say that this is the only time you can hear a chorus of men’s voices. Go to any concert and it is not the men you hear when the fans sing! There are outfits and different decorative items to wear. I saw a man dressed in a silver cape and silver head mask, so I called him Silverman. Clearly a superhero represented there and his persona seemed to match that. I have an insider from this country who stated this is a common mask used in movies, but I see also that their Big Time Wrestlers use it as well.

Then there was a guy in a oversized Sombrero having a blast. I thought of Fiestaman, or Siestaman, but neither sounded like it fit. I was wondering what superpowers this hero would have so I asked my grandson. He said singing was his superpower. So the hat must act as his megaphone and send sound waves in all directions. That would fit because you have to sing louder than the other fans to be heard. Go Sombreroman, Superhatman, Supervoicehatman, Supersingingvoicehatman. Wait, SSS man, for his Super Singing Sombrero. That might work, but he need a T-shirt.

May you be singing on this Happy Friday and enjoy the World Cup to its fullest. You’ll have to wait 3 and a half more years for the next one. And remember to subscribe on the Perspectives page.