INTA course on Identity, Soccer, Film Blog # 2

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The fascination that Argentines have towards soccer is very amazing, but more amazing is the fascination that many of them have towards Diego Armando Maradona. It is undeniable that he has been one of the best soccer players in the history of this sport, however, they way he has managed his personal life has been quite messy. People think of him as an idol, and that is understandable; however, what I find particularly interesting, considering the fact that to many youngsters he is seen as a role model, is how Maradona’s fans tend to overlook and perhaps, justify his misbehavior. During one of the soccer lectures given by Dr. Bowman, two Argentine students who were there as guests confirmed this statement; when they were asked what they thought about Maradona’s behavior and conduct, they expressed that they, as many other Argentines, rather focus on Maradona’s talent and positive legacy. To me, not only his behavior and personality seem a bit disappointing and arrogant, but also the way he and many Argentines take so much pride on how some soccer victories have been obtained by cheating. I know that when it comes to soccer, at the end of the day what counts are the results, but at the same time, ethics and fair play should play an important role in it.

I think that Maradona’s outrightgeus behavior has given elites and upper classes more reasons to criticize lower classes. It is widely thought among upper classes that because of economic and social limitations, people from a poor background are unable to manage and higher economic status, power, and fame in a right way. I have had the opportunity to meet new local people here in Buenos Aires, who are very successful in a professional and personal way despite the numerous limitations they have experienced in their lives, and they also think that Maradona has projected a wrong image of what many lower class people can or cannot do once they achieved certain amount of power and economic status. In fact, many of them describe him as a clown who has overshadowed not only his talent, but also has affected Argentine’s image at an international level.

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