Racism and the World Cup

I read this story in the New York Times about the world cup: Surge in Racist Mood Raises Concerns on Eve of World Cup. This story saddens myself. In the US sports, at least on the field, is the great meritocracy. As long as you help your team win it does not matter what your race is. I guess that not true for the opposing fans.


Reading this story I am reminded of some of my friends and acquaints who never miss the chance to point out how horrible of a place the United States is. Most of them want the United States to be more like Europe. I guess we should be more like Europe in some ways, but not all.