When In Rome...

So, here we are in the early stage of the World Cup, an event most of the world has waited four years.

And just when you thought the focus would be on the international stars playing first-rate soccer in the field, a lot of the attention has been divided with the vuvuzelas – plastic, brightly colored horns that probably cost no more than a few bucks each. But, boy, what noisemakers they are!

Fans at soccer stadiums blow them nonstop, creating a continuous buzz that can be heard on television broadcasts every second of the games.

Much controversy has been stirred around these trivial instruments. Even FIFA, the soccer’s governing body that had previously allowed vuvuzelas into stadiums at the World Cup, is expected to hold talks over the next few days to discuss whether to reverse the policy and implement a ban.

Those in favor of the vuvuzela ban argue that they are killing the color and atmosphere of a soccer match, as the wall of sound that the vuvuzelas create has taken away the chanting and singing at the stadiums, and even the typical roar from fans after a goal is scored – it is just one incessant noise now! Furthermore, players have complained they are having trouble concentrating and communicating in the field.

Those against the ban argue that vuvuzelas have been part of the South African soccer culture for many years now. Banning the vuvuzelas would be ethnocentric, an action akin to banning the chants from fans at soccer stadiums in Europe – not a good idea! This is South Africa, they say, and the rest of the world should behave as the South African fans do. As the saying goes, When in Rome...

What’s your opinion? Do you think vuvuzelas should be banned, or do you think fans from all over the world and the players alike should just put up with them?