Example of soft power
Sarah Laskin
GPHC
September 11, 2019
Example of Power
My example of soft power is one that might be overlooked as not important politically, but actually influences people worldwide- football. Or, as we say, soccer.
Soccer was invented more than 2,000 years ago, although where is still not concrete- some say China while some say Europe. But, many agree that England made it into the sport it is today, being accredited with making the rules we still mostly use today.
Soccer is by far the most popular sport in the world and many argue it contributes to the ideology of many European cultures.
In 2018 FIFA made over 4.6 billion in revenues alone. Over 309 million people tuned in to watch the world cup last year, and a majority of the world's population can name at least 1 famous soccer team or player. So, economically and socially the influence of the world cup alone is astounding.
Europe's love of soccer has spread through the entire world and it is considered the biggest global sport. By definition soft power is "achieving aims through persuasion and influence". Soccer is an awesome example of this because there have been no wars or even battles because of soccer. It has become a worldwide phenomenon because of Europe's influence over world culture.
This can be compared to America. America's favorite sport, football, is huge. The NFL made an estimated 8.1 billion dollars last year, and 98.2 million people watched the super bowl. However, unlike Europe's soccer, none of the other countries have caught on with playing football, even looking down at Americans and mocking them for how dangerous and pointless it is.
GPHC
September 11, 2019
Example of Power
My example of soft power is one that might be overlooked as not important politically, but actually influences people worldwide- football. Or, as we say, soccer.
Soccer was invented more than 2,000 years ago, although where is still not concrete- some say China while some say Europe. But, many agree that England made it into the sport it is today, being accredited with making the rules we still mostly use today.
Soccer is by far the most popular sport in the world and many argue it contributes to the ideology of many European cultures.
In 2018 FIFA made over 4.6 billion in revenues alone. Over 309 million people tuned in to watch the world cup last year, and a majority of the world's population can name at least 1 famous soccer team or player. So, economically and socially the influence of the world cup alone is astounding.
Europe's love of soccer has spread through the entire world and it is considered the biggest global sport. By definition soft power is "achieving aims through persuasion and influence". Soccer is an awesome example of this because there have been no wars or even battles because of soccer. It has become a worldwide phenomenon because of Europe's influence over world culture.
This can be compared to America. America's favorite sport, football, is huge. The NFL made an estimated 8.1 billion dollars last year, and 98.2 million people watched the super bowl. However, unlike Europe's soccer, none of the other countries have caught on with playing football, even looking down at Americans and mocking them for how dangerous and pointless it is.
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