World in motion
This morning, and when I say this morning, I mean morning, i.e. 4:30am I heard that Becks is coming to America. For anyone who isn’t as global as I am, that’s David Beckham, the British then Spanish soccer star. You may remember him from such cutesy films as Bend It Like Beckham, although I don’t think he was actually in that. The reason I’m fascinated by this news is hard to sort out. But for you, dear reader, I’m going to try.
I think Posh & Becks are the perfect storm of things that go over well in Europe (I’m sorry to my Britfriends but I’m including the UK in Europe here) but here not so much.
1. Metrosexual, fashionable guys
2. Soccer
3. Posh & Becks as the ultimate celebrity couple
4. Soccer
According to the news bite I saw this morning, Becks is coming here because this is the only place on the planet that isn’t into soccer (he used the word soccer! really!) and he wants to change that. The NY Times says it’s because he’s old and over and oh yeah, the money’s good. I think we all know that LA is more Posh & Becks than Madrid anyway. But I seriously doubt that this will change anything. Speaking as someone who actually watched the World Cup from various bars (if you don’t remember those posts, use the handy search function, I’m too lazy to link you) I have to say, this is truly the world’s most boring game. And if anyone thinks that someone who moisturizes is going to get men into soccer, you clearly come from some other country.
But what about women? Women love soccer! They play soccer! Yes, yes, it’s all fun & games when your kid or Mia Hamm is playing, but in between those things there just isn’t going to be a fanbase there. Unlike Europe, women in the US actually give birth to children and they’re busy.
So let me just say to Becks, the LA Whatevers who have signed him, and the rest of the world: WE ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOU. Not better, not worse, just different. Yes, we like different things. Our clothes are different. Our music is different. And we don’t do soccer, except as a funky, niche product. But it’s going to be a lot of fun watching Becks trying to prove me wrong. I believe either way it’s going to be highly amusing.
My five year old nephew plays soccer and it’s a hoot to watch.
In my book? ‘nuf said.
How can Posh and Becks be the ultimate celebrity couple? They still have 2 names! We’ll have to call them Bosh. Or Pecks.
They’re no Filliam H. Muffman.
Sorry- he cry like a little girl.
He may cry like a litle girl, but day-um he is hot. He’s enough reason to watch soccer.
Good thing my 13 yo son is completely obsessed with the game (this was tremendous news for him and has asked for a trip to Los Angeles to see Becks play as a HS Graduation gift in 2012!)
Oh, well, at least Rodeo Drive has the Beckham revenue to look forward to!
(Hey Becca- Still snowing? I will be there in a mere 54 hours…! I. Can’t. Wait.)
Karen
He do indeed, Ms Tagio. That also doesn’t go over well here, I should have mentioned.
Karen, alas, we’ve gone back to 50 degrees. Sorry about that.
There is a very brief scene with Beckham in the film Bend it like…
The film I like very much, don’t really care about Mr. Beckham – but still wish him all the best of luck.
Interesting to see that Soccer is gaining momentum in the US.
She wanted to live near her celebrity girlfriends, he wanted one last juicy contract… Everybody’s gonna be happy!
And he’s close friends with Tom Cruise. New candidates for the Church of Scientology! Yeepee!
They’re a big deal back in Australia but I guess that’s because we’re still one o’ the colonies. I haven’t heard them mentioned here much at all (except for recently). He’s kinda cute, I get that, but he needs to not talk. His voice is so not hot (think high-pitched jockey). As long as he keeps the mouth shut he’s pretty. Meanwhile, she’s totally strange. I’m still not convinced that she’s entirely human.
If baseball, football and basketball all ceased to exist simultaneously, maybe Americans would give a hamster’s heinie about soccer.
But what are the chances of that happening?
Martin, I think that might have been a double…was he really in it? But I would just like to congratulate you on being my first commenter linked from my blog’s design site. Usually those folks come, look at the design, and then leave. You’re also my first Norwegian commenter, so double congratulations to you, I wish I had a prize available.
Simon, except A-Rod; he has got to be jealous. I just cry for him.
David, I saw this picture today and I am convinced she is made of plastic.
Alfa, I’m not convinced. I think duckpin bowling is still marginally ahead.
Becca,
Yep, wasn’t sure if memory had served me right, but International Movie Database says so. But you can only see him from afar, I think it was at an airport.
Anyway, you do have a very good layout. But content does come first 😉
David,
lol!
Yes indeed, Becks was in the airport scene in Bend it like Beckham.
Jane, “Filliam H. Muffman” ruined me.
And whoever said Beckham needed to keep his mouth shut — I’m with you. He was on the Today Show a while back and I was surprised to hear that he has the girliest voice ever.
I’d do him, and, these days, possibly her.
Hm, I stand corrected. Sorry, Becks!
And thanks, Martin! I’m glad you stayed for the content.
KP, as Jan said, they’re both pretty androgynous, so why not? I think they’re just trying to market to the greatest number of people possible.
I play soccer about 4 times a week but not even I can muster up much excitement for soccer on the boob tube. Going to games is fun, but there is no MLS team out here in Em City.
And yes, Beck is definitely over as a soccer player, but who cares? Even good American players go to the European leagues. We take what we can get.
I meant to say Becks but I’m pretty sure Beck isn’t great at soccer either.