Overview

The world of sports is often associated with commercialism, corruption, and reckless competition. Liberals have objected to sport being used for political propaganda, and leftists have decried its role in distracting the masses from the class struggle. Yet, since the beginning of organized sports, athletes, fans, and officials have tried to administer and play it in ways that strengthen, rather than hinder, progressive social change. From the workers' sports movement in the early twentieth century to the civil rights struggle transforming sports in the 1960s to the current global network of grassroots sports clubs, there has been a growing desire to include sports in the struggle for liberation and social justice. It is a struggle that has produced larger-than-life figures like Muhammad Ali and iconic images such as the Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. It is also a struggle that has seen sport fans in increasing number reclaiming the games they love from undemocratic associations, greedy owners, and corporate interests. With the help of over a hundred full-color illustrations-from posters and leaflets to paintings and photographs-Playing as if the World Mattered makes this history tangible. Extensive lists of resources, including publications, films, and websites, will allow the reader to explore areas of interest further. Being the first illustrated history of its kind, Playing as if the World Mattered introduces an understanding of sports beyond chauvinistic jingoism, corporate media chat rooms, and multi-billion-dollar business deals.

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9781629630977

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The volume s immediacy and reach is extended by its use of a large number of full-colour illustrations. Russel Holden, idrottsforum.org

Given the corruption and controversies surrounding major sports organizations, sports fans could use a little something to feel good about right now, and Kuhn's colorfully illustrated book does the trick. --largeheartedboy.com It is an impressive pulling together of well-known and heretofore generally unknown to the general public, events, and individuals who played roles in the arena of sports activism. --Russel P. Gantos, nyjournalofbooks.com The volume's immediacy and reach is extended by its use of a large number of full-colour illustrations. --Russel Holden, idrottsforum.org Playing as if the World Mattered offers instances of activism, each well illustrated. --Russel Field, Journal of Sport History Volume 3, Number 2

It is an impressive pulling together of well-known and heretofore generally unknown to the general public, events, and individuals who played roles in the arena of sports activism. Russel P. Gantos, nyjournalofbooks.com

Author Information

Gabriel Kuhn is a Stockholm, Sweden-based author and translator. He is the author or editor of All Power to the Councils!, Life Under the Jolly Roger, Sober Living for the Revolution, Soccer vs. the State, and Turning Money into Rebellion.

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