Playing as if the World Mattered: An Illustrated History of Activism in Sports

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.

Praise:

“Gabriel Kuhn dismantles the myth that sports and politics do not belong together.”
—Mats Runvall, Yelah

“Creativity and solidarity are as indispensable in sport as they are in social struggle. If you have any doubt, read this book.”
—Wally Rosell, editor of Éloge de la passe: changer le sport pour changer le monde

“Gabriel Kuhn is not concerned with moral reflections about how to approach sports and politics. Instead, he provides practical examples of how sport is already politicized and portrays supporters—and even athletes—as progressive social forces.”
—Ekim Ça?lar, Flamman

“The iconic black power salute offered up by African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during their medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City did not occur in isolation; it came in the spirit of similar protest actions at sports events, all around the world. In Playing as if the World Mattered, the reader discovers in brilliant detail what has been true all along—that sports has always been more than a game.”
—Sam Tracy, author of Bicycle! A Repair & Maintenance Manifesto

“Gabriel Kuhn has shown again that, contrary to whatever FIFA or the IOC might say, sport and politics are not only keen bedfellows, but have enjoyed a long and lusty partnership.”
—Will Simpson, author of Freedom Through Football: The Story of the Easton Cowboys and Cowgirls

About the Author:

Gabriel Kuhn is an Austrian-born author and translator living in Stockholm, Sweden. He is a former semiprofessional soccer player and a board member of the community sports club 17 SK. His book Soccer vs. the State: Tackling Football and Radical Politics was published by PM Press in 2011.

See and hear author interviews, book reviews, and other news on Gabriel Kuhn's page HERE

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