They are unwanted wailers – ditch the vuvuzelas!
Johannesburg, South Africa - All of us in South Africa are trying to come to terms with the most unique and unavoidable aspect of this World Cup: the booming, ear-splitting cacophony of the vuvuzela, a horn blown with gusto by seemingly all native football fans.
Although the tradition is only a couple of decades old, it has already sharply divided opinion in South Africa and is about to do the same to the hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving for the tournament.
When it comes to the vuvuzela, you either love it or hate it. There’s no middle ground.
Even in the sanctuary of a hotel room at night you will be able to hear one being blown by somebody, somewhere. It sounds like an industrial fog horn blaring out a warning to passing ships – but we’re nowhere near the coast in Johannesburg.
It’s the same sound that wakes most journalists in the morning. You can tell that I’m erring towards the “hate ‘em” camp.
It is common knowledge that the vuvuzela was redesigned in recent years because its din was so dangerously loud. Scientific studies have apparently shown that prolonged exposure to the instrument’s noise can cause permanent ear damage.
Many countries have banned smoking in the work place because it unfairly threatens the health of non-smokers. So why not ban the vuvuzela from matches? Don’t footballers deserve the same protection at their “place of work”?
Such draconian measures seem unlikely. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly backed the vuvuzela and, judging from the numbers on the street, they are fast becoming the must-have item for fans from any country.
Horns aplenty thundered away on Vuvuzela Day, 48 hours before the start of the World Cup, at an open top bus parade for South Africa’s football team. A pregnant CNN colleague, reporting from the event, said she could feel her baby jumping around like crazy. The deafening noise can penetrate any barrier!
I know I’m sounding like a killjoy, but the vuvuzela isn’t an ancient South African custom. It is simply a marketing ploy to create an artificial party atmosphere. Surely South Africa can create a carnival atmosphere of football without the need to blow their own trumpet?
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I'm a South African, and have been a CNN fan my whole life. But this cheap article about vuvuzelas, puts me in dis-taste with CNN. This is the world cup and it is our chance to host it. your are our guests and we are definitely not your slaves, but rather your friends! Ke nako, it is africa's time!
Viva 2010 viva, viva South Africa viva!
Get some earplugs...or even better – get your own vuvuzela. You can't beat it. So join it.
It is not a marketing ploy...we have been blowing vuvulezas for as long as my grandfather can remember and it's just plastic a replica of Kudu-horns and other animal horns that our predecessors used to blow...please research properly!
Hi Alex
Welcome to South Africa "Boet". Yes those things are an irritation and you will learn during the period of the coverage that the "Natives" will blow it more, the more you complain. That is just the way they are. Might I suggest keeping both your ears plugged with noise reduction earphones and put some classical music on, to smooth the soul, as you'll need it.
You sound extremely sour about this. i guess this is not a western tradition, the west gets to decide what is OK or whats not.Fake? you clearly need to inform yourself about the local culture before you start to sound like an "expert"; When it comes to the vuvuzela, and what is artificial or whats not. the baby in a pregnant lady!!!! really poor example to to get sympathy for your hate of the device. people sing, fire crackers, hooligans fight for fun after games, soldiers fire gun as a form of honor at funerals.. the list goes on. people blow a horn (plastic), to celebrate, and they are fake? excuse us. culture is decided by the locals, not outsiders. PS! you do sound like a "killjoy", i guess you are one. don't go to a rock concert if you are a classical music fan. its going to be louder, people are going to jump around. FAKE? you tell me!. remember; you have a choice to come to SA or you can stay home and enjoy your peace and quite. VIVA SA.. celebrate the way you know best.... the vuvuzela way!!!
I think the vuvuzelas rule, who cares about them there not like there gonna hurt any1, LOL, look the vuvuzelas are fine, change is good, but why get rid of them altogheter maybe update them, so i think their fine, so just let the vuvuzelas roar at this world cup 2010, good luck to all, and it'll be a hell of a world cup, spain will win i bet, peace out.
Let's go to someone else's country, spit on their traditions, and tell them it's our way or living or nothing.
AMERICA WOO OO-RAH.
(that's satire on both yourself as well as myself, fyi – stop making stupid articles and i'll stop making stupid comments)
Oh stop whining! All South Africans are passionate about the world cup and most will have a vuvuzela. No sharply devided opinion here. Get some earplugs or just go with the flow.
not only noisy, they are ugly
i am sure that if you go back to wherever you came from you will not be able to hear them
something should be done about the vuvuzela horns. i watched a documentary about them a few days ago where a study was made on how these horns affect hearing. i know its unfair to ban these horns because its their tradition, just like drums are a tradition in some parts of europe, but the thing is the fans watching the game on tv, the players competing, and some fans in the stadium are all complaining. its too late to do something about it now, but i just wanted to say how disturbing i find this horn and i believe its gonna affect the mood of the world cup in a very bad way
I watched the Confederations Cup on TV and these vuvuzelas annoyed me already; what more if you're on a stadium surrounded by what seems like swarms of bees?
This is your point of view and does not represent the view of the majority. This is a democracy. South Africa has embraced the vuvuzela. Soon the world will!!
Hi Alex Thomas,
you are a kill joy, if there is anything distinctively african about the worldcup in south africa it is that vuvuzela, and not much else, fifa made sure of that.
"when you go to rome do as the romans do they say", a football match in south africa without the vuvuzela is not even imaginable, if you cant stand the sound, i feel sorry for you, there is no way to escape that sound for the next month, personally i love it though i cant even blow the african trumpet as i like to call it, anyway just my opinion, if you have to stay seeing that you are a journalist, find a way to love the sound, it wakes me up in the morning and i prefer its sound to the chirping of the birds nesting close to my bedroom window.
I work in a big office and today all colleagues received a fake vuvuzela as a gimmick. I can tell you that the sound is very very VERY annoying, altough the gesture of the employer was only with the best intentions... Coming Monday we will all blow our vuvuzela when the Netherlands kick off and we can watch the match as of 14.30 on a big screen in the office bar!! Hup, Holland, Hup!
Absolutely agree with you.
If there is some way to reduce the noise, that will be better.
But as is, it destroys the game for most of us watching from tv and I'm sure spectators would have to go with ear muffs!
I concur. I also think there is pride to be had in having a huge roar of cheering for your team—without the help of noisemaking devices. I don't really like those thundersticks either. The team that brings the most fans with megaphones could obviously win any shouting/cheering match, but where's the fun in that?
As a South African , ive gotta say that the vuvuzela must be the most irritating thing ive ever seen or heard , it has always been used at soccer matches , and now is being used at rugby matches too , besides the damage that it can do to your hearing – permanant damage may i add – it is also bloody irritating to say the least , personally i cant wait for this world cup to be over so that we can get back to some normality , sadly though i dont think the vuvuzela is going anywhere .. Good luck to all attending , bring your earplugs .
I lived in South Africa for 3 years and attended countless club matches. The vuvuzela is anything but a marketing ploy and with or without it games always have a party atmosphere. I have to admit both that I really enjoyed joining impromptu groups of strangers in trying to create some sort of recognizable rythm, but also that at times having those close to me blow them in my ear was irritating. At the end of the day, the vuvuzela is a part of South Africa. The greatness of the World Cup is bringing together nations. I wouldn't like to be a part of picking and choosing which parts of host country culture we would like to ban in order to make the World Cup more acceptable to foreign visitors.
We love the Vuvu, if you dont get some ear plugs.
The comic Madam and Eve (in the Mail and Guardian, http://www.madamandeve.co.za for those not in South Africa) has had a running series of strips on the vuvuzela. Love it or hate it, it's no different than the chants one can hear at football matches in England, or the kind of din you hear from American sporting events.
when you are in Rome, you do as the Romans. adapt or go home, simple. dont understand why you'd raise this a day before the tournament starts.!!!
The vuvuzela lends an unmistakable energy to any game. Those of you viewing on television simply can't understand the experience. Just bring earplugs and you won't experience any hearing damage.
As someone who has attended a match in Mexico's Stadio Azteca, where all manner of noisemaking is allowed, I can say it is very much the same level of decibels.
Oi! Alex, I don't think I've ever read anything as mean on CNN as his piece. But this aside: I want to take issue with your statement about "ancient customs' in South Africa. Are you seriously, seriously insinuating that the 'ancient customs' are more worthy than modern ones? How pig- and big-headed of you. You see, Alex, this is the reason that the world dislikes people like you. We in Africa retain our ancient customs. But here's the surprise: we develop and adapt and change and progress just like you guys do. And we love our vuvuzelas. Get yourself a good air of earplugs if you find them that offensive. Africa is loud and passionate and excited. Pompous fools just don't like it here. Everybody else loves it. (from Johannesburg)
Eveybody who also hates the vurvuzela before the World cup has even started join our facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=100176196700803&ref=mf
Please, let us enjoy football without this pervasive noise that goes through everything. To me it seems that people who feel like they have to produce such a noise that all communication or other sound perception is impossible, are fustrated for not being heard since they were kids. It's like they have to make up for something. Making noise and cheer your team uop is one thing, but blow everyone away with the most annoying sound is something else. I think I might watch all world cup matches at home, with the sound off.
vuvuuuuuuuzellaaaaa!!!!!its wat makes the football atmosphere in south africa unique...in europe they blow up flares and go insane and fight and have hooligans...here we all blow our horns to show the oy we have in celebrating this one moment of unity in diversity in this wonderful rainbow nation!!!i agree with Jaco...if u cant beat, join it...ITS BRILLIANT!!!!
Seriously, what a ridiculous article.... So by this logic, when soccer is played in Europe they should stop the singing because it hurts your precious little ears? Alex, get a life my bru.
I attended the confederations cup in South Africa last summer. They are so annoying but it is part of the South African culture so we accept it.
South Africa is the world cup host, so live their culture.
It gives the world cup an african taste.
Its not an african culture to blow vuvuzelas.
The rest of the african continents do not to blow such things that have no rythm at all.
Its like farting...
Stop whining and get with the program
You may have a point, perhaps even a good point, but it is VERY well hidden under the superior tone of your article. A marketing ploy? Really? Even though it is used ALL the time? World cup or no World Cup? Really? You can understand why a lot of people are ticked off by your article, right? You are a Westerner, supposedly an international traveller, and yet you deem it appropriate to speak for an entire nation (and continent), and to be arbiter of what is acceptable and what is simply "unwanted". Really? This is not the 1920s, man. Colonialism was over a while back, in case you hadn't heard. Check yourself. You're overstepping.
There is a culture also of SA men pissing openly in the street.
Its acceptable and tolerated in south africa BUT it is still disgusting
even if the majority approve.
You cannot expect any other person to switch off their eyes,noses and tell children it is acceptable.
Its like spitting in the street.Its become unacceptable. Progresssive cultures realise this and make positive changes.
Its all about having a civil frame of mind.
I didn't know what they were called until now. BUT I know that I cannot stand hearing them, even through the tv. So...I will be watching a lot of the games on mute! I say "Ban 'em!"
I love vuvuzelas, though I never knew what they were called until now.
I actually associate them with music, not cacophony. When I travelled to the Dominican Republic several years ago, I would frequently go to basketball (it wasn`t yet baseball season) games, where Dominicans would blow the tiny, plastic horns to the rhythm of Haitian gaga ( Dominican mambo) to cheer for their teams.
The vuvuzelas are not like brass horns featured in Euro-American music. Their sound – which is usually very deep- is a bit percusive and when blown rhythmically provides a nice beat that would make anyone want to dance.
Long live the the Vuvuzela!
The earsplitting and mindless sound of the vuvuzela is the portrayal by sound of the mindlessness that the masses of Africa can exert on a country. Not only for the lightweight case of a few weeks of a tournament, but everyday 24/7 every year.
Can it serve the purpose of making the world understand the plight of those in South Africa that just want to live a decent, civilized life, but is exposed to cruelty and mindlessness in the crimes committed by the masses of Africa everyday in our country?
As mindless and as cruel that sound is, that is what the civilized population of South Africa is exposed to, threatening and destroying life and dignity by mindlessness.
You would rightly point out that the popularity thereof points to acceptance: quite right, its human nature to dumb down, but that does not mean it is good.
They are alot more fun to blow them than to listen to, the sound is alot less irritating when your helping to make it 😉 I've got my ear plugs, and my Vuvuzelaaaaaaaaaa.
Cant be anyworse than the annoying sports commentators we seem to get on North American broadcasts. Anywhere from 3-5 sometimes more of these idiots that just wont shut up. They talk just to hear themselves.
The Vuvuzela is a tradition peculiar to the South Africans just as Manolo is to the Spanish. I am a Nigerian and I can tell you that we are more into making sonoruos melodies by playing drums and trumpets to cheer our team, and we always showcase that any where the Super Eagles play. But this is the African World Cup, holding in South Africa, and the vuvuzelas might not be ideal to the Nigerian game, but it's a South African World Cup and the vuvuzela is a definite part of it. We all are behind them, as Africans to create the most memorable World Cup ever. So like it's said in South africa..............Ke nako!!!!!!
Alex, broer, wish you could've just taken time to research and earn your keep rather than base your opinion on some "eureka" moment when you woke up this morning. The vuvuzela is the incarnation of African support. Get with the programme or ship out.
I'm a South African – and will blow my vuvuzela extra loud for all those who oppose it. And We Will Use It To Irritate and hopefully Win Some Matches.
Better a vuvuzela than an AK-47!!!!
I am all for tradition and I believe that the vuvuzela's are a great expression of the African spirit, but I have a concern. I am worried that teams and players from continents other than Africa (especially the Europeans) will not be able to stand the noise and that it could negatively effect their performance on the pitch. The Vuvuzela's might be the best "weapon" the African teams have of keeping The Cup in Africa.
Hup Holland Hup!!!
This is a very poor and distasteful article. Yes you may not like the vuvuzela but how you've gone about expressing your opinion just isn't right. You lost me the minute you mentioned natives.
If they only blow it when there is a "special occasion" like a goal, or to encourage the team during a phase of slowdown, it'd be okay with me. But if someone is just constantly making noise beside me, I'd pity that person for limited capability of enjoying something. When I attend a party or a club, I can enjoy it in other ways than just constantly shouting "WAAAAAAAAAAAH! WAAAAAAAAAH! WAAAAAAAAAH!" for hours. Come on!
The Vuvuzela will make it the world cup you will always remember. How many people who were going to the stadiums since...lets say 1995 are deaf...maybe the scientist should submit their findings. since they seem toooooo concerned now.
Welcome to Africa "boet'. I suggest you get yourself a pair of earplugs or stop whining!
Though am far from where world cup is being hosted, i can hear the sound of vuvu here before the event is being started...that's no good...culture of blowing vuvuzela might have been adopted by predecessors since time immemorial but may be for different purpose not while playing football...so should go for a cloth according to season...many thinks that no good...
shame on you, CNN !!
you either listen to it,...(by default), or you get out !
You're in South Africa my friend. That's how we do things over here – we're a new democracy, so most things are new. You're either gonna have to make peace with it or go home and report on the game from the comfort of your living room, because it's gonna become REALLY noisy! AYOBA!!!!!!
What is this article?
Is this supposed to be sarcastic, 'coz if not its total BS.
I totally want the English/Europeans stopped/banned from singing as it hurts my ears. Silly little music they sing and play at their stadia.
sorry Alex i suggest you get your self earplugs cause the vuvuzela are not going nowhere sooory chap!..
The problem with the Vuvuzela is we have people new to them, it supposed to have etiquette where it is blown in short burst as 3 blasts from a leader and all follow with one blast and so the rhythm is created.
where is Nkepile Mabuse the CNN corrospondent in South Africa surely she would have written a more balance article than this cultureless idiot Alex Thomas but again he is a sports journalist who knows nothing about social issues affecting the so called natives i wonder if he is a native American.
World cup tickets aren't cheap. And if you bought them you would figure you would want to go watch the game. How can you do that if you spend the whole time blowing on a horn?
When I watched the Confederations Cup I watched most of the games on mute because I couldn't deal with the constant drone for 90 minutes drowning out the crowd and everything else gong on in the game.
I say ban them. They're a distraction and take away from the whole point of what starts tomorrow, 32 teams playing against one another.
I dearly hope that the TV sounds engineers have worked a way around this unbearable noise...it has nothing to do with the excitement of the game. It just doesn't make sense. I've a feeling that this will be the last World cup or any other world event (Olympics!) to be held where these infernal things are allowed.
Please don't complain. These "instruments" are a vital part of African "clulture". Like talking loud, hip-hop, sticks and drums. Let the riots begin!
I hate the noise but love everything else that goes with the Vuvuzela!! Its OUR time...and if you don't like them – don't come here!! Great party atmosphere all around our beautiful country and I can assure you that at both games that I'm lucky enough to be going to, my Vuvulette (a smaller version) will be firmly around my neck!!! AND I'll have ear plugs in my ears too....
Hey Alex, the Vuvu is not causing any divisions whats so ever, if you dont like it, take ear plugs. If someone blows it directly towards you, just ask them to blow it away, its not too complicated. Take it easy and enjoy the World Cup...Its gonna be cracker !!! I cannt wait for tomorrow !!
Ahhh...the Free Press. In it (the Free Press) all are free to make their racist comments. And this is as it should be. As disturbing as it is to read a racist, ethnocentric, eurocentric piece, it would not have served the Free Press if CNN had cleaned up this article by having Thomas call the "natives" by some more sanitized term, such as "locals". Hey, that's how he sees Africans, its his loss. I hope the "natives", South Africans of all colors as well as visitors from all over have a rip roaring, fantastic blast of a World Cup. Have fun, have a great party!!!
I agree, they should have banned the vuvuzela's for the world cup. It is not some cultural thing, just a noise making marketing gimmic! And the natives do not need any help making more noise, welcome to Africa!
Oh, you bunch of sour idiots!! We South Africans are pulling off a great World Cup after you said we wouldn't be able to, and now you need something else to complain about, hence the attack on the vuvuzela. There's only one thing to do – get some ear plugs and your own vuvuzela, and join in the fun!! GO BAFANA-BAFANA!!!!
I find football (or soccer as Americans call them) fans annoying, should they be banned also? Soccer fans are hard core and loud, it's just part of the game. DEAL WITH IT.
I aggree with Scott cant wait till it is over and we can get back to normal.
Not sure if this country is normal with all the corruption and crime.
Anyone defending these things is absolutely ridiculous. Why do people find it necessary to defend something simply because of tradition? It's completely unreasonable. This only makes me think that South Africans are too weak to make enough noise naturally. This is the first time, EVER, that I will be watching games with the TV on mute. I do not care if people in South Africa enjoy making the noise during in house games. In fact, I don't even care if it's done through World Cup games when South Africa plays because I think it's only reasonable that the home crowd supports their team in their way. They need the advantage. However, there is no reason for a South African tradition to be continually done when teams like USA and England play.
So in response to Shaun, we hate the vuvu; if you don't, put it on a mp3 player and jam out to it by yourself.
I am a white Afrikaner who joined in the Vuvuzela Day celebrations – if this makes me a "Native", then I'm proud!
So stop moaning and embrace this African experience. I suggest you go and do some sight-seeing in the Kruger National Park (Big 5) after the WC to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful country.
Look asking us to stop blowing vuvuzelas is like asking the English to stop singing. South Africans are all about NOISE. This is how we cheer and encourage our players, the louder the better. It's not a marketing ploy. Football matches anywhere in SA, at whatever level of competition, have vuvuzelas. It's simply unimaginable to have a game without 'em, very un-South African. I admit it's annoying when somebody blows it directly in your ear but having attended local games, Confederation cup games and warm up games, I'm yet to meet or hear of anyone claiming to have had a horrible time at a stadium because of the vuvuzela. Cheer up Alex... learn how to blow it and you'll be hooked too!!!
The vuvuzela is part of the history of the NEW South Africa! AND if we NATIVES (as you so eloquently put it) want to have some fun and show the world how we celebrate then get with the programme Alex! What next – will you be telling the Brazilians to get rid of their noisy and seductive carnival in 4 years?
Saobona Alex
I am not sure where you are from but clearly you are not African. In Africa we celabrate by making a whole lot of noice be it singing, screeming, shouting, or even vuvzelaing we just make a noice. Some countris stemp their feet some play mucical insruments and we Blow the vuvuzela. I believe any kind of noice has its effect on averyone and so does the vuvuzela. You should ask Pedro the music man who used to present a kidied play and now has formed a music group in the Cape. they do wonderful things with that so called stick. Maybe if you were to listen closely you will hear the melody. As for the the vuvuzela being blown a rugby matches it was bound to happen. You will now this if your are South African. i live in Soweto very close to Orlando Stadium and When the Blue Bulls came they showd many SAcans that Black and White is outdated and it took sports to confirm this and a vuvuzela to celabrate it. So to all fans Approach any south african who has a vuvuzela and we will teach you how to make misic with it. Or even better come to the concert today and we will show.
Typical American...Go to someone's country, tell them their tradition/culture is bad and try eliminate it.
Dude, really, if you don't like the vuvuzela, simply don't watch....Why?? Because we don't give a rat's ass what u say!!
Yes! You can't even hear the announcers on the tv! Very distracting.
In Mexico we also enjoy blowing this type of horns for games (only that they are better ... they are green *joking* :p).
The spectacle of football is what it is for what happens in the stadium, the people, the tension, the noise, the colors ... the passion. That's football in the stadium.
You want to analyze plays, understand how teams play, and strategy, watch a replay in your house ... in the stadium something happens and then it's gone, and if you happen to be doing the Mexican-wave, or blowing your lungs out of a horn and you missed it ... so be it!. It's all for the beauty of enjoying a soccer match.
As a born & bred South African I do have to admit that I personally find them so annoying, the noise is incredibly loud and when close to your ear it is going to be unpleasant, and sadly has been one of the very reasons I have decided not go to a live match but rather to watch from the peace of my home where I can turn the volume down but still see the game. . and history in the making. Whilst part of the heritage of SA, surely its going to make hearing the calls on the ground most difficult i would think. The spirit is high and the hospitality most welcoming ..let shope the vuvuzela's don't ruin it for too many and may the best team win! 🙂
I couldn't agree more with Mr. Thomas' sentiment on the matter of vuvuzelas. Having attended a recent football final at Soccer City, I would without hesitation endorse a ban of the noisy vuvuzela's, or at the very least, a ban of their use whilst the game is in play. I have no doubt that they will be banned in European and other Western Countries after this World Cup. Unfortunately, it will come a little late for us here attending a few World Cup games.
Do we have any proof of anybody being diaognised with a loss of hearing? being the fact that soccer fans in Umzansi being blowing this thing for ages.
We like to blow our own trumpet!! Go Bafana Bafana!!
I compare the use of the VuVu to that of the railroad flares seen in many stadiums in Europe. They make viewing of the game uncomfortable for many dedicated football fans. It is an issue of basic courtesy. Respect your fellow fan. These concepts will certainly promote a better sense of world community.
Blowing your own horn is exactly what the writer did with this article. It is so subjective, it should just be a column piece, not on CNN's official website.
I am not native to SA (South Africa), but I have been there for a while–and really do not mind the vuvuzelas.
Firstly, the vuvuzela is not just ' a marketing ploy to create an artificial party atmosphere'...it has a 20-30 year history in South African football culture. Just like the chanting in many European football cultures.
Its possible of football cultures around the globe have some regional culture / activity that is done to express support for their teams. This is Africa's, or more specifically–South Africa's.
Surely Brasil, Spain and Japan have unique football expressions that should just be accepted and not reviled.
To me when blown correctly vuvuzelas sound like a husky airhorn. Its use is usually reserved for local football league (PSL) games, yet the advent of the World Cup has made its appearance more prevalent.
Most local South African footballers do not object to use of the instrument, as it is done in their honor.
At the end of the day, one can not be .."part of picking and choosing which parts of host country culture we would like to ban in order to make the World Cup more acceptable to foreign visitors".. (well put mwheel).
Im South African, and have to agree with the article. Its noisy, nonsense, and will at some stage cause violence. Welcome to the Dark Ages
Hi Alex. In South Africa do what the natives do–get yourselve a vuvuzela, blow the thing and stop moaning!
I hated them, until I acquired one, now next to my chair for every match on TV.
Try working in an office in Cape Town, cannot hear yourself think, maybe this office on the fan mile was not such a good idea. Love this sentence though " the booming, ear-splitting cacophony of the vuvuzela, a horn blown with gusto by seemingly all native football fans"
I suggest you do research before writing articles. It is no marketing ploy, I should know as I am south african. I would think that CNN journalists are supposed to do research before writing articles, it seems not?
I have yet to read a positive media report about our World Cup. People will fear and hate all things African – no matter what we do or say. The fact that the spirit and atmosphere here in Jo'burg is unlike anything ever experienced in WORLD SPORT – EVER, still "reputable Western Journalists" will find things to moan about. My bet is the first foreigner mugged here will make headlines, despite it happening right now in New York, London, Berlin, Paris, Barcelona ...
I am sick to my stomache of Afro-Pessimists. I have loads of tickets to loads of games and I'm happy that less of your mob is here. It gives more opportunities to the likes of me to experience the best sporting event that will be staged in our generation (that is until the next World Cup in South Africa).
VIVA South Africa VIVA
Hey Alex,
We South Africans find American tourists very loud and noisy in general when they are talking. But even though they are different to us we don't ask them to shut up or keep the noise level done. It's called respect for another culture... you should try it some time.
Leave us alone with our Vuvuzelas. It is part and parcel to our football culture. The lady from CNN of which I think was Ms. Nkebile, was telling lies. How can an unborn child jump up and down because of the sound of a vuvuzela? She is just trying to score cheap points with the international communities. People let us not try and spoil it in the last minute. Mr. Alex Thomas, whether you like it or not we shall blow our instruments with pride and joy, you cannot spoil it for us!
Do Africans ask the Europeans to stop whistling or North Americans to stop booing or South Americans to stop beating their drums? By admitting publicly their distaste for such instruments, teams are digging their own graves.
Alex, you and the rest of the world sport team are always great, and I know you guys dont get much sleep during tournaments, but this is our moment, and to some it may seem cheap or undignified, but its a tradition born out of wanting to be heard and expressing yourself in the most vibrant way possible! So many in our country cant afford to attend the events live, spare a thought for them before you seek to drown out their enthusiasm, after all, just 2 years ago you guys were saying we werent excited enough... you wanted it... you've got it!
Agree totally with article. Is this the only way we can create a carnival atmosphere, by causing irreversible damage to our ears?
Yes! Oh my God! I thought I was the only one in the world who thought that' sound is the noisiest, ugliest-sounding thing ever! It's not music, just irritating, annoying noise! Is this how you'll welcome visitors to your country, by telling them to get ear plugs if they don't like it? How rude of you! Choosing SA may have been a mistake after all!
Personally, I don't like the vuvuzela too but asking fifa to ban it sounds like a 'killjoy' to me. Its like saying the English shouldn't go for beer at half time or they shouldn't go to pub in the nights to have some beer. It is their tradition in South Africa and nothing should stop them. That is one thing that will distinguish the World cup in south africa, if you dont like it, leave thier country and if you staying at home and it disturbs you, lower the volume of your tv and play some heavy metal song which I know you will enjoy than the vuvuzela. Dont be so full of hate and even saying the baby in a journalist is going crazy, are you telling me there are no pregnant women is SA all these while? Let me game begin and let's enjoy it with the passion. 'Viva la world'
Different people have different cultures that are unique to them. If the South Africans decide to bring uniqueness to the world cup with vuvuzela, so be it. Whosoever feels disturbed and irritated by it has an option not to watch 2010 world cup. As for me I will stay glued to my TV set and enjoy every bit of the tournament while it lasts. I hope majority of the people do.
FYI Alex Thomas, this is an African world cup!
the VUVUZELA is part of how we celebrate soccer in AFRICA and we love it!!
cheap article, always trying to find something wrong with africa!!
this is our parade! dont rain on it!
oh and here's idea... get ear plugs! better still, get a life!
go along with the flow...you are south africa's guests...get some ear plugs!
i heard they are going to redesign the vevuzelas...that would probs help 😛
This is an incredably poor piece of journalism.
"Once you've tasted the waters of Africa, you will always return to quench your thirst". So says a well-known proverb. It's grand that an African country is hosting the World Cup, and I hope our visitors will much enjoy their trip and come back. I'm concerned, however, that this bit of "culture" is quite off-putting. Honestly, the issue isn't that visitors are not appreciating the local culture; surely they are coming for both the matches and to have an African adventure. Welcome! The real issue is that the horns cause pain and annoyance. It's simple: if you cause somebody pain (127 decibels of it), don't take umbrage when they gripe about it. Their complaint is not a slight. It's about the pain. It's just about the pain. That puts the ball in our half, so to speak: do we care?
I appreciate the satire or irony in this article. It’s funny. I certainly wouldn't want to rob the South Africans from their Vuvuzelas but during matches they are more irritating than the compressed-air blow horns used all over the world. This vuvuzela though is a cheap and plentiful distributed plastic replica of the vuvuzela that is part of South African culture. However, the Dutch distributor also sells them by the thousands in the Netherlands and indeed – late in the evening or early morning some fool blows it! Hard! Let’s say it adds to the fun but they are never ever going to go away: plastic is a very durable material. Be glad that for you at least it's going to be over in two weeks time.
I'm a South African and have tickets to a world cup match. Frankly, although I enjoy the spirit of the people using vuvuzelas, the noise is dangerously loud. I used to play in a rock band and have suffered hearing loss from that particitation. (Before ear plugs became de jure for bands as they are today). I appeal to FIFA to hand out ear plugs to anyone who want to accept them.
FIFA can not be sued (they are immune from liability with regard to the World Cup). So indiviuals should watch out themselved regarding their hearing.
Hi Alex, the vuvuzela was well used at the african Nations cup in January 2008 in Ghana and it was fun, it showed the joy and passion of the game. it was also a good souvenir for people who travelled to Ghana. mexico 1986 was remembered for their waves so let south africa be remember for VUVUZELA!!!
I am a Sou African, and while I do not "love" the Vuvuzela, I become quite insulted by foreigners who call for them to be banned. South african football is full of friendly colourful competition between opposing supporters, and has nop record of hooliganism. European and south american football is frought with hooliganism and violence. Instead of praising a colourful friendly soccer culture, which has for as long as i can remember been caracterized by the vuvuzela, foreigners have arrived here with a view to finding an aspect which they do not agre with. The noise might not be pleasing to the ear, but its our noise to make, so let us make it!
Just leaving work. On my way to buy a Vuvuzeza.
Can't wait to blow it as loud as I can.
========<()
The Vuvuzela is fantastic. Anyone against it should show the host nation some respect and grin and bear it. South Africa is a nation of friendly, party-going, raucous people. Stand alongside them and lets make this World Cup the best it can possibly be.
Go Bafana Bafana, my Vuvuzela supports you!
So all other teams fans can do their chants, blow whistles, horns and rattle what ever else they want but the vuvuzela oh it's a bit to loud. Let the people of SA have thier moment, let them have a way to earn some money after FIFA is robbing them of a lot of the cash from this tournament. Stereos, Concerts, Head Phones and a lot more are said to damage our hearing – it's like everything else theres always a killjoy. What are we meant to do? score a goal and everyone says as quietly as possible Yay and gives one soft clap – it's party time get over it. And if the pregnant CNN collegue who is pregnant is worried about her baby then why travel, and why to somewhere where she knew there was going to be noise. Let SA have their moment and ask yourself how many of the people blowing the horns can go to the games. Stop moaning and let people express themselves how they want – if you dont like it them go home. Good on Ya South Africa have a blast
Hi Alex. You have the option of getting ear plugs, not going to the stadium or even not watching the game on TV if you feel it puts your health at risk. Let's not pretend that you wrote this piece because you care about the footballers on the pitch, or that you would have felt differently about the Vuvuzelas if it was an "ancient" custom. As I said earlier, you do have options. Some of us have been lucky enough to travel the world and come across different cultures. Whilst we do not always agree or understand those cultures, we certainly don't have the audacity to ask them to "revisit" some of their cultures because we will be in the country for a few weeks and we don't like the custom. Did you really not have anything better to write about with regards to the first Soccer World Cup on African soil? Is this the best you could come up with?
The horns are AWFUL on TV. I was really hoping that they would find a way to mute that awful sound out. I actually have to mute to TV because my wife is so annoyed by them.
This is very easy CNN should get another correspondent this one is attacking us. that's clearly not fair. There are things American do that WE(the world) don't find nice, guess what we do? WE(the world) live with 'em. If you have nothing nice to say, shut up please. There's a value you certainly lack, UBUNTU, don't hate. I expected you to be smart, base what you say on facts. We don't hate you, you're a pain though, that's all. CNN and News24.com should be fined, there needs better entities than these. PEACE!
It has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that an empty vessel will always makes lousy noise,Mr headless boy please use your head before writing articles.Hate it or love it,Vuvuuzelas are part and parcel of african celebratxn.And of cause we are not Americans and will never be.
BETTER THAN THE MONKEY CHANTS WE HEAR IN EUROPE EVERY SUNDAY. SOUTH AFRICANS, USE WHAT YOU HAVE TO GET WHAT YOU WANT. CONFUSE THEM WITH VUVUS AND WIN YA GAMES.
Bro, I take this in bad taste, we Africans are showing what we have, do you have any altenative to propose? wait. when the world cup comes to Europe,then you do that proposal.
No stoping the vuvuzela.I have even started blowing mine.
I'll have little choice but to join the VUVZ spirit sweeping the country – but once this Cup is over, I'm sure to KILL anyone blowing it in public! My ears are just not that noise resistant.
i'm with you Alex. Hate it! And what about the poor referees who gotta carry and run with a humongous whistle for 90 minutes. Sing, dance and clap your hands. Leave the toys at home kids. PLEASE!
I agree fully. I think the article was written conservatively.
They should be banned. I suffer from loss of hearing due to prolonged exposure to load music. Hearing loss is real – and only show up later in life. Young soccer fans, sitting close by this noise repeatedly at soccer games over a period of years (or less) will have trouble following conversations in crowded places later in their lives.
And finally – yes they are an irritation. Some of us need to work. Right now there are some of this noise outside the building – affecting everyone's ability to concentrate in the office.
Alex, judging by this article, you're either new to the World Cup or to the world outside the US, or both!
Those who said the Vuvuzela is loud are themselves Vuvuzela
Anyone who watched the recent competition in SA on TV will know that the noise of the horns makes it virtually impossible to hear the commentary. It is South Africa's cup however it is a world game and if, as I suspect, millions abroad start turning off the TV then South Africa will pay a huge price.
I know one thing – exposure to sound pressure levels of 125 db and above for a certain period can cause permanet ear damage. Being proudly African, I know that we make melodious noise[s] when we are happy. FIFA 2010 World Cup is a happy period so lets be happy while not destroying ourselves! Long Live Naija ! ! ! !
cant foreign journos write positive news on south africa? write about the atmosphere, the hurdles this country has had to get through to host this event and the warm reception that people arriving are getting. An africa world cup is not going to be like a german or american one. Acccept it or leave and let us enjoy what is going to be the best world cup ever. vuvuzela's are part of SAfrica's soccer culture.
shame on you cnn.... this is cheap and tacky
To all Europeans and Americans and who ever do not like vuvuzelas, get with the program! South Africa is hosting this events and the vuvuzela has been part of football here for as long as I can remember. If you do not like it, GO HOME or switch off your TV!
Unfortunate article u wrote I might say... Its their tradition and if u don't like it quit CNN and buy urself a ticket back home.
Any activity forced upon another and damaging that person's health should not be allowed. ESPECIALLY IF THE HOST IS DOING IT TO THE GUEST. What kind of hospitality is that, my fellow South Africans? The postings of almost all of those supporting the vuvu has a rude edge to it. "Accept it or go home/ wear earplugs". Even worse: "Stop whining". The latter statement has become the general reply to committing all kinds of atrocities in SA. It goes a long way explaining why we have the highest violent crime and murder rates in the world and why it has taken so long to bring the world cup to Africa.
We had a great festival of a rugby world cup in SA in 1995...WITHOUT THE VUVUZELA.
Sour Grapes! Didn't get any sleep on your long-haul flight?
Your complaining is drowning out the sounds of the vuvuzela's. . . .
For those in the "hate it" camp, there is a plan to give the crowd its voice back and make this wonderful spectacle actually watchable for the rest of the world.
Just as everyone had their chance to "blow it" at 12 o'clock yesterday throughout South Africa, your chance to "throw it" will come at 12 minutes from time at every game this weekend.
If you're at the game and want to enjoy the rest of the World Cup, there is a growing following that believes we should not blow it, but throw it.
That's on 78 minutes, every game this weekend. At least 150 true fans of the game are already committed to this at the Cape Town match (France v Uraguay), and that number is growing by the minute!
Spread the word! By Monday we'll hear a roar through the stadiums, songs, chants and life breathed back into the crowd.
Ban that stuff. A chearing croud is 1000% better then the ugly vuvuzela noise.
I'm proudly African... and banning the vuvezela is like telling those Americans with there irritating football chants to shut-up!! This is part and parcel of our continent (not just South Africa).... Deal with it or watch the games from home...!!
Spoken with a heavy, and very affected, British accent: "Oh dear! The music of primitive cultures! That is such a calamitous racket the poor fellows make...."
i dont know why some westerners are so negative about this south african world cup,i watched several international news channels and most of them are focusing in sa poverty not the world cup,some are even saying the money used should have been spent on poverty.yet when we hosted the cricket world cup,ipl,20/20 and the rugby world cup nothing was mentioned about poverty and crime.if you look at crime & poverty statics to day things are far much better compare to then.now this alex is coming with another conservatively story of a vuvuzela.so far i am impressed by the way cnn is reporting this event compare to other news channels which are so distructive.i think alex is working for a wrong news channel for now.
I was at the US/Australia Friendly game in Ruimsig. My impression was that the locals liked the vuvuzelas and everyone else didn't. Apparently, that wasn't even a very noisy match - a colleague of mine is still suffering from damage incurred during a game at the Confederation Cup. I'll have ear protection at the next game I attend.
A lot of debaters here seem to think thar the World Cup belongs to SA. This is wrong! It's on loan, and in four years – thank God – there will be no vuvuzelas
i can't believe there r people who are in SA for World Cup and still complain. You have 2 choices either hate vuvuzela and be miserable for a month or love it and have fun and enjoy the football
u don't go other ppl's country and try to change their culture bcoz u don't like it.
I remember watching the confederations cup, it sounded like a swarm of bees where about to attack...
Ban the damn things!
Vuvuzela will be annoying when watching games on telly!
Because we are guests in your country, you should not do anything which is annoying. It appears most cultures outside of South Africa find this vuvuzelas annoying. If guest comes to my house, I try to make them feel comfortable. I thought this was the spirit of Africa.
Celebrating the World Cup with vuvuzelas. Best wishes to all the participating teams and their fans.
I am proudly African and here in Portugal pple are going around blowin on th vuvuzela so please Alex, get some taste and learn to respect other people´s culture! As i write now somebody just passed by my road blowing his lungs out! Viva World Cup SA ke nako!!!
l think it should be banned because it would cause alot of distractions and noisy confusion in the stadia during football matches, especially on matches between Sounth Africa and other countries.
South Africa don't have the capacity to host the world cup... Wrong!
South Africa doesn't have the infrastructre for the world cup... Wrong!
South Africa will never be ready... Wrong!
Fifa has a secret backup host... Wrong!
The stadia will never get finished in time.... so Wrong!
South Africans are not excited enough about the world cup... Wrong!
How many times does your negativity have to be proved wrong before you to change your mindset about Africa?
Now you resort to crime and.. vuvuzelas affecting hearing? Really?
This is why no European country has won the WC outside of Europe. You go to other continents and expect to find European countries there. This is Africa, we don't do convenience. We wish we were as developed as you but we aren't, so we deal. For a month you will be our guest. If you can't be bothered because vuvuzelas are too inconvenient for you then stay away. Otherwise deal!
vuvuzelas are very noisy .they are horrible.
In Brazil there is a similar horn and avid football fans can be seen blowing these horns. Its part of the carnival atmosphere and fun of a football game. I have never heard of anybody here in Brazil (and I've lived here for forty years) ever object to it. Of course if you dont like football and cant bear the noise of the vuvuzelas then the best solution is to sit at home with a tarp on your head. If you go nowhere and do nothing you wont be bothered by anything as well. But what a dull and boring life!
Vuvu This, Vuvu that! As for me, i think it's really irritating,but one must learn to accept what other culture has . It should not always be what the West thinks is right, should be right. Umm...in general, noise in Soccer matches if exposed so long to the ears can be deafening.
However, i propose that the Vuvu players, should at least, try to make a reasonable music out of it and not just blowing out their minds, like 2 year olds who just play with their flutes.
I am a very proud South african, but have to say that i intensely hate the vuvu's. The reason? Because the kids in my street blow these things constantly without stop! Worst of all, I live in Rustenburg, a host city...where last night at 1am some drunkards were walking down the street, making one hell of a noise and...you guessed it played the vuvuzela. All these guys claiming this is a culture thing? Are you proud of a culture where you really just make a senseless noise, with no rhythm or purpose?
The flights out of SA have not been suspended. You are free to return to your home country anytime. You won't be missed.
The Vuvuzela is integral to the soccer experience in South Africa. Stop your whining, get ear plugs and enjoy the spectacle. That's Ayoba!
Let's ban beer at sporting events. Drunk people are more annoying and cause more damage than a vuvuzela
Alex, with all due respect but I dont think you have the right to tell soccer loving South Africans what is good for them and what is not. Try and enjoy the festvities instead of imposing your views on South Africans.
You came to S.A to enjoy the soccer and not teach us how to enjoy the festvities.
Please don't compare the vuvuzela with football chants, that horrible thing ruins football commentaire and players/coaching staff HATE it, also for those who say it doesn't harm anyone it has been proven the vuvuzela can damage hearing.
I am a South African and respect the cultures of all nations. Some nations sing songs, others dance and scream at the opposing fans, we blow the Vuvuzelas. Just remember that this is South Africa's world cup and we can do whatever we want. If you don't like hearing the noise, there is a mute button on your TV, I suggest you use it.
It's African custom to be anoying and dammage the persons hearing in front of you?, you say get ear plugs?. then in that case grow your own food and stop begging from the west
You are just jealous, thats it, i know you wish you knew how to blow it.dont be spitful.this is an african world cup.abide by our rule or come out, ship out, go out.we dont need negativity like this.i am proudly South African and love the country.If you dont like what you see, thats your problem not ours so stop with this tasteless articles.it wont get you anywhere.feeeeeeeeeeeeel it, it is heeeeeeeeeeeeere.Ke nako
For the teams, the journos and the foreign fans who were unaware of the vuvuzela I only ask one thing. Were you living under a rock for the last 6 years. This is not new and certainly not a surprise. The teams who are playing should have done something to get used to it, the journos are replaying a tired story, the fans must get earplugs. It's OUR time. You can sing bad mournful hymns, bang your drums and do what you like when it's YOUR time. Ke Nako. Welcome to South Africa.
Alex, I hate the vuvu's too, but they are here to stay. So, either get yourself some ear plugs (like I did) or take the next flight home.
Alex, This is a silly article. Had you bothered to do some research you could have better informed people about the history of Vuvuzela and its adaptation from a Kudu horn.
Re-the pregnant woman – Are you sure she did not have a Coke or a Cadbury before talking to you. I believe the sugar in them also increases a baby's activity in the womb.
Write a better article next time.
Mr Thomas, before I say anything, let me introduce myself – I'm a 35-year old white, Afrikaner and South African.
Tell me, do you realize that your rant simply reveals you as a latent racist? Your arrogant, chauvinist assumption that you know the history of the vuvuzela, that it is exclusively a 'native' instrument, that you as an American knows better than African 'natives' what is best for us and OUR World Cup – all these things are each by themselves more than reason enough to label you as a racist, Sir.
Please, feel free to continue as you've started. We don't care. This is our country, our culture, our people, our World Cup. If you don't enjoy it, take a hike back to America. You and your racist arrogance are not welcome.
So, in good old Afrikaans: VOERTSEK!!!
Get a life Alex!!!
Like they say, "When u are in Rome, do what the Romans do" so Alex, get real and do what the South Africans do. i think u need to take a course called "Enjoying soccer the South African way :101" The Vuvuzela has and will always be a part of soccer and is extending to rugby and even cricket. I have never heard of anyone proposing a ban on the extremely loud singing at soccer games in Europe. Clearly as an American, soccer is not as big there as it is here in Africa.
The vuvuzela is here to stay and you might as well get used to it or follow Pampoen's advice and get ear plugs!!!
LONG LIVE AND BLOW THE VUVUZELA!!!!!!
I was just wondering???? You work for CNN supposedly a news network renowned for their great newsworthiness, and actual FACTS you publish. Well I’m just a simple “man on the street” and 10 seconds of Googling and here on Wiki is an excerpt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vuvuzela)
“Origin
Originally made out of tin, the vuvuzela became popular in South Africa in the 1990s. Well-known Kaizer Chiefs FC fan Freddie "Saddam" Maake claims to have invented the vuvuzela by adapting an aluminium version as early as 1965 from a bicycle horn after removing the black rubber to blow with his mouth. He later found it to be too short and joined a pipe to make it longer. Make has photos of him in the 1970s and 1980s at local South African games and international games in 1992 and 1996 and at the 1998 World Cup in France, holding the aluminium vuvuzela. He says the instrument was banned as authorities ruled it a dangerous weapon, which prompted him to find a plastic company that could manufacture it.[4]
In 2001, South Africa-based company Masincedane Sport began to mass-produce a plastic version.[5][6] Neil van Schalkwyk, the co-owner of Masincedane Sport, won the SAB KickStart Award in 2001.[7]
Vuvuzelas have been said to be rooted in African history, but this is disputed.[8] People would blow on a kudu horn to call villagers to a meeting.[5][dubious – discuss] Adding to the appeal is South African folklore that "A baboon is killed by a lot of noise."[citation needed] During the last quarter of a match, supporters blow vuvuzelas frantically in an attempt to "kill off" their opponents.[9][10]”
So please before you put pen to paper, engage your brain
Ha Ha Those vuvuzelas are the reason SA is going to win the world cup. No one else will be able to concentrate on their game with all that noise.
Guys, there is no need to get offensive. What does he, the CNN correspondent, know about the world cup and the atmosphere that accompanies it. We will have to excuse his ignorance; CNN, should not.
Three Words for you Mr. Journalist! -Go to hell
As we say in South Africa – What a chop!!!
I love SA and everyone in it but I really dont like the vuvuzela so I decided in January not to travel to SA for any of the games. If the games are too vuvuzela heavy on tv i'll simply switch it off. Glancing through some of the replies it would seem that the Vuvuzela ISNT universally appreciated even in South Africa. In fact, it seems to have polarized the country.
I go to a football match to watch a game. If I want music – I'll go to a gig. If I want flares or a fancy light show – I'll go to a firework display.
Numerous posters have suggested – "if you dont like it, dont come" – so it looks like I made the right choice.
do not try to bring your culture to Africa!!!!!! The vuvuzela is part of the South African roots. Take it or leave it. Not happy, leave the world cup!!!!
I suppose the author of this article would prefer the controlled "stand-up-now-sit-down, music-blaring-from-the-speakers, everybody-clap-your-hands" cheering that so wonderfully colors NBA games in the US. I would much rather be part of a ruckus crowd that is in charge of its own cheering (and louder) than sit in a comfortable seat to watch an NBA game (but only cheer by the NBA's rules).
Alex,
You came all the way from ..... to call us "Natives". Of all the things about South Africa you could have written, this is your best piece??
Don't see you complaining about European hooligans (sorry fans) heckling & singing their hearts out loud. Surely, surely Alex.
Look at the reviews of your article. I think it's time to pack your bags & leave. Ohh & QUIT journalism too.
Poor CNN pregnant lady. There must have been a line of other pregnant CNN ladies crying foul too. oh no, what about the "Native" pregnant mothers? Poor them.
AFRICA IS NOT THE DARK CONTINENT YOU PORTRAY IT TO BE. GET A LIFE.....
Heard of Ear Plugs, buy some..
I am a foreigner living in the US...just wanted to put it out there...and that hating the vuvuzela has nothing to do with the West hating it because it is not Western. Plain and simple, its the most annoying sound I have ever heard...especially when you have to listen to it for 2 hours straight...let alone all day and night like this journalist is. South Africa is the host nation...please host...dont scare your visitors away with annoying sounds. Cheering for your team is one thing...Vuvuzelas are annoying and need to be banned
Alex,
I suggest you seek a change of field for your reporting. If you're going to be reporting on soccer (world cup or club tournamets) chances are you'll encounter fans everywhere that will show their support by making noise. Yes the vuvuzelas are loud, but it's really not anyone's place to tell the South Africans how they should root for their team. If we down this road, four years from now you'll be complaining that the Batucadas in Brazil are to loud and that you want them gone from the stadiums.
The way I see it you have two options:
* Do the smart thing and get yourself some earplugs.
* Keep complaining; although, this second option will get you nowhere since FIFA has already stated that it is not their call to dictate how fans express themselves during games.
Oh and one more thing... If you find the vuvuzelas too loud to your taste, wait until you cover a River vs Boca Jrs in Argentina, I'm sure you'll re-think your definition of loud then.
Your opinion about the vuvuzela is distateful, insulting, arrogant, racist , and condescending. You are a guest invited to a party you do not tell us how to celebrate and what instruments are suitable for a celebration. Your knowledge of African culture is wanting and none existant.The vuvuzela has been part of African culture since the dawn of timeand it will always be instrument used to call the people to gather in celebration. The original variations of the vuvuzela have been used by African chiefs and kings call people to a PITSO.
Well I just changed the channel because the bloody noise totally ruins the match experience. So if the locals want to scare people away they certainly succeded.
And honestly earplugs for a football match ?
Thought the World Cup was supposed to be a party for everyone but seems the locals do not want people to come to SA if they dont like the horn.
So I hope people stay home. But guess that was not FIFAs idea when they chose SA for host
listening to the Vuvuzelas ts like having a mosquito permanently fighting with my ear drum!
A traditional cultural for many, but a painful experience for those of us with the untrained ear!
Please for the love of everything ditch that annoying "Vuvuzela!" It sounds like a boy disturbed a bunch of hornets nests during a match.
Don"t even try to say hit the mute button or get ear plugs. I want to hear the commentary not your annoying "Vuvuzela!"
Tremendous support for the horns from South Africans although I suspect that some is no more a natural response to complaints by foreigners. However all is now of little importance. Directv, through which I get my signal, has found a way to reduce the stadium noise to not much more than an irritating hum in the background. The national flavor that so many have promoted is gone. In fact where the games are being played is no longer something the viewer is really aware off.
I am only feeling sorry because I am a great CNN follower. Why do these guys from the West think they can dictate to the world? I am curious. Who are you to decide to ban peoples' culture, you might do it in Middle East but this is Africa and I hope after this World Cup a lesson will be learned. They cried about everything, from security, capacity, logistics, everything, and when all is set and done, you cry about VUVUZELAS. No one is forced to come to SA or to the stadiums, so you can go back and enjoy your stay wherever you came from.
A very good article.
Hundreds ot thousands fans from Europe and Southamerica share your opinion. And there goes a storm of protest through the Internet.
I am a German Soccer fan. And i am very annoyed and borred.
We like singing, dancing, La ola waving and so on in the crowd.
Consider the phantastic athmosphere in 2006.
Vuvuzuelas are making only stupid noise.
And kill the athmosphere in the stadium.
You have no chance to support your team with your voice.
It is the end of any fan culture.
I am considering to stop watching tv.
I hope the wm is over for southafrica after three games and the
real Football athmosphere comes back to game,
Or: Fifa, please forbid the vuvuzuelas.
Unfortunately, the vuvuzelas provide a complete disconnect for the millions of fans watching the matches on tv. Isn't this supposed to be a great celebration every four years? The world's greatest sporting event! Yet there is absolutely no spontaneous emotion. Whether kick-off, free kick, corner, throw-in, foul, yellow or red card, it doesn't matter – all we hear is the continuous, monotonous buzz. No singing, cheering, booing, whistling, shouting, chanting, nothing. Is the crowd pleased the player was sent off the field? Well, how would I know, all I hear is the buzzing. Is the crowd celebrating the goal? No idea. The free kick? Who knows. Where are the fans cheering their team on? I have no clue, because I can't hear them. The vuvuzelas completely drown out any form of spontaneous celebration and they bury the lively spirit of the world cup. I'm sure the spirit is alive on the streets of South Africa, but there certainly isn't any life coming across the TV for the rest of the world to witness.
I've been told to mute my TV. Ok, and go without ANY ambience at all... not even the referee's whistle or my station's commentary? Japan officially prosted the use of these vuvuzelas in the past, and I don't blame them. Not only for the reasons I listed above. Google Japan's protest.
Sorry, South Africa. Love your nation and I'm happy you're hosting the cup – you truly deserve it. You've also done a wonderful job in organizing the event. But these vuvuzelas really put me off. And if you think that's my problem, well, the sad truth is that it's putting millions of people around the world off too. This world cup is supposed to be bringing the world together every four years, yet all that's happening here is you're alienating much of the football world.
I may watch the most important matches I'm interested in, but certainly won't be watching anywhere near the number of watches as I had planned. I can still see the events unfold on the pitch, but the celebration of the World Cup just doesn't come across.
Go ahead, flame away with your comments.
When heard on TV the horns sound like the buzzing of flies. A very monotonous and irritating sound that drowns out the fans' reactions as well as the whistle, effectively killing the atmosphere and giving the viewers headaches. I know a lot of people who couldn't stand the noise during the first game, and won't be watching any more because of the vuvuzelas..
Vuvuzelas are no tradition. These annoying plastic horns are just a few years old. It is an oversized toddler toy.
South Africans seem to have no clue about soccer, therefore they destroy the atmosphere with an monotonic annoying sound carpet. The rhythm and communication between fans and players is gone. No fans singing and chanting, that's poor.
By the way: Attend an rugby match in South Africa and you will hear NO vuvuzela. So plz South African guys: Why do you need vuvuzelas at soccer games?
I watched the match between France and Uruguay in TV and I couldn't stand this constant noise. I hardly imagine what it must be like on the stadium.
Let's face it – it's annoying and distracting. And people who make arguments about "Africa having it's time" or even commenting about not being "anyone's slaves" are completely missing the point. It's about the NOISE and not racism or anything else.
I only hope that those trumpets won't catch on in other places.
What a bunch of amusing, fastinating, interesting comments! This is what blogging is all about, people have the opportunity of telling things from their point of views. Good on you Alex & CNN for starting off with such a fantastic and controversial article that has definitely guaranteed you a following for your future reports..just maybe don't wear your namebadge around S.A
I can't help chuckling away at this article! Yes. The vuvuzelas are a tad on the noisy side, but as someone else rightly commented, the more you complain, the louder they'll blow! If you can't lick 'em, join 'em. Maybe they'll hear us on Mars...
Welcome to S.A.!
Vuvuzela... Good article, it pinpoints the thoughts of 80% of the viewers of the WC. That's my guess...
It's nice that SA has it's culture and obviously the vuvuzela has it's part in it, but looking at the comments, I constantly see the phrase "buy ear plugs"... is that what it's all about then? Only to irritate players and viewers? Is that the way to go? In my opinion a totally wrong intention. And also, quote: When people oppose it, we(I) only will blow louder.. end quote... what? To irritate even more? I don't get it.
It has a negative effect on the game, which is beautiful. Please don't compare it to (singing)-which is not always nice I agree- but at least that has some variation in it. The vuvuzela is only a plain monotone terrible sound, which – yes – only irritates. Nothing else. That's a pity. I don't condemn, but I speak out how I, and I know a LOT of others, think about it. For the rest the tournament is excellent. Well done by the SA's.
Good piece Alex, pity some of your readers dont understand English properly used ('native' simply means indigenous people). Ive been to SA and love the place and its people but you're right about the trumpet noise. Watching TV news – from many channels – I get the clear impression most so-called 'fans' just want to make as much of it as possible. Football is just the pretext. What's the betting that as the tournament goes on there'll be more and more complaints about it from real fans of the beautiful game.
Cmon Alex go with the flow, this is our tradition , there aint no way to stop the vuvu's and it is certainly not an attempt to create an "artificial" party atmoshpere.
This is part of our footballing tradition, get one or get some ear plugs
i enjoy watching cnns sport programs but this kinda sours my view being proudly South African
Ke Nako Viva South Africa, Blow those Vuvu's
Whatever the article talks about, I have to admit that I could hardly hear the ESPN commentary amidst the horns!..it was unbearable!!
I had to watch most of the match with a muted tv!..The horns are definitely avoidable. Blowing it when a goal is scored, or to have some fun is definitely ok, but to blow it for the whole of 90 minutes destroys the spirit..atleast to whoever can't bear the sound. The only time I enjoyed the match was when mexico scored the goal, there was no horns for a minute..I was so so happy lol!, but then it started all over again!!!
I can atleast mute my tv, I pity the guys on the pitch!!
Next time Google the word Bazooka which is a noisier contraption used in Mexico.
South Africa is a proud nation with it own traditions and we do blow our horns to unnerve our opponents. Are you unnerved Alex?
We will blow our vuvuzela...to celebrate soccer, unity and the love of BEAUTIFUL GAME.
Go home or embrace our culture and celebrate with us PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN
Man, what's with all the haters? If it's really an age old South African tradition, then fine. But really? Is it necessary to blow the thing during an ENTIRE soccer match? I heard they have been banned from South African rugby matches.
If you are going to cover the Cup, concentrate on issues that affect the sport not what makes you uncomfortable. Jump in the world cup bandwagon or get off and let a real "football" commentator report the news and events that sorrund this awesome "WORLDWIDE" event.
The Vuvuzelas are killing everything we love when we watch soccer. It's primitive. Nobody can cheer for anyone. You can't shout encouragement. Never before a host was so disrespectful towards all the soccer fans in the world. It's a shame. And very bad reputation for South Africa.
The Vuvuzela is NOT a part of the South African Culture. The Vuvuzela is a very new phenomenon, it is made of plastic and produced in Europe. Last year at the Confederation Cup they were used for the first time. Some years ago they were completely unknown. In South Africa the soccer fans used Kudu horns in the stadiums which were not as loud as the Vuvuzelas.
Your post is painfully funny. I feel for you. Am keeping my TV on low sound as I find it stressfull. But hey its South Africa – where the vuvuzela was developed as a plastic copy of the kudu horn. It has a tradition.
Go South Africa!
Mr. Alex Thomas is kindly requested to enjoy the privilege of being there to report on the beautiful game, .. in case he cannot, I would be happy to trade places...
For those of us who are TRYING to enjoy the World Cup at home, it has become absolutely unbearable to put up with the noise. It is ruining the football experience, the organisers should do something about it!
It's very simple. TURN THE VOLUME OFF! And turn on music. The advertisers won't like it, but....tough.
I can't believe anybody would be surprised that some visitors might not like hearing these things. We are here for 12 days and already I'm seriously considering flogging the rest of my tickets and doing something else instead of enduring another game. It is painful to be in the audience. My wide flat out won't go to another game. One of my kids started crying during the first and we had to take her outside.
For those who haven't experienced this imagine being at a football game where every 3rd or 4th person is blowing a foghorn over and over and over. Love SA but forget about 'when in Rome,' stop being so outraged that some people might not like this deafening racket and just try being good hosts.
Wow are some South Africans being way too sensitive. Ohhh, he referred to the people who live a country as 'natives.' Omg! How awful!
Pffft. It's only in some overly sensitive imaginations that that is some kind of slight.
These horns are really loud, unique and we are hearing them constantly at the games and now in the streets at all hours. If you have been to games in other countries you would know that this experience was not going to be accepted by some people. Since many blowing them are doing it on purpose to annoy and irritate how can you be surprised or indignant when somebody calls you on it?
I think it is a fantastic noise, like an enormous hive of bees. I think it adds a lot to the game. Of course I'm watching it on TV so I can turn the sound down!
Totally agree with this article. Imagine saving up and preparing to go to one of these games to only have a headache in your ear. I'm really surprised the networks have not adjusted the feed so that the commentators voice is louder. Ban those horns!
Tradition or not, I cant watch a match, I have tried different channels in different languages and cannot enjoy a game so far, they ruin the game and atmosphere
These horns are idiotic and people should not have to buy ear plugs to watch a sporting event. Well I will take peoples advice and just not watch the games.
I have not watched even a minute of the coverage because of this ridiculous silliness. The Africans have a right to engage in this most irritating, annoying practice; I have a right to turn to another channel. And, so I did. I loved soccer and played it while younger. Not too interested in it anymore. However, if i want to hear this noise, I will plant a bee hive in my backyard. As I don't, I will watch those countries that don't need this as part of the soccer experience!
Well-said, Alex Thomas! As some here are getting defensive about it this noise, I propose to those millions who find this obnoxious to join the rest of the silent majority in simply finding pursuits, and there are many, more pleasurable than watching soccer. When the ratings dip, maybe, it might make a difference. To those who equate this drone to music, in other instances, obviously are clueless and fall flat on their face with their flimsy arguments. Thank goodness I did not purchase tickets to attend this live! They claim it is their tradition. Well, I will leave them to watch it!
Today was the day. In 45 years, I had never watched a full game of soccer. After all the hype around the US-England match, I had decided I was going to give this game a shot. Twenty minutes into the match I was having trouble following the announcers due to an annoying, low-frequency, hum from the stands. I lasted about 5 more minutes and then came online to research the possible source of the sound. Lo and behold I find this article and it explains the situation quite clearly. Sadly, I couldn't finish watching due to the sound.
No, I'm not a big fan, so I'm no big loss to the soccer world. However, I wonder how many others out there WERE big fans that have since been turned off due to the excessive background noise. It would have been nice to watch the match. Maybe next decade.
These so called horns are ruining the world cup. cut the noise or fans will either tune them off or turn off the volume. After all this is the WORLD CUP. Stop the noise. It is past annoying.
I find it interesting that everyone is so upset about the vuvuzelas. The vuvuzelas aren't all that much different than the plastic horns that the US team encounters when they play CONCACAF games in Mexico and Central America. While the vuvuzelas' din in South Africa does seem louder than the horns in Estadio Azteca (probably due to the sheer numbers), it's not like the noise is anything new. The vuvuzelas are just South Africa's answer to the "U-S-A" chant or the various songs European fans sing at their teams' matches. I think it's ridiculous that people are calling on FIFA to ban them. You might as well ask FIFA to ban fans from cheering at all. It's an environmental condition the teams are just going to have to get used to like the altitude in Jo-Burg.
Five games later beloved SA. Belief tthose things can also cause brain damage. Well it's driving me, and counting, nuts! What a waste of perfectly good oil.
Now what I don't understand is the comments. What are you coming down on him for? He said he doesn't like it, he said what he thinks should be done about it. Did he in any way offend the African continent or South Africa? Its an opinion, people are entitled to have one. Just because he says it, doesn't mean you've gotta change from it. I was just there a couple days ago, and yeah its annoying, yeah it can get to you. If you like it, then by all means keep it.
I personally err on the side of Mr. Thomas.
Its an opinion, people are entitled to have one.
The vuvuzelas are terrible so far. In particular its bad when people blow them during national anthems. I thought they were to be used for goal celebrations and whatnot, but all day every day for a month. That's a way too much. And also the singing and cheering of the fans is a great tradition in football. They prob won't be banned, which is lame. I really feel bad for the people who paid so much for their tickets only to receive hearing damage. And come on. This is the response from the south africans, to go home? Wow. This tournament could very well be remembered as the most annoying. Yeah, have all the euros and north and south americans leave. It would be a real success then wouldn't it. You guys are so funny. Just go home.. Great hosting.
I am from India and this vuvuzela sound is getting into my nerves. The constant bee-like buzz in the background is irritating everybody in my family including my dad, so much so that I am having to tone down the volume and unable to hear the commentary.
Singing or chanting is not continuous or monotonous. But this is going on and on and on.
Culture or not, this is sound pollution and some of the people will surely go deaf by the end of the world cup. And since when did making noise for 90 minutes become "culture"?
Somebody please do something about it. At least ask them to give a break sometimes. Otherwise ESPN please arrange to give the commentary separately .... I can't take this noise anymore...its spoiling the world cup.
sorry to all those that didn't approve of this article but those little vuvuzelas are annoying... i can hear them during the tele-broadcasting of the games. i can only imagine how it must be like to listen to them live ALL day. please... no vuvuzelas in Brazil... good old chanting will do...
Africa, famous for it's drums, now hated for it's vuvuzelas.
AFRICA, where are your drums?! Who did this to u?
This is South Africa, we have to do it our way, not your way
if you watch the games on TV and u r annoyed of the vuvuzelu sound
do the following:
adjust your TV sound setting to lower the BASS & TREBLE to minimum
you can hear the commentators but without the vuvuzela
Enjoy
I will follow most people's advice on this one. I was planning a trip to Cape Town later in the month but am thinking twice about it. Celebration is what it's all about and it the vuvuzela is the South African way then I respect it. But I just can't learn to appreciate it. It's annoying enough to listen to that 'swarm of bees' on TV. Having to listen to it live is not something I'm prepared to do. I guess I'll head to Brazil in 2014 instead. Love the sound of Samba!!!
PEOPLE ARE ASKING " WHAT GOOD CAN COME OUT OF AFRICA??" This is an old question and they are often surprised by the good and creativity that come out of Africa. South Africa should continue pushing for the African agenda anywhere in the world.
So, this story is not about a Vuvuzela, but about something deeper, the battle of of ideologies, it is a story about undoing what one has learned over the years that Africa can not do anything good.
But people are not stupid, they will judge for themselves
Folks, it doesn't make any difference what you think for or against. If the telly announcers complain enough, they're going to be banned. Kind of like Ireland's appeal over Henri's handball. You knew FIFA wasn't going tooverturn the outcome. Why? 4.5 million Irish v 60 million Frenchmen. It's all about sponsor money. TV puts up the money, tv will get what it wants.
Nothing kills the joy of soccer like a bunch of wailing vuvuzelas.
Also, this is no tradition or culture whatsoever. This plastic dreck re-invented by Mr. Neil van Schalkwyk (white South African) and made in China has made it to RSA football arenas some 9 years ago and already managed to kill their football culture, as the article linked above shows. I definitely don't want the football culture of the rest of the world be killed as a collateral damage. This is a world cup, not south-african cup. And this kind of vuvuzela "culture" cannot co-exist with any other culture of other countries who's fans paid $$$$ for the trip to RSA. Because simple there's no place for singing, chanting or whatever else next to a starting F16.
No more singing, chanting, chorals, whistling, no more samba, no more cheering, no more excitement, no more disappointment, no more emotions put by fans while the game evolves. Just mutilating noise, dangerous to both physical and mental health of fans of this beautiful game all around the world. Noise without any purpose, without emotion related to the game. Deafening. Ban it NOW!
Totally agree with Alex. If South African "tradition" gives me a permanent headache as a player, coach or fan, I say: "no thank you. When I receive guests in my house, I'll treat them as guests. That means I won't make their ears bleed. This has nothing to do with so called "western supremacy", but with being a proper host. This is the WORLD Championship, not the South African championship. This game is not about South Africa or it's people, it's about the game of football and their players. What's next? We're gonna interrupt matches for afternoon prayers when a next WC is gonna be held in the Middle East and because that's their habit/tradition?
Fifa president has said if even one is thrown on the pitch during a game they will be banned from all further matches.......
........just throwing that out there (so to speak).
Hi and goodbye to the worldcup from Belgium. I've switched off my TV. The vuvuzela has spoiled the whole atmosphere . Goodbye... will wait for four years to enjoy my football again. Please FIFA, BAN it before it's too late
i don't know anyone who watches the games with the sound turned on !!! the vuvuzelas are ruining the spectacle for fans all around the world !
yankee go home...prrrp prrrp
I really looked forward to this world cup, expecting special dancing and singing in the stadium. I expected the african people to teach us a lesson in rhythmic for what african music is loved for by other musicians.
But these vuvuzelas kill the atmosphere of unique chants and singing by every group of foreign supporters.
I looked forward hearing those unique english and argentinian chants. But nothing to hear, excpect one, monotone and lame noise all the time.
Additionally its hampering the communication on the pitch between the players. Something utterly important in modern games. Doesn't have wonder about the decrease in quality of he first played games. Great 10 minutes at start of all games, but when teams need to reorganize, they can't because they can't communicate at all.
But the most disappointing experience is, every critic on vuvuzela is returned as some neocolonialism or racism. Purely nonsense. Am I a racist, because I don't like the taste of chinese food?
I totally agree with the author of this article. It's not about complaining about someone's tradition or culture. It is complaining about the noise that these instruments make while trying to watch the game. It is VERY VERY irritating and annoying watching the game and hearing the buzzing sound of the vuvuzelas.
I had gone home after work the first day of the games and caught some part of the France/Uruguay game. Then I heard this buzzing noise. What is that? was my question. I could not up the volume of my TV; rather I turned on the closed caption so that I could watch the game without the noise, thus missing the commentary and other customary noise that comes with soccer games.
Ban the vuvuzelas or muffle the noise during the games.
For the same reason why I won't see an Orlando Magic NBA game, I will never go see a live soccer game if these things are anywhere near me. How you can sit and enjoy the game with these idiots blowing these things in your ear?
I won't see an Orlando Magic game because I don't want to have to wear the same tshirt as everyone else.
Ditch the vuvussuu!
the horns are plain annoying.
i would rather hear the crowds voices than that annoying horn !
all the comments above slamming the author on being biased towards the "west" are just being narrow minded themselves. Why don't they look in the mirror as well... surely they must have heard of the phrase : people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?
They also do not have to impose upon the rest of the world their "music" when the rest of the world is trying to watch a game and trying to listen to the commentry .... but is totally drowned out by the incessant blowing of the horn!
If they really want to blow the thing, blow it when they score a goal or something and not ALL the time. Don't they run out of breath? Are they more concerned of blowing a horn rather than watching their teams play? It seems to me that it is only in south africa that the people prefer to blow horns then to cheer with their own voices.
It's the spectators decision to ruin the atmosphere by their mindless blowing in these totally obnoxious vuvus. It's my decision to shut off the telly because of this. And millions around the globe are doing exactly the same.
When FIFA and tv-stations realize that ratings are down and their "product" is loosing value they will react. I promise you. But how long do we have to wait for this to happen...?
If you wan't to complain directly to FIFA please use this form: http://www.fifa.com/contact/form.html
Please, for the love of god ban the vuvuzela.
It is destroying the game, players cannot communicate, it is ruining the game and is going to ruin this world cup
Aside from the fact they are stupid, annoying, and a health hazard, the world is having to watch the games with the sound off. Not exactly making it a good atmosphere or creating any excitement.
Well Mr. Thomas,
I find the wailing and hooting to be slightly irritating as well but then recognise the fact that this isn't my country and I shouldn't cast judgement, so I would invest a few Rand and buy some ear protection... or I would request reassignment to a quiter sport like golf...
ENJOY THE WORLD CUP!!!
BAN the Vuvuzelas!, they are not inherent to Africa, I remember them in South America decades ago... is really sad that South Africa will not get to show its real culture, just this mindless drawning sound... I got a suggestion, just use them in games where South Africa plays...
Its time Africa respected others in the world and banned these horns.
I am watching the world cup with the sound down as I cannot hear through this sad din. People it has said have left South Africa after one match not because they lost but they cannot stand the din. If you hold a world cup its about the world selfish to say its about Africa.
I as well cannot stand that infernal noise. It is terribly distracting and annoying. We finally had to mute the telly. Please, no more international events in South Africa.
It's not culture, it's not fun and it has no place on a football arena. I _love_ football and i cant watch the world cup with my sound on. You can't hear the crowd react to certain situations or celibrate goals. You cant hear the sounds of the game or the refs whistle. You can't hear the chants, the drums and everything that is football.The only thing you can hear is a constant irritating noise.
Football is as much about the game itself as it's about the crowd and the atmosphere and now you cant hear the crowd at all, just the vuvuzela. Oh and the players cant communicate and the managers cant make their voices heard. Ban it. This isnt south aftricas world cup. Its the WORLD cup and its for everyone and right now its being destroyed by a plastic horn.
Thing is, dear vuvuzela-lovers, that the players (most of them) hates it too. And most europeans (yes we who invented the game) hates it. We are football-culture. You're not. It takes away the life of the game... As in the dynamic crowd reactions, the songs, the drums and the cheering.
In my opinion when I watch the game on TV vuvezelas sound is very annoyed me. I don't fancy if I were in the stadium what I would to do. This sounds very annoying altough i watch on the TV. Someone has to be solve this state. S. African fans are very colourful and enjoyable this tourment but they'd better give up their such as annoying insturments.
Not only this situation makes only headache but also it makes deaf altough just only watching on TV =s
Ironic. Billions spent on 2010 World Cup, all ruined by a cheap, annoying, horn.
I have the sounds turned very low on my TV when I watch a match; I got fed up of the noise about 10 minutes into the opening match.
The most annoying thing is that these Vuvuzelas completely drown out the other sounds coming out of the crowd. The cheers and boos that you normally hear, in sync with the flow of the game, are what creates a nice atmosphere in a stadium. You lose that because of the Vuvuzelas.
But I'm afraid we'll have to live with it until the end of the championship. Mr Blatter is not known for listening to reason.
South Africans,
Your 'beloved' vuvu will be BANNED from this World Cup because it is mindless, stupid, NOISE. It drowns out everything else.
This is not YOUR world Cup. It belongs to THE WORLD. The idiotic, BRAINLESS vuvu is drowning out EVERYTHING ELSE. It is ANNOYING for everyone else on the planet to watch this.
So those that say 'Live with it' that is a narrow minded view that only serves what you want for yourself and your nation. You should be reminded this tournament is for everyone, and almost veryone outside of Africa hates the Vuvu.
So wake up. You are ruining the World Cup atmnosphere.
Watching the games on TV the constant steady hum while novel in the beginning becomes a bit annoying as the commentators can hardly be understood. Is there a way for you to block out that sound. No offense meant but it can get disturbingly annoying.
Every country has its own tradition, and for years, European stadiums have been filled with the sound of air horns. It has never been an issue until now. Now that Africans are using an authentic instrument to celebrate this rare opportunity, it has become a problem. Let these people enjoy themselves. If you don't like it, go home or plug your ears!
And if they ban the vuvuzelas for some reason, all types of instruments should be banned at every World Cup game.
To enjoy the World Cup one must enjoy watching each game, but the horns drown out the spontaneous reaction of the fans, the referee's whistle and the sound of the ball when it is kicked. I think the hosts are missing the opportunity to feature these aspects of the game.
I agree with the author. Vuvuzelas ruin the games!!.
By the same token FIFA regulates the way football is played on the pitch, so it should regulate the way it is attended in the stands. It has made a major mistake in not banning this dangerous noise instrument (it definitely can damage the hearing of people exposed to its incessant racket for over two hours but furthermore, it doesn't allow for any other expression of joy, or support from the spectators and fans, probably drowns the sound of the referee's whistle and generally speaking greatly detracts from the fun and pleasure of attending and watching this World Cup. All the responses of "offended" South Africans and others are totally misplaced. There is nothing either racist or discriminating in wanting the whole World to enjoy what is a World-wide event. FIFA should wake-up and ban the instrument from the World Cup stadiums for the rest of the games.
It's one thing to support your country. But when your own country's local shops ban the same item (Vuvuzela) that you state shows you support your country. That's a mighty good sign to stop. It is true that you can't hardly hear even the commentary during the game. I don't know all of the players and I like to hear some of the history they state. But unfortunately if this keeps up all won't hear anything.
Many of these posts seem to say that the vuvuzela is no different from samba drums, or singing and cheering. It is different, though. The combination of pitch and volume created are physically harmful to those around you. If it was part of South African football culture to hit other fans with large sticks, FIFA would have said sorry that tradition will not be happening here. This is a "tradition" that can cause permanent damage to others around you. It should be banned.
The terrible and throughout an entire football match without any relation to the gameevents itself constant noise has to be regarded as a form of unfaírness, since it distracts and annoys most of the international fans as well prohibits communication between the players on the field. Therefore it has to be banned from stadiums worldwide as soon as possible.
Although chances seem to be low to completely ban vuvuzelas from the WC 2010 it has to be communicated to the south african public, that the "unrelated use" of vuvuzelas during high profile matches will be seen by a worldwide audience as unfairness and generally just shows a lack of competence since it doesn't relate to the game taking place – it is simply just "auditive hooliganism".
please let be fair,this is football,when the English fans sing GOD SAVE THE QUEEN;not every one likes it.but its something thats brings tempo to the fans and electrify the whole stadium.so goes with the vuvuzela.
this is what we have as fans from Africa,and this is what we can show the world.this is what the world can remember from the fans in this world cup.this world cup is not happening in india or china,its our turn Africa.
there is nothing wrong with the vuvuzelas,if you don t like it buy an ear pin!for the players concentrate on the game just as you do when your nationaol team is singing their songs.
To ban the vuvuzela will be the most the most insulting thing to our great continent and its people.
BLOW THE VUVUZELAS,lets show the world what we are made off!
If South Africans are passionate about football, I hope they can express their passion. These horns don;t express any aprticular passion – they are just noise! There's not evena way of knowing which team the blowers are pulling for. If the fans are liking something on the field, if they are angry, if they are suprised, if they are ecstatic, etc., the sound is exactly the same.
If you look at the stands, the vast majority of spectators are not blowing horns, they are trying to shout, sing, encourage, complain loudly, etc.But we can't hear any of their genuine 'expression' because their sound is totally drowned out. This is spoiling the atmosphere of the telivised World Cup for me and hope that FIFA will do something positive and politely ask people to leave these horns at home. If at least half of the horns could be silenced in this way, it would improve the situation a lot.
why are they always putting us down!
I find it unfortunate that SA people associate themselves this deeply with a horn.
I am just another outsider, yes. But I do respect all cultures, and love to expose myself to new cultural experiences. However, I must say, hearing the vuvuzelas degrades the experience of the game for me, for one simple reason.
The vuvu makes a constant, strong background noise during the match that kills off all other forms of crowd communication. No more cheers, uproars. It disconnects the crowd from the players. There is no discernable reaction from the spectators to anything happening on the lawn any more, there is no communication between the players and the crowd, no feed-back comes from the crowd.
Blowing the vuvu has nothing to do with the game, and unfortunately, it does not add any colour to it. It rather washes out everything else.
SA people, I would be so much more interested in the melodies and rhythms of songs you sing during a match. It is your choice, whether you identify with communication, or just being loud. I am saddened about your choice.
contrary to this "irritating vuvuzela" noise nonsense story, I have seen world cup supporters all over the world buying and blowing our beautiful vuvuzelalas not only in the stadiums but in our streets and shopping malls....so Mr Alex Thomas and CNN respect how we play our game in our own country and beautiful , world class stadiums.
Ke Nako, enjoy the games, South African Vuvuzela style...oh before I sign off, please watch RSA vs France next week in Bloemfontein, you will see how music and vuvuzela is integrated!!!
Blame it on globalisation ! This weapon of mass discomfort first appeared in the mid-seventies and has its origins in the buffalo horn, which was usually carried by only a handful of "official" fan club cheerleaders. The horn was rare and highly valued. Now, thanks to SITES, plastic injection moulding and the right of all South Africans to pretty much do as they please, the entire world is irritated.
WE LUUUUUUV THE VUVUZELA. Now i understand why the rest of the world hate the west.you think you better than god. Thank god CHINA is doing well we need to change the dollar. Proudly African
Alex,just pack your bags and leave if you can't stand the heat or make yourself a good host and join the party!You definitely thought with emotions when you wrote the article,try using your brains more often before making yourself a laughing joke!
I am watching in S.E. Asia, the first time I heard the vuvuzelas, its annoying, now after a few days, I have accepted it and I like the spirit it represents! Its the South Africa World Cup and the time of the vuvuzelas, carry on and blow and if I am there I will buy a red one, ear plugs and ear muff and blow away myself as well! Export some vuvus and it will catch on to the rest of the world. If the world cup is played in Nigeria, everyone will be banging udus, wonder how it will sound like when 30000 urdist beat their urdus!
It's an incredibly ANNOYING NOISE!!!
...completely disconnected from the action on the field!
It's what everyone's talking about.
Never mind the sake of the game... but for South Africa's image...
PLEASE put down the vuvuzelas!
...and pick up some common sense!
I am an African. Today it feels good to be an African. I am a grand child of King Moshoeshoe and ke Nako . Join us as we claim our rightfull place on planet earth . For too long we had to be subjected to humilation and life styles being impose on us . Its Africas time and allow us to celebrate in African style we can sing we can dance and we can blow our vuvu. Ke nano Today it feels good to be an African.Kgotso pula nala. Kwena I am a crocodile and allow me to enjoy who i am an African daughter the grand child of Manthatisi and Mantsopa.
Who cares what other African countries do or don't, African countries aren't holding world cup South Africa is...like they say love it or hate it otherwise you are free to stay at home....or go jump you are close to Victoria Falls!!!!! VIVA SA VIVA.... VUVUSELAS are here to stay PERIOD. This isn't the right time to boss us around...ENOUGH!
First look at your own back yard. Look at the President who you voted in. Jacob Zuma is a much better president than Barack Obama. At least we know our devil and his bag of tricks, but it surely looks like you are getting to know yours... can't even handel a mere oil spil. DRILL BABY DRILL
Oh Alex.... Boo-hoo!!! What a sad litlle article i must say. Very disturbing that you would even consider blogging about the vuvuzela, does it bother you that much? Have you not found any pharmacies around? There are thousands of them you, know...get yourself a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs, and leave our loud beautiful vuvuzela alone! We are African and the vuvuzela distinguishes us from the rest of the world, and that must be why the instrument annoys you so much. We are done with being dictated to and having to live up to your and the likes' standards. This is Africa's time to shine, not yours!!! Now grow up and get a life, it's free!!!!!!
Not the right time to be telling South African what to do and what not to do as long as they aren't hurting anybody....so please let us enjoy this rare moment fake or not VUVUZELAS are here to stay.
I am especially dissapointed at our own South Africans who agree with ignorant CNN articles who not only bring a beautiful and proudly South African tradition to shame but shows how some people havent moved from their own sick ways of thinking ,CNN is a very reputable company to run such a stupid and oppressive article, this is really a low even for you CNN,NOW i WILL BLOW MY VUVUZELA and there is nothing you or your stupid presnters can say because if anyone is annoying it is you ,try to find somethging positive to talk about ,we are holding the world like professionals and you can't TOUCH THIS!!! VIVA AFRICA VIVA!!!!
I am ready for my daily dose of vuvuzelas!! Lets see what games are on.. wait, it really doesn't matter!
Having lived in South Africa for many years i can attest that vuvuzelas have always been around but when you went to a soccer match there were maybe a few hundred around not tens of thousands in one stadium as currently is the case.
they should be banned and quickly for the sanity of all those there!!
It is a world cup hosted by south africa not south africas world cup. One should respect a host but hosts should also respect their guests
PHILIP which planet are you writing from?this is world cup football and is in africa,for the first time ever!it is history in the making and this vuvuzelas are part of that history!
if you can t bear the noise,just pack up and leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!because you along side your like all over the world only belong to one group,THE RUBBISH HYPE OF HISTORY,WHAT A PITY YOU DON T KNOW.
I am an African and I am so proud to see the game being played on African soil but I must admit that the Vuvuzelas can be deafening even when I'm watching on TV.... Why don't we come to a middle ground – like use vuvuzelas but just not inside the stadium. How about that? A lot of Africans seem to oppose this article but I'm not. I think Alex is just a journalist seeing it from a different perspective. Yes South Africa is a democracy but democracy is also about voicing your opinion even when you are on the opposing side. Lets bring in African singing and dancing and throw out the Vuvuzelas..Please..... Enjoy the world cup...
Come to Facebook and ban this stupid thing. To South Africans, the right to host the World Cup is not about the right for you to shove your base culture down anyone's throats. This is about football, not you. Your cheap plastic products are indicative of your cheap culture. Come here to tell FIFA that they should get off their asses about this!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/FIFA-BAN-THE-ANNOYING-VUVUZELA-HORN-FROM-THE-SOUTH-AFRICA-WORLD-CUP-/124891457531066
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Comments are moderated by CNN – meh
The Vuvuzelas today are without doubt the most disgusting, the most irritating noise on this planet. They do not even qualify to be called sound.
They may be part of the host nation culture, but I am sure the rest of the world did not sign up to be surrounded by a beehive full of angry honey bees. Let them be played outside the stadiums, but certainly not inside during a match.
Hope, FIFA gets some sense knocked into their heads, reverse their early decision and stops this nonsense NOW.
vuvuzela should not be banned from the 2010 world cup because they create an atmosphere of feastivity and we african celebrate with anything we liad our hands on for e.g the vuvuzelas.
if this world cup was held in brasil, will people call for the sambas to be banned ?
enjoy the vuvus or go home
abu conteh.
I'm amazed at the level of support for these noise makers. If this is a South African tradition, it's one that needs to be forgotten ASAP. Seriously, what do you get out of it except noise. Noise so loud it can damage your hearing, damage your children's hearing and damage the hearing of the players.
I know what it's like to live with hearing loss. Why would you inflict it on your children??????????
It's foolishness. Pure and simple.
There are hundreds of musical traditions worldwide from bagpipes to trumpets to musical car horns. Just because these may be absolutely valid traditions doesn't give anyone the right to deafen the public and players for 90 minutes straight at a sporting venue. That would be an affront to the health and freedom of all those who participate or wish to enjoy via broadcast. If we were talking about thousands of bagpipes playing endlessly at the Superbowl it would be the same. I think that it is wonderful Africa is hosting the World Cup. My hope is that this particular tradition can be kept out of the stadiums so that everyone can enjoy the games in peace.
FIFA should have foreseen this problem? Africa should never, for this reason, been awarded an international sporting event, especially without addressing this problem? Tsk, Tsk! Anything can be deliberately misused to annoy others, and this was not a secret that 'these' people don't know any better? Dig deep and find another, from many, traditions that don't maliciously spoil and event. Nose-picking must be a tradition somewhere as an efficient way to spread germs and disgust people? Shame Shame, public courtesy is obviously not a traditional practice?
I'm a South African living in Germany and thank goodness these
vuvuzelas have been banned from all public viewing venues over
here!They are highly irritating and just a mindless continuous
monotonous noise that is harmful to one's ears and nerves!Even the players have started to complain and it's their game that counts!
It is like the day they gave out recorders at primary school, it may be their thig but do I have to watch the match with someone goingDUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH all the way through, unfair to fans and Blatter is inefectual as usual, how did he get the job for life?
When I watched the first game on TV I asked my son what that incessant irritating drone was. We didn't know what they were called at the time. In North America, yes, we have our horns, drums, noise sticks etc., but they are only used when a goal is made or during an exciting moment of play. Not constantly! That way each team is allowed to express their support of their team and aren't drowned out by the rudeness of another. Culture of your country or not.
Commentators have even said that the teams can't hear referees or each other speak on the field. How is that fair or hospitable???
And why is someone expressing their opinion about an issue or topic considered racist or discriminating? Freedom of speech people! Take a pill! No one is dictating to you or trying to "take over". I agree with Thomas, "One should respect a host but hosts should also respect their guests."
And for those of you who think it's funny and it'll help SA win the cup, you're probably right. Too bad they couldn't win it based on athletic prowess instead.
Poorly written article. Even us Africans who have never seen clothes in our life and play with coke cans as soccer balls could write a better article. Poor
The output noise is even more than the allowed normal db in the SA Law.
FIFA, just say no one is allowed to carry the Vuvuzela in the pitch during the WC match for health reasons!
We African are much more better with our own songs and music that the use of this artifact.
Health universalism is above cultural relativism!
I hate the vuvuzelas. There is nothing artful or expressive in the relentless monotone drone. It may, or may not, be an african tradition, however I wish CNN could identify the sound frequency and tone it down or block it. It is difficult to watch an entire match as the din is so irritating.
yes banned that noice , southafrica and most africans are known for their singin and dancing why not do that instead of blowing a plastic horn that souns like a sworn of bees or flies
i think cnn should do poll to see how many people argainst or for,, the vuvuzelas,, i was actually expecting one such whem i entered this site
It (vuvu) is increasingly annoying with each game I watch, exponentially! Also previous posts claim proud african fan rights, but if you look at the crowd scenes during the game it is immediately obvious that those blowing cannot see the game ......I would imagine it would be wilderbeest rather than bull but the same world over,don't patronise us!
Ditch those VUVU thing it's tooo much, sounds like a swarming bees invading the stadium.
I would be concerned that this might adverseley affect future african events, they are like hostile protesters, draining to the spirit after 30 mins or so, not nice, stoopid!
I'm not in South Africa...I'm watching the world cup on TV from home. We've started watching with the sound off because even on low volume, you can hear the vuvuzela throughout the house. (The pitch is so bad that our dogs beg were begging to go outside when we'd start to watch a game.)
Even down at the pub, patrons have asked the owners to mute the television while watching a game...one actually has a "vuvuzela-free zone" in the pub...it happens to be outside on the patio.
I respect the South Africans for whatever tradition the vuvuzela represents but, to be honest, I'd rather listen to the singing, chanting, drums from the crowd than the monotone drone of the vuvuzela.
They might be "cute" and "add to the party atmosphere" but they sound bloody awful via satellite TV which is how we here in Japan are watching the matches.
The noise is really annoying,makes the commentary hard to hear and adds nothing to the viewing pleasures of the World Cup other than earache.
Can you imagine 20,000 ghetto blasters belting out some awful Britney song because..."When in Rome do as they do" is the mantra?
The problem with the vuvuzela is that it will ruin what South Africans want to be a success, the World Cup, so rather that banning it we should ask fans to PLEASE refrain from blowing them.
Vuvuzela drone killing World Cup atmosphere i m very upset and so millions of people. Not only south african are using the vuvu. Please SOUTH AFRICA don't blow you're chance to run a succesful WC because of the horn.
Ban the VUVUZELA, forever!!!
The Western world and its media has this annoying attitude of "do it our way or no way at all", especially if it comes from countries in Africa. If something is new to them, it's automatically bad – it should be banned! Funny, they invented alcohol and cigarettes, but how many articles have been written on CNN about their dangers and potential banning of those substances? It's about time that you learn the ways of others and a dose of tolerance would not hurt. You cannot seriously tell me that of all the positive things and scenery you can experience in South Africa, the vuvuzela is what preoccupies you 24/7.
What I find most disturbing are the incredibly rude comments here from many of the South Africans. It really changes my view of the people that are hosting the World Cup this year.
I also agree with Thomas "It is a world cup hosted by south africa not south africas world cup. One should respect a host but hosts should also respect their guests"
i wish people would stop complaining and just watch the game, you have a mute button if you don't like it, it's a afrcan soccer tradition and should remain
football fan from all over the world watching this world cup for the sound from spectator and not listening to this irritating and noisy sound coming from this things..i rather have empty stadium then listening to this unwanted things
I've never started watching any World Cup on television (probably 8 now) and thought within the first 10 seconds of the very first game, 'How will I ever survive watching the rest of the games with that noise in the background ?' I did not know of the vuvuzela or any cultural background it might have, i just found it instantly disturbing on TV. The vibes that come with it are clearly only experienced in a 'live' situation. Sitting at home watching the television, does not bring this vibe in the room. Not the vuvuzela but the buzzing background sound should be filtered out of the tv broadcasts.
Well, many hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of fans are annoyed at a constant hum that NEVER stops! This has nothing to do with south africa, it has to do with basic human decency. Treat the world as your guests. Maybe the younger fans can handle it but it will likely cause longer term damage.. Actual physical damage to hearing.
http://bit.ly/cYIY5l
Yes, it is the first time S.Africa hosts the world cup., and they are making history alright. South Africa, noisy, rude, uncivilized, dirty and above all, extremely unfriendly. Yes...history in the making . Oh...and I can't leave soon enough 'james'....you and your kind soured the whole experience for me. Thanks for nothing.
Enough with the vuvuzela's! it's not a "South African" thing, it's an "African" thing. Plz wake up people, ban these rubbish noisy things. You're embarassing the rest of us non-African South Africans.
American are crying babies they want to dominate in everything. SORRY not this time. This is not Your football. THIS IS SOCCER THE BIGGEST SPORT IN THE WORLD BABY.
Well, we in Botswana have always known South African football culture with vuvuzelas. Without vuvuzelas it is not. The world should let them show case this event as they see fit, not the american way or the euopean way... sothu african way! This way sothu african will fill the stadia, let them enjoy this historic opportunity!
All this moaning from both sides. The Rest of the World, the TV audience, hate the Vuvuzela, Africans love it.. But It's not about the Vuvuzela, it's about how it is used. And at the moment it is used in a fashion that is all about making as much constant noise as possible. It isn't about supporting teams, or celebrating African culture. It's just about making a lot of noise, constantly, without any thought for anyone else.
If Africa thinks that they will ever get the World Cup again, they are mistaken. As their use of the Vuvuzela will certainly ensure that they never get the World Cup again.
So annoying!!
I watched TV in Thailand. This sound is so irriatating. I know it is the tradition. But I don't think i will be good for blowing it in the game that broadcasting to around the world. i dont think that people around the world will be appreciated this sound. They will hate this sound to their guts.
James, yeah – for the first and also for the LAST time. You are digging you own grave with this piece of junky Chinese plastic. You've made a history, sure. The most junky World Cup ever. Will be remembered as Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Japan score 1,cameroon 0 bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.Japan nearly score again bzzzzzzzzzzz,vuvuzelas,vuvuzelas yeah!!!!!!!....bzzzzzzzz...hey my ear is bleeding bzzzzzzzzzzz,bzzzzzzzzz....stupid,harmfull nonesense.There is some genuine fan in SA who really cheer,feel for their team but for vuvu fan it the same,their could be a bomb in the stadium bzzzzzz (we are happy blow us up)bzzzzzzzzz.(our team is losing)bzzzzzz,vuvuvuvuvuvuuvuvuvuuvuv.Stupidoooooooooo.Japan player (nikotikakuku nearly brake Eto leg with a ugly tackle,it ok!bzzzzzzzzzzzzz,ZZZZZZZZ.We going to shoot the shout african player bzzzzzzzzzz.Where is the passion?Culture this,culture that...If RAPE was cultural whould u alow it...Bzzzzzzz,bzzzzzzzz,she begging for her life bzzzzzzzzzzzz,ha,hahahahahahahhhahahha...VIVA STUPIDOOOO!!!!
I totally agree that these horns should be banned. As pointed out, it is a WORLD cup and I don't see why we must submit to a local custom especially one that could possibly effect the hearing. (And these people who are trying to bring politics, racism, and nationalism into it are way off the point) But more importantly , as some people have have mentioned, is the fact that it doesn't feel like a football match. No cheering, no chanting, no change in noise–just the steady drone of the angry bees. It makes a very flat, unexciting game to watch. I have stopped watching full games as my ears and brain can only take about 10 minutes of that and you can't get into the 'spirit' of the game anyway. I'll stay with the NBA playoffs.
The sound is so annoying, there's no harmony whatsoever. Even watching from the tv becomes a bore. Enough already..
someone said: "The flights out of SA have not been suspended. You are free to return to your home country anytime. You won't be missed."
I'm afraid that's not the case, tourists will be very much missed.
This is the first time I am not watching the World Cup. Why? Because of that awful sound coming from that vuvuzela. I can't stand it buzzing in my ears. Turning down the audio doesn't help as then I can't hear the commentaries, which to me is part of the fun of sport.
I can't understand why the rest of the world has to put up with this sound for a whole month. It is killing viewer participation in this most popular event worldwide.
If the South Africans only knew that their "tradition of Vuvuzela" is nothing more than a child's toy from decades ago, they might not be so proud. These things are the same thing that as a kid 40 years ago I would win at the street carnival that came through my town twice a year. Te He He...tradition.....what a joke.
I was looking forward for this championship but now I’m sad and disappointed with the devastating stupid noise. I hope Brazil 2014 will return joy and pleasure to all, who love soccer.
I fully disagree with the attitude to impose how football should be enjoyed in South Africa. The vuvuzelas are part of the football experience in SA, and why not embrace them? adopt them? rather than complaining about them?
I went to Argentina and the tradition is to throw toilet paper rolls (unused ones) from the top to the the bottom of the stand. Would you want to ditch this tradition too?
What if the Scots blew bagpipes during football games. Should they be banned as well?
How about a litte bit of tolerance and open mindness?
it's true that the first time u hear a vuvuzela, you are going to hate it. but just buy one and blow into it and boy... you will be hooked! it's therapeutic actually; your team is losing, blow the 'vuvu' and you eliminate the swearing. at the same time, your team is doing well...blow the 'vuvu' and u feel more excitement.
it's also used to intimidate our opponents.
Wouldn't it be sad if all the 100's of other nations who visit our beautiful diverse country over the next month only remember and forever more associate us with the sound of the Vuvuzela and irritation.
Cmon guyss this is the world cup we are talking about here is the vuvuzela annoting maybe, but i think its a great representation of african culture and the party vibe it creates is very real. an article of this nature may as well call the songs sung by any european nation at their football games annoying and may cause ear damage as well show me proof that it doesnt.
This world cup is fantastic and we glad to share with the world the beat of africa!!!
come party with us we are having a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
PLEASE!!!! Where is the common sense? The sound is drowning everything else – cheers, boos, chants, singing, drumming, etc.... the stuff that make up what is known as "atmosphere" – the most basic element of what make sport exciting to watch.
This is the "WORLD CUP"... not south africa or africa cup...being the host means being hospitable to the guests. Guests not only in your country but sitting at home watching the games on television all around the world. Simply put, we cannot enjoy the game because of the sound made from the vuvuzelas.
This is not a CNN or america thing! I am from Asia and i have to stay up at 230am to watch the last game! It's impossible to get into it when all you hear is a swarm of bees for 90mins.
Killing viewer participation!!did I read that right?Yah-Vuvuzelas are south african just as worldcup 2010.
Either be part of it or not,nobody is forcing you to watch.
Vuvuvuvuvuv forever.
In the context of the FIFA World Cup TV coverage I have watched so far, it sounds like many thousands of blowflies swarming on a long dead animal in the midday heat...dreadful, but unique for sure.
If the hosts want to showcase their tournament on my TV it'll be at 0 volume from now on for sure because you cannot hear the commentators or the on-field microphones clearly anyway. Last nights game was punctuated by a whistle being blown very close to a microphone – I tune in to watch and hear the game of football, not some tuneless anonomyous whistler. There is a distinct difference between culture and commercial. The difference between a single animals horn used for a cultual purpose and mass-produced plastic party horns. If examples of this kind of cacophony can be given for any cultural ceremony then please give it, otherwise it is simply a tuneless buzz, as stated already, synonomus with deadmeat on a hot day.
It may sound like random monotonous blowing on tv, but at the stadiums it really does have rhythm, and really does add to the atmosphere. Maybe it's not what you're use to, but having grown up in South Africa, I can tell you that it has always been synonymous with soccer.
It's too late to ban them, and the TV broadcasters have known about the vuvuzela since last years Confed cup. Clearly they're the ones that should be taking the heat, and not the fans.
They just want to do something different. Trying hard to make the WC successful than the others but failure... Doesn't serve any purpose except creating noise. With that noise you can't have soccer as it's used to be. This vuvselas... i hope they do something. Watching in tv is no better.
These horns are so annoying and has affected my enjoyment of the game. What happened to the singing, the cresendo of the stadium as an attempt is made on goal? Sadly this will be missed during this world cup.
The banning of vuvuzelas would be a dream come true especially for fans watching on TV, however I am certain it will continue to remain just a dream.
Jomo was going on about the Vuvu being a SA cultural thing and and that every fan should take 3 of them to the games and that had me thinking………he, Jordaan and the FIFA bigwigs all sit in plush suites whilst the rest of us, in the cheaper seats have to sit through the infernal noise! What I find to be a total affront to my dignity is the patronising BS that we have been subjected to…….the Vuvu as has been scientifically proven can cause permanent hearing damage yet it’s quite OK to subject thousands of us to it……we don’t exactly have much of a choice other than not to go to the games but because we’re Africans and because we should be so thankful for hosting the WC just have to put up with it. To date the games haven’t compared to past World Cups and I imagine that it has something to do with players not being able to play properly with the drone of the Vuvus sounding in their ears all the time. Ban the bloody stuff. Wouldn’t be allowed in any factory or mine in SA because the dB levels exceed levels allowed for in Law……..but then again, suspending our laws in favour of FIFA is nothing new.
Who are we to tell a nation to stop doing something cultural in support of their football team? Which also happens to not be offensive or threatening, but all in good fun? Perhaps we should take a look at what our cultures (i.e. UK, US) do at a sporting event and determine whether those activities should be accepted? Such as getting drunk in public, yelling profanities, instigating fights and actually fighting. Hmmm...I wonder...
This is uncharacteristically ethnocentric reporting by CNN. Politically we expect a journalistic spin on issues but this is simply residue from the Apartheid Era and an attack on South Africans and their culture. This has been an outstanding World Cup so far, largely because of the obvious enthusiasm of the host country and its citizens. This is a nonissue and CNN´s trying to highlight it as one, simply showcases CNN´s arrogance as an unbecoming commentator on South African culture.
FIFA, use the advertising screens around the field to tell people when to blow their Vuvuzela, and when to stop. Just like the "Applause" sign in a TV studio. Something like "GO VUVUZELA !" when the action calls for it, and "STOP VUVUZELA !" when it's time to concentrate on the game.
After watching about 2 minutes, I turned off the coverage. I couldn't stand it. Vote with your "feet" if you don't like it. If enough people refuse to listen to it, the advertisers, etc. might get involved.
This article was an opinion piece. And I happen to share the writer's opinion.
I fail to see how a loud, flat sound that drones on and on adds "festivity" to any game. It's so one-dimensional! Cheering, yes, music, sure... but this sound just drowns out all the other fun stuff! I've been to large sporting events and trust me, there are other ways to show your team spirit that don't have to dominate everyone else's experience. I feel badly for the players who have to hear that sound droning on and on. There's nothing fun about it.
I am not a South African, but live in RSA and went to a match last Monday. Yes, the vuvu's are a buzzing noise. What I noticed that they overwhelmed the human “voice”: signing could hardly be heard, it made it “emotionless”, very dull, I think it killed the atmosphere.
The wonderfully annoying toy trumpet has drowned out the cheering, the applause, the fans singing, Africa has a renown singing heritage, why not sing as the other fans do, why just produce the annoying blare of the Vuvu! I guarantee this is the last World cup that will be held in Africa until the ridiculous noise making disease spreading blaring toy trumpets are banned!
The closest I will come to the world cup is watching it on TV and this is my experience:
National Anthems – vuvuzelas
Missed Chance – vuvuzelas
Goal Scored – vuvuzelas
Player Injured – vuvuzelas
Penalty given – vuvuzelas
90 + minutes – vuvuzelas, vuvuzelas, vuvuzelas
I hate this noise so much, it is totally ruining the world cup experience. Where is the noise of the crowd, where are the ooohs and ahhhs and the yeeeaaahhs?
I'm sorry, but this noise maker should totally be banned and never heard again on any international arena.
The vuvuzela is a "cultural thing"? Wow...a plastic horn blown by people for no reason except to make noise is a "cultural issue"? Excuse me while I turn my head and laugh.
There is a simple solution to the problem. When a nation refuses to recognize that they are grossly irritating their guests and refuses to moderate their behavior don't go there again and don't ever schedule an international event there again.
Somme "traditions" need to be broken for good reason. As an Egyptian I know from observation in the African cup, Africans like loud things, from color to sound to the vuvu, which is cool. What is not cool is being mindless of other people's irritation to their loudness. WC is a WORLD sport and SA should do well to honor it and all the fans around the world. It's not coincidence that billions of people are annoyed by the Vuvu, its not a matter of taste that can be ignored its actual sound frequency and physical annoyance to a billion ears! Lack of consideration equals lack of civilization.
At least the WC will never be in Africa again, unfortunately the African cup will always be there lol
South Africa should never again be Allowed to host an international event. They got the 2010 world cup and ruined it. Whats done is done, Just make sure this is not allowed to happen again.
I'm a South African. I think the Vuvuzela can be annoying if there are to many blown at the same time. Perhaps they could keep them but tone the volume down a little bit. As South Africans, we do need something that is our own (not from Europe, America or China etc.) and that will unite us though.
When watching England/US game on TV, the Vuvuzelas were driving us crazy. We couldn't hear the commentary. It doesn't play well on TV. Can't the broadcast network edit the noise OUT? That would be so much better! If something isn't done, we won't watch anymore!
Get over it!! they are part of SA culture. GET EARPLUGS!! They work like a charm.
FIFA could have at least politely asked fans to leave the annoying horns at home. As always, they failed to asked creatively when a change would have improved the situation. This World Cup will be remembered for those annoying pieces of plastic. The football, at least so far, will be immensly forgetable.
Vuvuzela Test
People who can accept Vuvuzela and can enjoy the game, are world citizens by heart.
The vuvuzela divide people between those WITH RHYTHM and those WITHOUT any RHYTHM. Go VUVUZELA!
Those things are so annoying i am trying to watch the world cup games and i can not watch the games with out getting a head ache from those dumb things
I am South African and I have been to games this world cup. Can I just say that hundreds if not thousands of tourists blow the vuvuzelas just like any other South African spectators so I am not entirely convinced it is such a horrible thing that EVRYBODY makes it out to be. The vibe in the stadium is fantastic and I blow my vuvuzela proudly! Embrace it my friends!
If you can't lick em, join em. Simple!
Do what do Romans do.
Firstly, I enjoy soccer immensely–having fun, to me, is a true priority in life. And here's the dreaded "but..." there's something insidiously disturbing about the juvenile nature of the act of blowing those accursed horns.
Do they actually WATCH the games, or do they only use the game as an excuse–and an expensive one at that, given the cost of seating–to practice obnoxious behavior? In my view, this childish, obsessive-compulsive behavior does not do much for South Africa's image...with the exception perhaps of the irresponsible and self-absorbed among us.
Easiest answer. Don't go to the World Cup. With the officiating that I have seen this year the sport is being ruined by poor judgement calls from poorly trained, or poor sighted, or possibly corrupt, officials. This is why sports with many close call decisions have employed video replay (U.S football) or electronic sensors (tennis) to keep the sport fair.
In case we miss the world cup, we surely won't miss our vuvuzella. Heh, Alex don't mind us.
Why not sell the horns or a sticker to put on your horn for a special cause? The money could be put towards causes as the host country chooses.
***Many countries have banned smoking in the work place because it unfairly threatens the health of non-smokers. So why not ban the vuvuzela from matches? Don’t footballers deserve the same protection at their “place of work”?***
Because they know the locals would riot. It's a shame because it drowns out chants, or singing.
LOL! Yes, I think it should be panned, period. It's weird looking, and I heard that the players can't hear over the din.
its quite ironic. south african rugby has decided to ban vuvuzelas at this years tri nations rugby games in SA reasoning (similarly with some of the soccer players in SA who complained of the noise) that the noise made it difficult for players to call line outs. i agree- the noise becomes redundant and unnecssary after a while and does have a real impact on the ability to play the game (any sports game)
Ban the vuvuzela!! Smoking was rightfully banned in public places. There is documented proof that the vuvuzela damages hearing permanently. We have proof of it without the medical reports also.... have you ever heard a native talk softly? No... they dont talk to each other ,they shout... not surprising since the vuvu has affected their hearing too!
vuvuzelas should be banned it's kills the atmosphere of football it's disturbing that noise drive me crazy it's the disaster invention i ever face as a musical instrument i hate that sound .......
forex
Hi friend. This info is invaluable. When can I find out more?