alexachucarro,
you make a good point, and I have carried this debate before. It's clear the people from other countries are offended because they feel that America has stolen the name of their great game. (Which I enjoyed playing in high school and college btw).
You raised the fact that your name is alex. Assuming your mother and/or father named you, does that mean they "stole" your name from all of the other people in the world named Alex?
No, it doesn't. we live in a world where we except the fact that different people can have the same name. And I am of the same mind when it comes to the names of games. I think it's perfectly okay to call American Football, just Football, because that's what it is in America. I also feel 100% okay calling European Football, Football in Europe, because that's what it is Europe. Americans are not trying to insult Europeans when they use the word Soccer. It's nothing more than a language variation. Period.
Now, this does not excuse America from renaming football and calling it soccer. But you have only American history to blame for that. American Football was more popular, and still is as a matter of fact, in America then European Football. It wasn't until recently that people in America even started playing on a global scale. And now, of course, there is a craze for it in America, which I am happy to see, being a fan of the sport.
But, and I say this with the upmost respect, you're wrong alex, I am so very sorry. It's not as simple as saying "It's football. Period." If you study language at all you will learn that popular culture influences how we speak. And in America, at present time, When you mention Football most Americans wont understand that you are actually meaning to say what they think of as soccer.
As I said in my original post, I am on your side. I really am. But I am not upset that people in America call it Soccer, because thats what Americans call European Football. I realize theres a rally of Football enthusiasts that would love to bash my opinion on this matter, but its just not that important to me to get into another debate with the opposition over the matter.
I am an adult, and when it comes down to it, Europeans have no more right to make me call it Football then I do to have them call Lifts Elevators. Out of respect for culture differences, I adapt. And that my friend is my 2¢.
For what its worth, wouldnt you rather be talking about the game itself?... Really, thats what is important, isnt it?
