The term “soccer mom” was popularized when I was a soccer mom in the mid-eighties. Soccer moms have been stereotyped as “middle-class suburban mothers who dedicate significant time to transporting their children to and from various activities, especially soccer (r/AskReddit, “Explain the Concept of Soccer Mom,” Reddit, 2003, Reddit. com). Mini vans were popular vehicles for such transport, and camp chairs and coolers with refreshing sliced oranges were mandatory.
Other positive connotations of the term are that these mothers (and soccer dads) were engaged with their children, encouraged a gender-neutral sport, and developed connections with other parents (reddit.com).
There were, however, negative comments involving their political influence, real or imagined, in the 1990s when soccer leagues increased in white middle-class suburbs. They were perceived as an influential white voting block during the 1996 Presidential election between Republican Bob Dole and Democrat Bill Clinton (reddit.com).
But in reality soccer moms comprised a small percentage of voters in this election. It was my experience that soccer moms were busy enough driving their children to practice, remembering the soccer cleats and knee pads, and those darn orange slices before cooking dinner and helping with homework. We had little time to form nefarious political groups.
Of course there were “bad” soccer moms. Claire Peeps was called by her family a “psychotic soccer mom” when she rabidly organized her crew to travel to championship games four hours too early. In her defense, Peeps defines a truly “bad soccer mom” as those who jeer at players and yell at the referees” (Claire Peeps, “I Was a Psychotic Soccer Mom,” times.com).
Why allow soccer moms from all cul- tures, tribes, and languages to run the world? They have invested a great deal of time and energy to instill in their children a sense of fair play, respect for authority, determination, cooperation, and acceptance of a win or a loss.
These attitudes have recently been on display in the recent FIFA World Cup Games in our country. How amazing for the world’s citizens to remind us of the great and small blessings we receive as Americans. What fun to be reminded of our quirkiness.
Journalists have been reporting some happy, good news in the past few weeks. How refreshing to learn that some of the world’s people actually like Americans, despite the feelings some of us carry: “Since Donald Trump is President, the rest of the world must feel the same shame and horror that we do,” says writer Ingrid Jacques (Ingrid Jacques, “World Cup Fans Love the USA; Why Are Americans So Surprised?” June 4, 2027. usatoday.com).
Ms. Jacques succinctly voiced my sentiments as I watched social media and television newscasts interviewing World Cup players and fans. I felt a pride I have not enjoyed for years. Jacques explained, “America is so much bigger than one man, and it is refreshing to see these candid remarks at a time when so many U.S. citizens are down on their country” (Jacques).
Watching cities hosting World Cup players embrace our visitors from afar gives me hope for my granddaughter’s world. People from various countries are simply having fun. They are embracing ranch dressing, barbecue, biscuits and sausage gravy. They are experiencing our wide, open country and buying silly souvenirs. As a spectator I am delighting in the Norwegian team’s rowing like Vikings down city streets. The teams and their fans don’t seem to be concerned about power or greed or boundaries.
If soccer moms were in charge of the world, players and fans behaving badly would be issued red cards (denoting serious offenses), nonnegotiable. The ideals of hard work and decency would be lauded. There would be universal rest breaks and cold orange slices for everyone.
The environment would be prioritized, violence would not be tolerated, and all players (male or female, race and/ or religion) would have equal opportunities to compete and to support each other.
Such a world is my hope and prayer.