Definition:
“Hooliganism” refers to violent, aggressive, and disorderly behavior, often associated with sports fans, particularly football (soccer) supporters. It involves acts of vandalism, brawls, and other forms of public disturbance and is typically driven by intense loyalty to a team or a desire to cause trouble.
Etymology:
The term “hooliganism” is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in London, possibly derived from the Irish surname “Houlihan” or “Hooligan.” It was used to describe a rowdy and disruptive gang that engaged in criminal activities.
Description:
Hooliganism is a global phenomenon, with specific cultural contexts:
- In Western Europe, hooliganism is particularly associated with football (soccer) in countries like England, Germany, and Italy. Known for organized groups called “firms” or “ultras.”
- In Eastern Europe, hooliganism is also prevalent, with violent clashes and strong nationalist undertones.
- In Latin America, football hooliganism often intersects with social issues and can lead to severe violence and fatalities.
While less common, hooliganism can also be seen in sports like rugby, basketball, and ice hockey.
Articles:
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Herd Mentality:
Hooliganism, particularly associated with football (soccer) fans, is an extreme example of herd mentality. Hooligans often form tight-knit groups that fight with rival fans. The group provides a sense of identity and belonging, and individuals feel emboldened to engage in violent behavior because they are supported by their peers. In the chaos of a large group, individuals may feel anonymous and less personally responsible for their actions, making them more likely to participate in violence. The fierce rivalry between different fan groups can lead to violent clashes, as each group feels the need to defend its honor and territory.
Symbolism:
The movie “Green Street Hooligans” (2005) is worth watching as it effectively demonstrates the herd mentality behind hooliganism. It is important to note that it is a propaganda movie promoting brotherhood and violence. It’s recommended to watch it to learn about how people behave, not to draw moral lessons from it. Click to read the IMDb article.
The film cover is featuring characters from the movie behind a white grid, which is supposed to represent a fence, or maybe a football net. Either way, it’s symbolizing imprisonment. Green, as present in the title “Green Street Hooligans” and in the tint of the entire film cover, also symbolize imprisonment. The brick wall in the background also symbolize imprisonment.