elpais.com
Magical Realism in Latin American Soccer: Pelota Sudaca
Pelota Sudaca, a new book by Chilean writers Jerónimo Parada and Andrés Santa María with illustrations by Mexican artist Christian Cañibe, applies magical realism to recount the legendary careers of iconic American soccer players, blending fact and myth in a celebration of the sport's rich oral tradition.
- How does the book utilize oral traditions and the blending of fact and fiction to shape its narrative?
- The book's approach mirrors the way soccer stories are traditionally passed down through generations in Latin America, where a blend of real events and fantastical embellishments create enduring myths. This oral tradition is especially prevalent in the absence of widespread historical documentation.
- What is the central theme of Pelota Sudaca, and how does it connect to the cultural context of Latin American soccer?
- Pelota Sudaca, a new book by Jerónimo Parada and Andrés Santa María, applies the magical realism literary style to the history of American soccer, weaving fact and fiction to recount the legendary careers of iconic players like Maradona and Romário. The book uses oral traditions and myths to enhance the narratives, reflecting the passionate culture surrounding the sport.
- What potential impact could Pelota Sudaca have on the way sports stories are told and how might it contribute to the preservation and evolution of cultural narratives?
- Pelota Sudaca's success could inspire similar projects, expanding the application of magical realism to other sports or cultural domains. The book's focus on oral history and the intersection of reality and myth offers a unique perspective on sports storytelling and cultural identity.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The text frames the history of Latin American football through the lens of magical realism, highlighting the mythical and legendary aspects of the sport. This framing emphasizes the fantastic elements over other potential perspectives, such as the historical, sociological, or economic aspects of football. The choice of players mentioned, while famous, might also represent a bias towards certain styles or nationalities.
Language Bias
The language is descriptive and evocative, employing terms like "Messiah," "refuge of minorities," and "made of foam" to describe players. While these are colorful, they depart from neutral reporting. More neutral alternatives would focus on objective descriptions of their skills and impact on the game.
Bias by Omission
The text focuses on the mythical and magical aspects of football in Latin America, potentially omitting critical analyses of the sport's socio-political or economic influences. A more comprehensive analysis might consider these factors.
Gender Bias
The text does not explicitly mention gender, and focuses on male footballers. A more complete analysis might explore the role of women in the history of football within this context.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the oral tradition of storytelling in football, highlighting how myths and legends are passed down through generations. This relates to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by emphasizing the role of cultural transmission of knowledge and the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage through storytelling.