How Soccer Explains the Discreet Charm of Bourgeois Nationalism

1. In what ways are Spain’s historical tensions over politics, region, and culture evident in the Madrid-Barça rivalry?
2. Foer also describes FC Barcelona as “a bastion of healthy, nonviolent patriotism” that “just as easily…have become a cauldron of radicalism, violence, and grievances” (212, 199). What events have given FC Barcelona this unique identity?
3. Lowe describes the Real Madrid-FC Barcelona rivalry as “symbiotic.” What does he mean by this and what examples from the readings support it?

Sample Solution