When is tolerance acceptance?
Reading this Time editorial on Zidane:
Don't count me among those who are wagging their finger at French soccer star Zinédine Zidane for his ferocious head butt to the chest of Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the waning minutes of overtime of the World Cup final. Zidane, known as Zizou to the fans who worship him, later explained that he erupted after having to endure one insult too many--not to mention a game's worth of off-the-ball rough stuff--from a fullback who has been called l'animale in Italy.
makes me ponder - Are the same people who criticized Zidane applying the same logic to Israel? After all, much of the argument can be traced to Asimov: Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent (On a side note: I agree with Asimov, but not how he intended - the competent resort to violence well before it is their last refuge).
Perhaps Zidane chose to use the world stage he had - for the very last time, to make a very clear statement. No tolerance for the bigotry and racism that is so prevalent in European soccer. And for making that calculating decision - to trade in his capital to try to force the discussion - I have respect for him. One could only hope that others would choose to stand up for their principles, even at high costs.
Like Israel. People have commented that "it's only two soldiers" or "the rockets aren't that deadly". Somewhat like, "he only called Zidane's family by some nasty names." But really, you stand up for yourself, your family, and your country.
