Some Fans Want South African Horns Banned From World Cup

I didn't know much about the vuvuzela before last week. The vuvuzela is a horn typically blown at soccer matches in South Africa. Millions of soccer fans from around the world were introduced to the vuvuzela this week, as the deafening noise drew comparisons to bees swarming or animals mating in the background of the soccer match.

"No offense to the vuvuzela posse but, man, it's a bit much," said cycling star Lance Armstrong.

Lance is not alone in his criticism of the horn, which some say blocks out the actual sounds you might normally hear at a soccer match. With the vuvuzelas going off in the background, some say that you can't hear the crowd's reactions to goals that are barely missed and other events that matter during the game. Instead, there is only the consistent buzz.

Quite a few fans have spoken up, calling for the horns to be banned from the World Cup. In fact, scientists are saying that the noise can cause hearing damage, and that it is particularly annoying because the horn is both loud and uncontrollable. But FIFA president Sepp Blatter responded to the criticism on Twitter:

"To answer all your messages re the Vuvuzelas. I have always said that Africa has a different rhythm, a different sound ... I don't see banning the music traditions of fans in their own country. Would you want to see a ban on the fans of your country?"

I went to the web to try to hear the vuvuzela myself, and I can understand where the criticism is coming from. The truth is that it's difficult for someone who is not from the region to appreciate the value in adding such an impactful and seemingly meaningless sound to the air. All the while, the FIFA president makes an accurate point that it is important to respect and appreciate the culture of the country that is hosting the World Cup. This is especially true in Africa, a nation that has grown accustomed to others disrespecting its rich and meaningful history.

BBC commentator Farayi Mungazi argues that the vuvuzela is the "recognised sound of football in South Africa" and is "absolutely essential for an authentic South African footballing experience." When given such a ringing endorsement, it's hard to argue how the horn could be banned without causing an uproar as loud as the vuvuzela itself.

My advice to those attending the World Cup? Deal with it. If you don't like the sound, bring ear plugs, head phones or something else that will allow you to watch the game without hearing the noise. Between you and I, the noise bothers me too. But rather than telling millions of soccer fans in South Africa that they can't embrace their own traditions, I simply watch the games at home with the volume down. End of story.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.