Day 82
Location 17: Birmingham
Jan. 21, 2023
Today, at a Premiere League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea, Britain's crackdown on inappropriate chants was on full display. Minutes after "cocksucker" was yelled, a stern announcement played to only our section: "We've noticed homophobic language in this area. If derogatory language continues, you'll be removed from the arena."
The results spoke for themselves; all chants remained pointed, but civil. Chants like–and these can all be heard in the video below–"ohhh Thiago Silva" (Chelsea's star player), "where's your famous atmosphere?", and the most civil: "Dante you're a cunt, Dante you're a cunt, Dante, Dante you're a cunt!"
At my hostel, I noticed a sign that–thanks to poor writing–accidentally advocates for guests having sex in the common room. Actually, based on this logic, any activity that might bother someone is acceptable if done in the common room. You want to shit your pants? Needlessly slap people in the face? Blast Tiny Tim's Livin' in the Sunlight at 3am? As long as its in the common room, you're good!
True Story: as a freshman at UConn, my roomate and I did blast Tiny Tim's Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moon Light at 3am (that irritating, high-pitched song from the end of the Spongebob Squarepants pilot). A floor-mate came to yell at us. "It's funny" I pleaded when reprimanded. Years later I can look back and admit: I was right.
