Franklin Foer, “How Soccer Explains the Pornography of the Sects,” from How Soccer Explains the World, pp. 35-64

From Canvas:
Scotland’s “Old Firm rivalry” involving Rangers FC and Celtic FC, is one of the oldest and most passionate soccer rivalries in the world. On Thursday, February 7, we will be discussing Franklin Foer’s chapter about that rivalry, as well as a 45-minute documentary that we will view in class on Tuesday, February 9.

Discussion Questions
ANSWER BOTH QUESTIONS FOR YOUR RESPONSE PAPERS

1. Based on the documentary and the Foer reading, what factors make the Celtic-Rangers rivalry particularly conflictive?
2. Explain the notion of “90-minute bigotry.” Is “90-minute bigotry” an accurate description of soccer-related sectarianism , in your opinion?