An analysis of the offensive behavior and discourse utilized by fan groups at Latin American futbol games and how it compares to its United States counterpart

This study details the role and significance of the fan groups at soccer games within Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and the United States. It will illustrate the profound importance of the game of soccer within these cultures and how the behavior that takes place within these stadiums is a direct reflection of these societies. The research follows three common three among all three cultures which include violence, sexism and homophobia. Each of the three Latin American countries has a specific focus on one of the three topics. The study further elaborates on how these fan groups have developed throughout history, as well as the root causes behind some of their most controversial qualities. A brief focus on the history of each country will give clarity to several reasons behind how this fan group culture came to be. A topic that encompasses the behavioral and discursive norms of these cultures is masculinity and how the male population within these fan groups feel it a necessity to exert dominance and hurtful language to prove their status. Lastly, the study also examines the impact that the governing bodies of the sport and the media has on the fan group culture within these nations. The purpose of this project is to gain a better understanding of these cultures, obtain a new perspective on how influential these fan groups are, and demonstrate how their behavior within the stadiums reflects society. This analysis shows how engrained this behavior and language is within these cultures and the globalization of these norms.