JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – THE loud din of noise that has become a hallmark of the World Cup 2010 is the result of the popular South African vuvuzela horns, and FIFA President Sepp Blatter has given his backing to the instruments in spite of many complaints from fans.
“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,” the Associated Press reported Blatter as stating via Twitter.
“Would you want to see a ban on the fan traditions in your country?" he asked.
The sound emitted from the vuvuzela is a tuneless buzzing similar to a beehive, which one study by hearing aid manufacturer Phonak estimated to average around 127 decibels.
According to the National Institutes of Health, noise-induced hearing loss can readily occur in people exposed for long periods of time to sounds at or above 85 decibels.
Some players have registered their complaints in the media regarding the horns, saying that it is difficult to call out to their teammates during play because of the noise.
Spectators around the world have also been vocal in their criticisms of the vuvuzelas, complaining that it is difficult to hear commentators during the worldwide broadcasts of the games. Others have also said that the life of the World Cup has been drained by the horns because it is a constant level of noise that overpowers cheering at nearly all times, even the most exciting moments.
However, Blatter said that it would be wrong of FIFA to “Europeanize” South Africa’s hosting of the World Cup and ban vuvuzelas in the stadiums.
The President’s sentiments were backed by the local organizing committee members, who said they would possibly ban the horns if it became an issue, but would rather keep the cultural authenticity at the matches.
Committee spokesman Rich Mkhondo said that the planning officials were unconcerned with television viewers’ complaints about the noise.
“I wouldn't dwell too much on what outsiders think about vuvuzelas. I would dwell...on what the feelings of the spectators are,” he stated.
While the feelings of the spectators inside the stadiums, both South African and visitors, have been overwhelmingly in support of the noise-makers, it is clear that they will likely remain controversial for the remainder of the tournament.
