The Seattle Times framed the World Cup as an uncomfortable experience for Democrats, but in reality, it was one massive, unifying party full of American patriotism.
While tens of thousands of soccer fans packed Seattle's Lumen Field with pure excitement to attend the FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Australia, the Seattle Times decided the story was about politics. Mainly angst against "Trump's America."
In the article, titled "How Seattleites are grappling with USA soccer fandom in Trump's America," the paper interviewed left-wing voters who shared their discomfort supporting the US men's national team because of immigration policies, foreign policies, and other political grievances.
https://twitter.com/seattletimes/status/2067747432943784444?s=20
The Seattle Times framed the World Cup as an uncomfortable experience for Democrats, but in reality, it was one massive, unifying party full of American patriotism on match day.
https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/2068052667793035346?s=20
Fans gathered across the downtown corridor, filling the streets with chants of "USA!" and carrying patriotic signage. Thousands then marched to the stadium with beaming smiles on their faces. US supporters and Australian supporters were seen united in celebrating their love for the sport. This is the second time in history that the United States has hosted the FIFA World Cup.
https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/2068039336613089542?s=20
The Seattle Times, however, chose a different lens. It highlighted quotes from individuals who expressed their hatred of the Trump administration's policies, in which they claimed internal conflict over supporting the US team. Some even considered rooting for the opposing team or only supporting the US women's team because of feminist advocacy reasons. One University of Washington politics lecturer, Sebastian Mayer, said, "Sports are always political."
"I'm an American and very proud of the freedoms we have," Carey Lefkowitz told the paper. "But, I can't lose my humanity, and that's what I see as happening." He added, "I still want the US team to win, but everything that goes with that? I’m conflicted."
https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/2068032199707009089?s=20
While the piece highlighted some individuals who supported the team, the framing overlooked the reality on the ground. The Seattle Times' decision to lead with politics rather than joy and unity reveals where the outlet's priorities lie.
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