Separatisme Catalan: Symbolization of FC Barcelona, Nationalism and Political Identity

Abstract

The Catalans fight to gain their rights from Spanish Government through a political struggle. This is a long-standing struggle with long historical roots to face against pressure and domination and gave birth to the Catalans separatist movement. At first, this movement wanted a full independence separate from Spain and because Catalans experiencing a strong pressure, so the spirit of independence embedded within the people of Catalan itself. Not just through the form of political struggle, restrictions to the Catalan’s Identity gave an impact to sport like football. FC Barcelona, the football club based in the capital city of Barcelona, Catalonia became a symbol of Catalans resistance and also the tools to expressing their hatred to the Spain. With this ways, the Catalans then gave birth to a view of their nationalism and their identity as a different entity from Spain. Their resistance to protect the Catalans identity can be seen in football activities. Although there is several difference point of view between the new vast autonomy and the full independence, their expressions in supporting Catalans rights still practiced in every FC Barcelona’s match, especially in the duel counter Real Madrid. Despite of the influence of separatism, FC Barcelona transform as a means of unity where the images of separatism still take place on the competition. Political struggle and football becomes an instrument in voicing aspirations and symbolization of FC Barcelona is an embodiment from the spirit of nationalism and identity of the Catalans.