The vuvuzela - everyone's new favourite word, has sparked up more debate than anything on the pitch so far at the World Cup. The two best players in the world, plus Patrice Evra, hate them, Danny Jordaan would prefer to hear singing, and the BBC have even contemplated blending out the noise for their televised games. What a bunch of moaning old ladies.
There are many reasons why an African World Cup is good, and first and foremost is that it allows the continent to make its own distinctive mark on the biggest sporting event it has ever held. The vuvuzela is a massive part of that, and for us Westerners to go over there and try to get the things banned is nothing short of patronising.
What makes people feel they have the right to complain? Is hearing a bunch of tired old chants, like we do at English grounds, honestly preferable? The argument is raised that the noise can damage hearing. This never stopped anyone going to watch Formula One or an Air Show, and being in a stadium of 90,000 people is not likely to be a quiet affair either way.
Take away the vuvuzela, and you're left with the bloody brass band playing 'When the Saints come marching in' - people will always make noise at football because that's the only way to make it exciting to be at the ground. Does nobody else think it's good to have literally a constant buzz throughout a game?
Since the second round of matches has started, the 2010 World Cup looks to have taken off, and we may still get a truly memorable tournament to talk about in years to come. There may not be much to say about the African football, but the African soundtrack gives proceedings a unique, joyful feel, one that will be missed when we go back to Bloomfield Road and "You're not singing any more." So put some earplugs in if you must, and try to enjoy yourselves.
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