EKG: It Apparently Takes Courage to Wear Red Shoes
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The author reflects on the courage required to wear red shoes, a color they favor.
- Sweden's national football team, clad in yellow, faced France in the World Cup, a match Sweden ultimately lost.
- The piece touches on the symbolism of colors and personal preferences, contrasting "seeing red" with a more optimistic outlook.
The author muses on the perceived courage needed to wear red shoes, a personal favorite color that they and their companion, Blixten, both embrace. While the author unequivocally chooses red for wine, Blixten prefers white. In matters of clothing, however, they share a fondness for red, with Blixten often receiving compliments on his red suede shoes.
The idea that wearing red shoes requires a certain bravery is explored, prompting the author to admit to owning four pairs. This reflection coincides with a national event where thousands of Swedes donned yellow attire to support their football team against France in the World Cup. The capital city, Stockholm, was awash in yellow, mirroring the team's colors.
Despite the collective display of support, the author acknowledges the slim chances Sweden had against France. The hope was that the yellow jerseys would somehow improve the odds, much to the delight of merchandise sellers. However, reality proved stark, and Sweden's chances were ultimately dashed.
The piece also touches on the broader symbolism of colors, noting how red can be interpreted in various ways. The author contrasts being someone who often "sees red" with one who "sees everything rosy," preferring the latter. The narrative concludes by referencing the World Cup match's outcome, where Sweden's hopes faded by midnight.
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.