Animated by Uncertainty

This book explores the political dimensions of rugby in South Africa, revealing its connection to the country's apartheid history and contemporary issues.

In Animated by Uncertainty, Joshua D. Rubin delves into the intricate relationship between rugby and the political landscape of post-apartheid South Africa. Through 17 months of ethnographic research, he engages with rugby coaches, players, and administrators, revealing how the sport serves as a significant form of performance. Rubin argues that the inherent qualities of rugby not only define the sport itself but also shape the political implications it carries within the South African context. This exploration offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of sports and politics, emphasizing the need to consider the characteristics of sports when analyzing their political significance.

The book further investigates the lingering effects of apartheid and colonialism on South African institutions and practices, illustrating how these historical contexts are woven into the fabric of contemporary rugby. By examining the sport through the lens of aesthetic politics, Animated by Uncertainty provides a theoretical framework for understanding how the qualities of rugby can be studied and interpreted. Rubin's insights reveal that the sport is more than just a game; it is a medium that reflects and shapes societal values and political realities.

Rubin's work highlights the agency of South Africans in their relationship with rugby. He notes that while they could choose to abandon the sport, its enduring significance as a performance art keeps alive the traces of the country's complex past. Ultimately, Animated by Uncertainty invites readers to reconsider the role of sports in shaping political narratives and cultural identities in South Africa today.