The Race Row – uurrrgh. The issue of racism - or any ‘ism’ – is a serious one. Whether on the pitch, in the boardroom or on a night bus - it is simply unacceptable. The problem with ‘isms’ is that there is really weird, wriggly line that separates intended hatred from ignorance. Race at its simplest is a characteristic, much as height, weight or hair colour is. Unfortunately, race is a characteristic that has caused many people worldwide and through the ages to be subjected to discrimination and persecution.
The trouble with verbal irresponsibility is that regardless of whether or not the words come from a place of hatred, they inevitably rip scabs off of centuries-old wounds.
I can only comment on what has been printed in the papers because I wasn’t on the pitch and did not hear the utterance for myself. The inability to comment on the facts is what has led me to take an objective viewpoint on this situation.
In my opinion, intention and interpretation are what ultimately define ignorance, prejudice and racism. When Michael Richards seemingly lost the plot and released a torrent of racially insensitive rhetoric during one of his acts, there was little question about his intent and even less room for misinterpretation. Mel Gibson’s lapses aren’t even worth analysing.
So when I review the allegations relating to the current race row, I see ignorance – not racism. The comment in question involved the combination of an adjective and a naughty noun. The noun is arguably the more offensive of the two words, the adjective raises eyebrows, but the combination of the two words seems to be the catalyst of the most recent race row.
The other issue at hand is that the individual in question is one whose role as England captain holds a level of symbolism. I’m sure the captain in question was selected for this role because of his ability to lead the team whilst on the pitch… I highly doubt he was chosen to act as a representative of British sentiment.
Whatever the outcome of this particular incident, it Is clear that the issue of race, sports and public reaction is obviously not going anywhere in a hurry as is evidenced by recent stories concerning Ameobi and Tiger Woods.
However, based on my first comment about race being no more than a characteristic, I can’t help but ask – had the offensive phrase in question included the term ‘blonde c***’, would the public reaction have been so explosive?
