Is It So Terry-ble?

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?

Black List Awards 2011 - In short

Chris Powell
Charlton Athletic Manager

Due to recent allegations of racism on the pitch, the timing of the 2011 Black List Awards can only be described as uncanny. Regardless of what the FA investigation uncovers, the allegations introduced a new level of purpose and relevance to the awards.

Thankfully, in 2008 co-founders Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds understood the need to recognise members of the community who contribute not only to the game, but to the diversity of an association. By speaking with their actions and not merely their words, they have created a platform whereby guests can be educated and nominees can be celebrated.

Well done to the nominees and founders – I look forward to attending next year.

See Natasha Henry’s review of the Black List Awards here

Fighting Fire With Fire

The current West Indies squad have had to deal with a barrage of criticism from supporters and pundits because they do not perform like their predecessors, but after watching Fire in Babylon, I realise that it is wrong to even draw a comparison.

Fire in Babylon is an insightful and entertaining documentary about the infamous West Indies cricket team. A team so dominant Fox Sports described the 1979 squad as one of the top ten most intimidating teams in the world.

Using a combination of old footage and transparent accounts from many of the legends and cultural figureheads from the region the film paints a clear picture of the challenges those lads faced. Cricket in the 70’s and the 80’s between the West Indies and their opponents was personal - slave against master, former colony against colonizer, former colony against the convicts of the colonizer.

After seeing the film I finally understood why my father would make a beeline for the nearest telly or radio when the Windies had a key match: for the duration of the test match he could live vicariously through the fast bowlers. Having had to deal with discrimination on a daily basis, the sight of wickets - and sometimes batsmen - falling had to have been gratifying for many West Indians during that time.

If you claim to be a West Indies cricket supporter and you haven’t seen Fire in Babylon yet, it's definitely somthing that should go on your to-do list.

Why Child's Play Courts Controversy

Last week’s headline grabbing story about cage fighting children was sensational enough to earn a slot on a certain station’s breakfast show two days in a row.

The general sentiment from the media was:

‘Children forced to cage fight in front of a hostile crowd’

But this wasn’t necessarily the case. If headlines had actually been accurate they would have read:

‘Two young MMA fighters grapple in a controlled competition’

and the story would have hit the cutting room floor. The omission of kicks and punches from the competition indicate that the children’s safety was taken into account. Furthermore, the police are not pressing charges.

So why did this particular story make headlines? Because as a society lot of our decisions regarding what is right and wrong are based upon a feeling. The images of two boys grappling in a ring in front of an excitable crowd would have struck a nerve in most. However, when you step away from your emotions and look at the situation objectively – this was nothing more than a controlled competition between two young athletes.

No different from what happens on football pitches around the world on a Sunday morning. It is part and parcel of the realm we refer to as the sports world.

I don’t actually know who won the fight, but I do know that competing in front of an audience is an important part of an athlete’s development and the level of attention that this fight has attracted has put these fighters miles ahead of their peers in many respects.

2011 Black List Awards

The 4^th annual Black List Awards is set to take place on the 26^th October.

Supported by the Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, Kick It Out and the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS), the Black List Awards recognises the contribution of the black community for achievements across all levels of football – on the pitch, on the sideline and within the community.

Founded in 2008 by journalist Leon Mann and Voice sports editor Rodney Hinds, this is arguably its most important year due to the recent riots which exposed a clear need for role models from within the community.

Previous awards ceremonies have attracted the likes of Chris Houghton, Jason Roberts, Aaron Mokoena and Hope Powell to name a few.

If you would like to nominate someone for the Community, Media, Administration, Commercial or Coaching & Management Award, please e-mail rodney.hinds@gvmedia.co.uk