Vinícius Júnior: A Stance Against Racism in Europe/Americas ?
Reading Time: 3 minutesAt one time, dogs were more expensive than black people…
At one time, dogs were more expensive than black people in Europe. While civilization’s progress or the need of the hour has reduced racism, the question remains: how much has it truly decreased? In 2012, Mario Balotelli famously remarked, “I have no complaints about monkeys, for I am convinced that monkeys are better than racists,” reflecting the profound pain caused by racism.
The Pain of Racism: Mario Balotelli’s Struggle
Balotelli’s statement encapsulates the deep anguish that racism inflicts. He once left the field mid-game, unable to bear the racist abuse from Italian fans. On another occasion, he threw the ball at the racists in the stadium, an act of frustration and defiance. These incidents occurred not in the 19th century, but in the 21st century.
Vinícius Júnior: A Stance Against Racism
From Balotelli to Dani Alves, Saka, and Rashford, many have faced racism, but few have protested as boldly as Vinícius. Numerous incidents of racism remain hidden from the media to avoid trouble. This is where Vinícius stands out. Those who excuse racism are not truly human. While Vinícius’s environment may foster aggression, it does not justify racism.
On the contrary, Vinícius has done what Balotelli, Saka, and Alves could not. Sometimes, stories within football transcend the sport itself. Vinícius is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, but on this birthday, his actions off the pitch deserve the spotlight. Vinícius is a larger figure than many of the great players because of his stance against racism.
Modern Racism: The Case of Saka
Just two days ago, when Bukayo Saka stepped up to take a penalty at Tribeca, many, including myself, felt a palpable fear. Was Saka himself not afraid? We understand the source of this fear.
Historical Context and Exploitation
The story of racism extends further. Europeans, realizing the utility of black people, chose to exploit rather than exclude them. From cheap labor markets to modern slavery, the exploitation continues. France’s World Cup victory is a testament to the contributions of black players. Jofra Archer, who helped England win their first cricket World Cup, is also black.
The Ongoing Struggle
Black people continue to endure hardship to produce popular commodities like coffee and chocolate in Europe. Despite progress, black people often face character attacks, deemed aggressive or criminal, a prejudice rooted in systemic racism.
Brazil: A Struggle Against Poverty and Racism
Brazil, Vinícius Júnior’s home country, battles poverty alongside the hostile Amazon environment. Poverty influences behavior, often resulting in aggression. Imagine a poor person becoming a doctor through immense struggle, only to be insulted for their poverty. Such treatment would naturally overshadow their achievements. Vinícius possibly carries this resilience.
Racism in Football
Despite his success on the field, Vinícius Júnior has been subjected to racial abuse, a pervasive issue in football. Racism in the sport manifests in various ways, from derogatory chants by fans to discriminatory treatment by officials and fellow players.
Europe
In Europe, Vinícius has faced multiple instances of racial abuse, particularly in Spain. Stadiums have echoed with monkey chants and racial slurs directed at him. Social media platforms have also been arenas for vile racist comments. These incidents highlight the broader issue of racism in European football, where black players frequently endure similar abuses.
Efforts to combat racism in European football have been ongoing, with campaigns like UEFA’s “No to Racism” and FIFA’s “Say No to Racism.” However, enforcement and penalties for racist behavior often fall short, allowing the problem to persist.
The Americas
Racism in football is not confined to Europe; it is also prevalent in the Americas. In Brazil, Vinícius’ home country, racism remains a significant societal issue. Despite being a racially diverse nation, black and mixed-race individuals often face systemic discrimination. This reality extends to football, where players of African descent, like Vinícius, encounter racism both on and off the field.
The issue of racism in the Americas’ football scene came into sharp focus when Vinícius spoke out about his experiences.
Conclusion
Vinícius Júnior’s journey is not just about football excellence; it is about standing up against the injustice of racism. His resilience and defiance serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the ongoing battle against racism. Vinícius is a beacon of hope and strength, demonstrating that the fight against racism is as crucial as any victory on the field.
Writer | Sports Analyst: Tarek Ahmed |
