In the aftermath of Argentina’s win at the Copa America, a firestorm has erupted over the racist chant led by Argentine player Enzo Fernandez regarding French players of African heritage. A video showing the Argentine side on the team bus delivering the demeaning chant has drawn calls for action, and the banning of Fernandez who plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League.
This is a stain not only the Argentines’ victories on the world stage, but across all sport. How can it be that in 2024 we are still grappling with racism in the sporting world and beyond, particularly given the contributions of Black athletes to sports across the spectrum? And this on the verge of the Olympic Games in Paris, an event meant to celebrate the community of sport, and showcase the talent and competition of athletes from all countries and walks of life.
Sports are supposed to bring out the best in us, not the worst, and this continuing debasement of our fellow man truly reflects a massive failure on our parts at the most basic level of humanity. We should feel compelled to be better than this.
Recognizing that we have a problem is the first step in solving it, and clearly we still do have a problem with racism as players, coaches, and fans. Yes, we need systemic change championed by our institutional leaders, but personal responsibility plays a key role in truly changing the landscape of racism in sports and society. A look within and a genuine commitment to making a difference is required to bring about such fundamental change.
So, amid the necessary cries for league sanctions and player atonement, let’s recognize our individual roles in creating change. Let’s challenge ourselves to connect with the very people we might have sought to vilify and know their stories as people with loved ones and families and personal struggles like our own.
It’s easy to throw disparaging remarks and level hate at those we don’t know, but another thing entirely when we see them as reflections of ourselves, people with the same feelings and aspirations and emotions we possess. If we get to know the hurt that’s been caused on a personal level, change will be inevitable.
