I begin this chronicle with a recent episode that took place on a global stage: a football match between Real Madrid and Valencia in Spain.
Vinícius Júnior, a talented Real Madrid player, was the victim of racist insults from opposing fans. The boos and hateful words filled the stadium, spreading like a dark stain on the bright green field.
But instead of diminishing the importance of the player’s talent, these insults shined a direct light on the persistent presence of racism in society and sport.
Racism: The Weight of Centuries of Oppression
Racism. That tiny word carries the weight of centuries of oppression, exclusion and hatred, and it continues to influence the lives of millions of people around the world.
However, in the middle of 2023, we are still discussing racial hatred, witnessing scenes of racist abuse at a football game – a sad reminder of the deep racial divide that persists in society.
Football is often described as the ‘beautiful game’. It is a sport that unites people of all backgrounds, cultures and races. However, the beauty of the game is tainted by the ugliness of racism.
No matter how talented a player is or how many goals he scores, the color of his skin is still a reason for discrimination and hatred.
Racism is a social construction
But let me reiterate: racism is a social construct, not a biological reality. No race is superior or inferior to another. We are all the same. We are all human. Sport, at its core, is a manifestation of this equality.
On the field, everyone has the same opportunity to shine, the same chance to score goals. But outside of it this equality is often forgotten.
The fight against racism should not be the sole responsibility of those who suffer from it. It is up to all of us to challenge ourselves and confront these attitudes.
It’s time to look beyond a person’s skin color, ethnicity or birthplace. It’s time to celebrate diversity and individuality.
The racist actions of fans against Vinícius Júnior are not only an affront to him, but to all of us. Those who practice racism are rejecting human diversity and the inalienable dignity we all share.
For a world without racism
Racism must be eliminated. Not just in football, but in all aspects of life. The change needs to start now.
We need to stand up against racial hatred by promoting diversity and inclusion. We must remind the world that the worth of a human being cannot be determined by the color of his skin.
In the end, football is more than just a game. It is a celebration of human diversity, a manifestation of our collective ability to overcome challenges, an example of how we can work together to achieve common goals.
A society only thrives where everyone is equal
Like football, our society can only prosper when we reject racism and embrace diversity. So the next time we’re at the stadium, or watching a game on television, let’s remember that.
Every player on the field is a human being, with dreams, hopes and feelings. Let’s remember that racism has no place in football or anywhere else.
I hope that the next time we talk about Vinícius Júnior it will be to celebrate his goals and victories on the field, not to condemn the acts of hate against him.
And, who knows, maybe one day racism will be eradicated for good, not just in football stadiums, but in every corner of the world.
