TheSportsCampus

For many years now sports and racism have been more often than not associated together. During the 1936 Berlin Olympics Games Jesse Owens caused an uproar by winning four gold medals and thus eradicating Hitler's idea of "White Supremacy". This historical incident not only led to Hitler's failure to acknowledge the greatness of Owens, but also resulted in President Roosevelt refusal to invite Jesse to the white house as he couldn't afford to offend conservative voters by being seen with Owens who was, by then, one of the world's most famous black sportspeople.

A more recent example of racism was seen during the 1997 Masters, when US PGA golfer Frank "Fuzzy'' Zoeller made a comment about Afro-Ame rican Tiger Woods that many people thought was racist. Zoeller was caught on tape referring to "that little boy'', a remark he says was misconstrued.

According to research conducted by UPENN, basketball too has faced the monstrosity of racism. During 13 seasons from 1991 to 2004 white referees called fouls at a greater rate against black players than against white players. This phenomenon was also seen in black officials against white players but the tendency was not as strong as the former.

However, "It's a small world after all"!!

The conspicuous boundaries between nations seem to have diminished over the years. I beg to differ with the entire concept of racism and also believe that a number of other people would also hold the same view.

Some movies like "Goal" and "Bend It Like Beckham" have emphasized the extent of racism prevalent in sports. Derogatory terms are generally used in order to entice players resulting in a number of mishaps on the field. Agitated and offended players often get engulfed into a brawl resulting in a much affected match. Even though the accusations imposed on Milan Baros for racially abusing Rennes' Stephane M'Bia or, the much hyped incident of a racial abuse row involving Harbhajan Singh and Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds may indicate that even today sportsmen are subject to discrimination, I am firm believer that the scenario of the recreational industry is under going is a much awaited metamorphosis.

A perfect example to support this line of thought is the IPL (Indian Premier League) that took place very recently. Players from various backgrounds came together for only one cause, and that was to win the IPL trophy. These matches broke all notions of cricket and racism that had crippled the minds of players and audiences for so many years. Pakistani players cheered for their Indian team mates, while the Australians bunkered up their English counter parts. The matches enabled the world to be concised to something as small and as reachable as the 'Kolkata Knight Riders" or the 'Delhi Daredevils'.

There was a mix of different cultures and hues as the entire nation was engulfed in the IPL fever. The Club Concept introduced by the IPL encouraged better interaction among various players thus promoting healthy competition when they played for their respective countries.

India may be new to a tournament like this, but countries such as the US and England have been following this concept for sometime and thus enhancing better sportsmen spirit.

In countries like South Africa the scenario on field, of the white dominated sport of Rugby seems to have taken a turn for the better and the game's most ardent fans -- in the heart of Afrikaner country -- don't seem to mind. During a recent match against Wales, South Africa's rugby team -- the reigning world champions -- took to the field with a new black coach, Peter de Villiers, and seven black players out of a team of 15 --- the most black players ever.

With the world growing at such a rapid pace, it seems the differences between people have reduced. The world has matured to find similarities instead of differences and this is reflected in the games played.

References:

http://www.mittelholzer.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3304

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism_in_football

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/06/17/rugby.safrica/index.html

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23026801-5011911,00.html

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