Cricket racism shows we all need to stand against bigotry
WHEN Azeem Rafiq gave his testimony to MPs on the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, it not only shocked the cricket establishment but the whole country. His subsequent apology for historical antisemitic tweets notwithstanding, his testimony outlining the racism he faced was poignant, powerful and shone a light on discrimination in sport.
Of course, we have seen others calling out discrimination in other sports, especially following the disgraceful response on social media of so many following England’s defeat in football’s Euro 2020 final this summer. John Barnes, in promoting his book ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’, has called for a “grown up conversation” about racism in society as whole. He has been clear that we need to confront the daily discrimination faced by the “non-elite” and that the best way to stop this is by education and changing negative perceptions.
These calls for action, not words, echo what We Stand Together has been calling for, and doing, for the last 7 years. It is not enough for people to say that they do not discriminate, we need people to be proactive in making the changes needed to improve our organisations, institutions and communities. That is why we undertake antidiscrimination workshops in schools, colleges, youth and community groups and promote gatherings that bring people from diverse backgrounds together.
In this column 3 years ago, after a knife attack at Victoria Station, I wrote about the amazing work of Khizra Mosque and others in reaching out across communities and the bravery of those who stand up when they see hate being perpetrated. This pro-social behaviour is what we need more people to aspire to.
Which leads us to those individuals and organisations named and accused of bigotry and racist actions by Azeem and over 2,000 others who have responded to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket’s call for evidence. They can be vilified, excluded and, possibly, prosecuted. Where there is no remorse, these may be appropriate options. However, if we are truly interested in moving society forwards, they must be given the option of learning, amending their future behaviour and, even more importantly, becoming activists against discrimination.
#WeStandTogether is the Greater Manchester Combined Authority brand for cohesion initiatives. You can contact #WeStandTogether on twitter @ WeStandTogether, facebook @ WeStandTogetherBritain, instagram @ WeStandTogetherUK or by email: support@westandtogether.org.uk.