Order 1001717: Sport and Racism

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SOC320 – Research Essay - 44840136

Using a recent racist incident in sport (maximum 2 examples); explain what were the root causes of racism and what are its implications for the perpetrator, victim and sport in general. Your account must be based on the example(s) you have chosen.

The first example was heavy displayed throughout recent media and established a new discussion on racism and its involvement in the sporting landscape. The incident occurred in 2013, and involved renowned Indigenous Australian Football League (AFL) player, Adam Goodes and comments made by 13-year-old Collingwood fan. A correlated ABC article states that, this incident transpired at a AFL game at the MCG between the Sydney Swans (Adam Goodes Team) and the Collingwood Magpies. Sometime during the match, Goodes heard a 13-year-old girl call him an “ape”. After hearing this comment, Goodes called out the Collingwood fan, establishing a verbal clash, until security got involved, which resulted in Goodes leaving the field. Goodes later revealed to reporters that “I was pretty gutted to be honest," and stated that, he didn’t mean to embarrass or shame the fan, however he thought it was important to address these racial comments. This situation was even more significant as it occurred at a AFL indigenous round. Goodes went on record to state, that he has been the target of racial comments throughout his AFL career, but to hear racial slurs from someone as young as 13 was shattering. This match was also the Sydney Swans first victory over the Collingwood Magpies at the historical MCG in 13 years and was Adam Goodes 400 goals celebration. Victoria Police, affirmed that they had interviewed the 13-year-old, to which the fan later made a formal apology. Collingwood President Eddie McGuire, visited Goodes after the game to apologise on behalf of the club, stating that, "It's not a Collingwood issue, it's not an AFL issue, it's a society issue...".

The second example occurred within the pinnacle of Australian Sport, this being the National Rugby League’s (NRL) State of Origin. State of Origin is regarded as one of the most recognised, watched and admired aspects of NRL, where NRL all-stars, represent their state in a highly contentious competition. The renowned incident involved revered NRL immortal Andrew Johns and NRL players Greg Inglis and Timana Tahu. Both Greg Inglis and Timana Tahu walked out of a training camp in protest, and individually resigned from the team after racial comments were used within the training camp. Andrew Johns (Coach) evidently resigned as well, as he was considered the source of this racial banter. Johns went on record to state, that what he had done was not acceptable and that he had been in discussion with these players. Tahu and Inglis both emphasized the fact by stepping down they felt like they were demonstrating how serious this issue was, is and is still. Evidently, State of Origin is considered the climax of NRL, so to be willing to give up your position, was considered irrational and meaningful. Inglis specifically stated that “the fact that it had come from someone on the coaching staff that is highly respected in the game and has had such influence in the game, made it more hurtful…” and damaging. The article states that the racial comments where portrayed in comical way, which made it more hurtful, as it removed the seriousness of the comments.