Sports persons taking the knee

[Deleted member 15344]

That choosing not to do so is likely to reflect badly, since its been adopted throughout the world of sport to send a message against racism.

Maybe do some research and find out their reasons for the choices they have made
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www....call-them-racist-go-and-talk-to-them-20200824

 

[Deleted member 1418]

It's a simple, but very powerful gesture against racism. So not easy to put something else in its place.

Yes it is - any clubs own community initiatives to fight against racism and promote equality, probably far more effective than a couple of dozen sportsmen and women taking a knee for 20 seconds before a game.

I've already posted on this thread about Chelsea's work in the community that is supported by all involved at the club:

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/foundation/building-bridges

I would imagine this is replicated by every professional football and rugby club in the country.

And the FA and RFU will also have their own anti-racism initiatives.

It is very much OK not to kneel, but still play an active part in educating everyone in the fight to end racism and inequality.

 

[USER1999]

Yeah, but forget all the community work, the time and money put in, the education of the many, and just have a few players spend a few seconds on one knee. Its fine. It'll make a difference.. Those racists will be absolutely quaking.

 

[ColchesterFC]

Yeah, but forget all the community work, the time and money put in, the education of the many, and just have a few players spend a few seconds on one knee. Its fine. It'll make a difference.. Those racists will be absolutely quaking.

And not forgetting that black rugby players shouldn't have a free choice and should be taking the knee because some white people say so.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

And not forgetting that black rugby players shouldn't have a free choice and should be taking the knee because some white people say so.

This is just lazy stereotyping, or does that mean Itoje was forced in to it?

 

[Deleted member 25172]

I think this might be the most important post to this discussion.

 

[Mudball]

In a cathartic way, not taking a knee by the Rugby players is in a way driven a bigger debate than doing it.

Genuine question with sweeping generalisation.. How many of knees will be taken in sports that are generally seen/dominated by white athletes... Rowing, Dressage, Crofts, Winter Olympics...

 

[PNWokingham]

It's a simple, but very powerful gesture against racism. So not easy to put something else in its place.

it is also intrinsically part of the marxist BLM movement and i would want no part in that. And that is nothing to do with racism

 

[Old Skier]

In a cathartic way, not taking a knee by the Rugby players is in a way driven a bigger debate than doing it.

Genuine question with sweeping generalisation.. How many of knees will be taken in sports that are generally seen/dominated by white athletes... Rowing, Dressage, Crofts, Winter Olympics...

Not a tennis fan, what’s happening in Aus before each match.

 

[USER1999]

Not a tennis fan, what’s happening in Aus before each match.

They hit tennis balls at each other?

 

[ColchesterFC]

This is just lazy stereotyping, or does that mean Itoje was forced in to it?

I was talking about people saying that Courtney Lawes and Vunipola should have taken the knee. IMO they should if they want to. If they don't then that's up to them and isn't for anyone else to criticise them for their choice.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Not a tennis fan, what’s happening in Aus before each match.

I think some are missing the point, Rugby and other Sports have their own initiatives against Racism, not all “take the knee” or do anything prior to a match/game/event/.

Wales/Ireland held the 1 minute silence prior to the match and they all stood. Scotland will hold the 1 minute prior to their next match at Murrayfield.

Rugby has left it to the individual and other sports have made collective decisions, the message, however, is still the same in that racism and discrimination should not be tolerated and it’s ok for some to believe all should take the knee and it’s ok for some to believe it should be an individuals choice, but the support for both dhould be the same.

One Sport doing one thing, doesn’t mean another Sport doing something different have got it wrong.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I was talking about people saying that Courtney Lawes and Vunipola should have taken the knee. IMO they should if they want to. If they don't then that's up to them and isn't for anyone else to criticise them for their choice.

You stated “white people” so is the criticism from black or mixed race people ok?

 

[ColchesterFC]

You stated “white people” so is the criticism from black or mixed race people ok?

No, I very carefully stated "some" white people. Which includes certain posters on here who seem to think that they have the right to tell black athletes how they should protest against racial injustice.

 

[ColchesterFC]

You stated “white people” so is the criticism from black or mixed race people ok?

And to pick up on your other point, no it's not ok no matter who the criticism is coming from. Forcing or shaming people in to taking part cheapens the gesture.

 

[Captainron]

Sportspeople have every right not to take the knee and it’s got rock all to do with us @2blue. Not taking the knee is not a racist gesture like you infer.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

In a cathartic way, not taking a knee by the Rugby players is in a way driven a bigger debate than doing it.

Genuine question with sweeping generalisation.. How many of knees will be taken in sports that are generally seen/dominated by white athletes... Rowing, Dressage, Crofts, Winter Olympics...

I’m assuming that was meant to be Crufts...if so, I’d love to see all the mutts and pups taking a knee prior to running round the assault course; and if they don’t having a Great Dane being accused of systemic racism ? ? ? ??

 

[Robster59]

I think football has many issues in terms of bigotry. Colour/race is certainly one but also in terms of homophobia. In other sports there seems to have been more of an "acceptance" (and I use that word guardedly because there is no reason why there should not be) of players who have come out as Bi or Gay. In Rugby, for example, both codes have players who have come out as Gay and also had a world class referee. There is a tribalism about football fans which does, at times, seems to bring out the worst in people. I am not saying that other sports are blameless or ideal, but in football it seems to be more deep rooted intolerance to non white anglo-saxon hetrosexuals.

 

[Robster59]

it is also intrinsically part of the marxist BLM movement and i would want no part in that. And that is nothing to do with racism

Now that's a term I thought was only used by a certain ex-President and his followers.

 

[Tashyboy]

if a player of any sport decides to take a knee it’s fine by me.
if a player decides not to take a knee, it’s fine by me.
Its called respect.
If a player takes a knee, he supports Black Lives Matter. He is against racism.
If a player does not take a knee, it does not mean he is against Black Lives Matter or Racsim. But what it will do is contribute to the discussion of Black Lives Matter.
win win I think.