Over the next three weekends Independent Supporters Council (ISC) group members across the league will be taking a stance against racism, in recognition of The International Day For the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21). At all home matches over the next three weeks we will raise red cards to show unity against racism and homophobia in soccer around world and here in Canada. This will be done between the anthems and first kick. We are hoping all MLS supporters and fans will join to recognize this International Day and take a stand against Racism. The Independent Supporters Council are working with all its member groups to ensure that the same Tifo is displayed in stadiums across the entire league. Soccer in North America has a dynamic and rich history that is multiracial, and embraces the strength that comes with its diversity. The history of soccer here is unique from other parts of the world, in that a philosophy of inclusiveness has always been apparent in all of its aspects, including players, supporters, and management. As soccer continues to grow in the North American continent, it is imperative that each of us take responsibility in ensuring the diverse heritage and culture of the sport continues. There are many recent examples in Europe and some in the United States where racism and homophobia have reared its ugly head. Show Racism the Red Card works to increase players, management, and supporters’ understanding of the inclusive heritage and diverse culture of soccer in North America. To promote young people’s participation as active and responsible citizens in a growing multi-racial and diverse society. Provide tools and resources for management, supporters, and players to respond to bigotry in positive ways. Harness the high profile of top soccer players as role models to grab the interests of and educate the larger community on issues of inclusion and opportunity. Involvement of the leagues and/or teams to adopt anti-racism measures and inclusion of policies and practices, both on the field and in the stands. Providing team and league management the tools and framework to be able to swiftly deal with incidents of racist abuse and insults in a uniform manner. Showcase the unique strength of soccer in North America due in part to its diversity. ISC- The Independent Supporters Council of the United States and Canada was founded in 2009 to advocate for the fair treatment of home and away supporters, promote supporter culture, and oppose racism and bias in the stadium. It now members now include twenty-nine Supporter Groups from MLS, NASL, USL-Pro and PDL clubs. ###
Neat idea. Are you communicating this to the broadcasters, so as the cameras show the sea of red cards the announcer can explain what's going on? ------RM
^There has been alot of communication with the league. But Individual supporter groups are responsible for connecting to their local media outlets. Here in Vancouver both the TV and radio broadcasters have been contacted directly, as well as hit up with the media release everyone got. Based on the feedback we have received so far looks like the mainstream press will be reporting on it.
Cute and nothing but a PR stun but not going anywhere since it's doesn't involve becks. The league is complacent about theses racist incidents and won't do anything. Trust us.
We'll find out how they deal with prejudice after Colin Clark called a ball boy a ********ing ************ on tonights broadcast... Um a homophobic slur ...
Of course it is. Supporters groups trying to get publicity by a big show of support against something that isn't a big problem in MLS.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ3taEpptgg"]Colin Clarke lashes out at ball boy - YouTube[/ame] In regards to racist incidents in the league. First post here lists two incidents https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthre ... t+incident Andy Williams accusing Amado Guevera and Atiba Harris accusing Peter Nowak who was later fined for "improper remarks" There is this incident from Chicago which involves security using racial slurs against members of Sector Latino. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008 ... y-security There is this incident after a Houston vs DCU game where a fan said some nasty racist stuff to DC United goal keeper Luis Crayton while he was chatting with fans. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccer ... rmath.html And the infamous incident in Columbus where one fan was heard on video saying a racist comment. MLS Rumors blew it out of proportion and out right lied about what happened and went on a crusade against Columbus supporters calling them racist and literally making stuff up and photoshopping pictures to prove their point.
Oh my god! Proof that racism is rampant in the MLS. So glad that it will be rectified by the supporters groups holding up red cards after the anthem. Is the ball boy in the above video a victim of homophobia? No. He's probably not a homosexual. He's probably pissed at the players comment, but that's all. Honestly though, it's more likely that casual observers of MLS, or those that don't even care, will be wondering why such a big deal is being made. They will start thinking that racism and homophobia is actually a big problem in MLS hence the need for such demonstrations. None of this is a big issue. It's just another way for supporters groups to get some press.
"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to asoc again." As to it being a publicity stunt, get a brain moran. As long as racism and homophobia are problems in society, those problems will be reflected in the stands and on the field. Even if we were to wipe the issues out of all stadiums there would still be the greater social problem to fight and using public role models such as professional athletes to help is a good thing. Standing up now means less chance of the problem getting a stronger foothold as well. Let bigots or sympathizers know that they aren't welcome before they get a foot in the stadium.
I am down with the anti-racism part. Homophobia? That is where it gets way too political for me. How about anti- religious rights? So many people ignore my religious right to be against Homosexuality.
I think it's a goody-goody thing to encourage people that racism is a non-starter, but where it gets ridiculous sometimes is how utterly sensitive we allow ourselves to become when no offense was intended. Sometimes a guy can say something in anger that he wishes he could take back, don't you think? It's not the same as "holding racist views". And we use this as a weapon so many times. The shoe's on the other foot now, whereas at one time racism was the norm and players like Jackie Robinson had to keep a stiff upper lip, but now to call someone a racist is a great and powerful weapon, whether warranted or not. Why don't we just try to be sensible about things? There are some people who do hold racist views, okay. But then there are people who aren't racist or are not trying to be racist, but in a fit of rage or in an impaired state of mind the wrong choice of words may come out, and if you have known that person a long time, and have always known him to be an upstanding person, why not perhaps give him a break or the benefit of the doubt or have a nice talk with him, rather than excommunicate him from the world community so you can cover your own butt? I think we've turned this whole racism thing into a Scarlet Letter of sorts, making people scared of openly discussing issues of race (which has the effect of taking the fight against racism several steps backward, ironically), lest they find themselves on the wrong end of a shunning in this puritanical society we live in today. It's nice to say we won't tolerate racism, but how about we tolerate people's apologies, too? We don't have to be puritans. We can be a forgiving and welcoming people. There's a saying, you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar, well if we did something so radical as to befriend and hug all the "racists" out there, some may perhaps feel so internally shamed by their views that they will change them because of your kindness.
Malarky. You can have your religious rights on homosexuality and NOT call people a ************ at the same time. And those same rights will not be impeded AT ALL.
What are you talking about? I don't call people names. I am respectful and I am classy. I just believe that my religion gives me the right to be against that lifestyle and immoral behavior. That doctrine has been taught for thousands of years. And it is my religious legal right to preach that in a polite, loving & civil manner.
Good for you. Seriously. No sarcasm here. But you start off It sounds like your making the point that Homosexuals, and their protection from hateful speech (IN THE WORKPLACE) is not important. IF you nod your head yes at this, then we have nothing to discuss, because you're wrong. And this makes it sound like even saying that "People shouldn't be allowed to call other folks Feggits in the work place" is an attack on your religious beliefs, when it is clearly NOT . Again - the premise is malarky. But I think what you were really trying to say is that players and fans should not be able to hurl words like nagger, ********, cracker, or heeb around the pitch but if someone says feggit (whether true or not) is more ambiguous to you and is somehow anti-religious to try and stop it. I disagree with this. I don't give a crap if you think gays are going to hell. However if you sling a hateful slure at my gay friend, you deserve something in return. Get it? (I'm not say YOU, I'm saying anybody)
Yes and I don't agree with the wording; if you're going to include homophobia then they should call it something other than 'Racial Discrimination'.
You are putting words into my mouth. I do not condone anyone who says any slurs or swears of any kind. I don't know how you can come to that conclusion based on my posts. I am consistent in my opinions and in my beliefs based on biblical principles. That said, I hope you and others are consistent. Many who are all going crazy about slurs pertaining to gays are the same people who call Religious people wackjobs, make fun of Tim Tebow and his virginity/ religious beliefs and call a person like Sarah Palin a slut. Talk about hypocrites.
Regardless of people being hypocrites, doesn't make what was said right. Guess what. I am not a liberal, I am actually pretty conservative. What was said is very wrong and what some other people said about someone else doesn't factor into the equation.
No one is trying to defend what was said. What I am defending is consistency. I am also making a point that the racism issue is different than the gay slurs one and should be distinguished differently. IT gets too political when you include it in the same press release.