Racism in Football

In this podcast we cover the most talked about topic in the world right now, racism. Racism is not only the biggest issue in society today but also the biggest issue in sport. 

This episode of the podcast Billy and Henry talk honestly an openly about a topic they are both very passionate about. Billy & Henry grew up in Canning Town, East London. One of the most diverse areas in London, with people from all backgrounds, race, religions and creeds. Canning Town is a melting pot of African, English, European, South American, Easter European culture. In Canning Town you can meet someone from every walk a life. 

Billy and Henry spoke about their school and the things they saw growing up and going to a school that had 65 different languages spoken. The lads had seen racism first hand at school with Asian kids racially abusing African kids and vice versa. Although Billy & Henry had not experience racism, due to them both being white skinned males, they felt that by offering experiences on what they had seen it could be part of the discussion. 

Billy thought that people who had been found guilty of racist crimes should face huge financial fines if they were adults & homeowners. He felt that a strong hand would stop this type of behaviour in the future but conceded it was not likely to be dealt with in such a way. He also felt that schools should do more at an early age to teach children about the right and wrongs around racism and teach them about other cultures and values. If we can stop it at an early age we stand a chance of getting rid of racism forever. 

Henry shared the fact that his family was foster parents to many young children from all races and religions. He felt that they were his brothers or sisters and it didn't matter that they were not biologically. He felt that y having these different cultures around him from an early age it made him more aware of the rights and wrongs. 

Billy shared a story about a time a new kid moved into their council estate called Edward. He said that they were probably around 6 or 7 a the time and all the kids that lived in the block would play football in kids area. He remembers Edward being fine the first few times around all the other kids, just to note it was a mixed group of race and religion. Then one day Edward racially abused his Ugandan friend and Billy remembers the shear anger and hurt from the all kids. Particularly the black children who felt angry, Billy recalls that he was shocked and knew what Edward did was wrong.  What unfolded later was that police had to come to Edward house for the family protection as everyone in the block was knocking on his door causing a scene. A few days later the family was moved, looking back this was for their safety. 

Billy and Henry felt that social media needs to do more to stop fake troll accounts and shared their thoughts on how to stop troll culture. Both Billy and Henry gave examples and thoughts, Billy mentioning that you need to provide your home address and ID. 

Both of the lads felt strongly that the world needs to change and that we need to come to together with combined energy to get finally end this stain on society. 

Listen into the pod for the full discussion. 

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