I'm calling BS on your narrative of "work obligations". Recently WWE ran a show in Saudi Arabia (shortly after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi) and some of their talents refused to work the event. Absolutely no reason why players couldn't follow suit for the World Cup?
Your asking other posters at what point do we hold people accountable for their racism, well right back at you? Does that mean every player who took part in the World Cup is racist? I mean they went out of their way to play, endorse and speak about a great tournament in many instances.
Personally, I would not have attended the World Cup. At least that’s what I like to think I’d have done.
And obviously, not every player attending is racist.
The sensible decision would be a boycott. I understand those, who don’t, as they face possible legal and professional repercussions due to a boycott. The downside is incredible and I understand why one would refuse a boycott. Also I understand that this event might be something they have worked for basically their whole lives. Stripping them of what could possibly be the crowning achievement of their whole life, is a lot to ask of someone.
So another sensible option would be to attend under protest. To try to shine a light on humanitarian issues while still in the spotlight. To align yourself with those, who’s voices we don’t hear. But yes, silently attending an event like this, having your reputation and celebrity be used as a tool for a regime like this, is problematic.
But actively seeking the friendship and companionship of those responsible for all those issues, is not just problematic. It’s an endorsement of ideology that carries much more weight and consequences. A person deciding to do that, is not just a bit of a coward, but actively demonstrates at best indifference towards cruelty, at worst it’s an ideological alignment.
So I would say there is a huge difference.
@Florida Man
I feel we’ve basically reached a point of agreement, so I’ll try to keep it short.
I want to point out, that I was in no way teying to reference appearance typical to certain cultures, but a general appearance that can be related to gang violence, which is actually somewhat of an issue where I live. So I try to keep away from those who I suspect of that.
Also, it is possible to be racist towards once own race. So that can actually be the case. In the same way, that there are gay people who are openly homophobic. It’s a complicated issue, though.
But thanks again for the calm clarifications. That’s it from me for today, I have to get ready.