It’s been 20 years since Cathy Freeman’s historic and pivotal gold medal run in the 400 metres final at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when Freeman became the first Indigenous Australian to win an individual Olympic gold medal.
The issue of race and connectedness has again been brought into focus through the Black Lives Matter movement, which has highlighted Australian’s own dark history. The win by Cathy Freeman came on the back of 250,000 people participating in a walk across the Harbour Bridge in a protest at the lack of a government apology to Aboriginal people, with Freeman’s victory for many Aboriginal people giving a sense of hope that real change was possible.
But this change has been slow and, 20 years on, the acknowledgement of Australia’s First Nations people still doesn’t exist in the constitution. The Black Lives Matter movement has emphasised that oppression of one is oppression of all, which has been acknowledged by many sporting bodies and teams who have knelt in solidarity.
The awareness shown by sporting individuals and codes has been a rare positive in a year that has challenged the way society operates and connects. But the inaction of both the Australian and English cricket teams during their latest ODI series, where both teams didn’t kneel, emphasises the steps that still need to be taken in opening the closed bubbles many of these elite sporting teams operate within.
(Photo by Andy Kearns/Getty Images)
Former West Indian cricket captain Michael Holding was particularly critical of both teams, describing the reasons given by each country for not kneeling as “lame” and “flimsy” excuses. Australian captain Aaron Finch defended Australia’s stance by stating that, “Education around it is more important than the protest. For us, we are really proud to play a game where it is celebrated all around the world and anyone can play it”.
English fast bowler Jofra Archer was also vocal in his defence of the English cricket team’s stance, firing back at Holding that, “I’m pretty sure Michael Holding doesn’t know anything that is going on behind the scenes, I don’t think he has spoken to Tom Harrison. It is a bit harsh for Mikey to not do some research before criticising.”
The gesture of taking a knee acts as the unifying symbol that calls for worldwide recognition of discrimination and a history of racism against the ‘other’. Holding’s criticism was not in response to the work being done behind the scenes as Archer suggested but rather the lack of awareness and real understanding from both cricket boards in what the knee symbolises.
“Nobody should have a problem with it. It is a worldwide recognition of calling attention to racial prejudice and injustice,” Holding said.
The England and Wales Cricket Board, comprising an all-white board of directors, has pledged to increase its diversity as well as continue to work in and around the community to support BLM.
Cricket Australia launched the Cricket Connecting Country series, which is aiming to celebrate the Indigenous cultures and multiculturism as Cricket Australia looks to take steps towards greater inclusivity and reconciliation. The connection in Australian between cricket and our First Nations people stems back to the first tour group selected for England back in 1868 – the entire team was made up of Aboriginal players.
Since then, though, there has been a distinct lack of representation from Indigenous Australians with Jason Gillespie becoming the first Aboriginal man to play Test cricket for Australia when he made his Test debut on November 29, 1996 against the West Indies.
The steps taken by the Cricket Australia are positive, but there needs to be more done if our national sport is to truly represent the complete story of Australia, with all-rounder and Wiradjuri man Daniel Christian admitting more needs to be done to educate Australian cricketers at every level, saying, “We just need to educate ourselves and encourage others around us to educate themselves”.
Ignorance and lack of education commonly go hand in hand, and the privileged position of professional sport carries with it the opportunity to break down these social barriers and highlight injustice. Education is, of course, important but without awareness real change does not happen. The ability for someone to visually see a player kneel immediately provokes a question of why they are doing it and the importance of the action.
The long-standing debate that sport and politics do not mix in turn ties into Finch’s comments that as long as sport is multiracial, everything is okay. This is not the case and sporting bodies and players alike must recognise the societal impact they can have.
Sport and racism will always be intrinsically linked as the BLM movement continues its push towards recognition and change. This fight against injustice and awareness, though, will continue to face ignorance, such as comments made by French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet in denial that racism in football exists following accusations made by Neymar after Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Marseille.
The symbolism of kneeling does not take away from any of the work done by individuals and organisations outside the spotlight but demonstrates a strong and unified message that black lives do matter and that we must do more both as individuals and as a society to make sure progress is made.
What does this comment have to do with my comment? I agree, Khawaja shouldn't have been dropped over Warner last ashes, but thats completely irrelevant to what I said
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
I don't think it would have hurt to take a knee. Black lives obviously DO matter, so showing some support and solidarity for the cause would not have been wrong. However, I do think it's a real stretch to say that because they didn't do it they must not care about the issue. They also didn't mention Metoo, climate change or animal rights but I don't see anyone claiming they are therefore misogynistic, animal hating climate change deniers. Now that the omission has been brought to their attention I'm sure they will do something to show their support at some point in the near future.
Irie
Roar Rookie
As a Cherokee man I find that kind of presumptive, petty comment just that...petty. It does nothing to facilitate reconciliation, discussion or understanding From years of experience, both through travel and social and business dealings with people from many different backgrounds I can assure you there are insecure, mediocre and whiny people everywhere regardless of their colour, gender, sexual preference, religion or who they follow in the football....
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Who'd have thought that would pass as a worthy comment when people are trying to exchange ideas and learn more about their own views and grow from the exposure to a different view.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Or leftwing trashmedia subby choosing it because Usman Khawaja is a known identity! Like every scrap of 'news' from a link to a known personality has been treated since the Argus was in publication!
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
We are seeing Asians come through, but when more of those from traditional cricket countries choose formalised cricket paths more of them will be on the radar. Australia's attraction of larger numbers of Asian people from non traditional cricket countries means they need to get to know the game. Aboriginals historically gravitate to the football codes and that doesn't look like changing. As for looking at comments on Khawaja, that is individual opinions and any agreement on them is consensus, not fact. It may be true that he is perceived as lazy, but as Langer identified early on, he needed to improve his fitness to improve his concentration powers. I agree with you his easy nature and flowing technique is somewhat reminiscent of Mark Waugh and he copped the lazy tag too. He hasn't seemed to be treated any differently than Shaun Marsh though in the selection stakes.
Basil
Guest
"It actually specifically mentions – or mentioned, rather since the 1967 referendum – that the indigenous were classified as fauna." a myth, one which has even been fact checked by the ABC no less!
AJ73
Roar Rookie
And he wasn't an English bunny, like Warner. Also, I said his mannerisms and approach - not fussed, not fidgety. I didn't say he was like Mark Waugh in talent. I know who I would rather be representing Australia if it came to choosing between Warner and Khawaja - Usman every time.
JGK
Roar Guru
Mark Waugh was never a walking wicket for English spinners.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
I never mentioned racial grounds. I did mention I would like to see some others of Asian backgrounds coming through and given the chance. Maybe it is anecdotal, but they can appear to not get the same support as others. If you look at the comments made by people, Khawaja is always targeted for whatever reason. Many believe he is lazy and doesn't care for his wicket when I think he is more like Mark Waugh in his mannerisms and approach to the game.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I liked how all the articles about his brother in the press were all headlined “usman khawaja’s brother sentenced” as opposed to “Ben khawaja sentenced” - I don’t see that necessarily as a race issue but I wouldn’t put it past some alt-right subby at news Ltd consciously choosing that wording either
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
I'm a massive Khawaja fan, always have been, but can't see where he's been treated differently on racial grounds. Marsh in/out/in/out. Open, 3,4,5, dropped repeatedly. Wade, Head all been in/out/in/out. Burns in/out/in/out. I'm not seeing the racial reasoning, but happy to be enlightened if you have more than a feeling that's happening.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Name calling, that's productive.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
so many insecure, mediocre, whiny, white guys on The Roar. who'd have thunk it?
AJ73
Roar Rookie
No, I want them picked on ability but I realise that maybe if it comes to a 50/50 call or even 45/55 call that they may be selected for the long term future of Australian Cricket. Sometimes the call needs to be made. When it comes to a call between Warner and Khawaja, Warner gets the nod every time even when his current form is worse than Khawaja's. You do realise with the few opportunities to open for Australia, Khawaja averages over 90? Yet he is overlooked every time - why?
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Made my point already numbnuts. You cannot read a few posts above??
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
I'm confused, do you want those players you mentioned chosen because of the colour of their skin, or that to be ignored and be picked on their cricket ability?
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Then why do you want sportsmen to take a knee? That clause, done on behalf of all Australians, represents the view of all Australians, doesn't it? That says Australians recognise black lives matter. What do you want to happen to the one or more players who say, no thanks, the Australian constitution said it fine for me and my actions towards my fellow players all over the world in 20/20 teams shows I mean it, I don't need to signal it for the benefit of the media. I want to come out here and play sport, not make a political statement.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
That's pathetic, if you've got a point, make it.
AJ73
Roar Rookie
So why Ben is he always the first to be dropped even with a better record as a test opener than anyone currently - including Warner? He averages over 90 when opening! Even on the last Ashes tour he scored more runs than Warner, yet was dropped. Wouldn't have done any worse than Warner, who became a deer in headlights, yet wasn't given the opportunity. Khawaja has never been given a good run staying in the same batting position either. And don't give the reason for a RH/LH opening combination. Some of the best combos have been Langer and Hayden (both LH) and Warner and Rogers (both LH). I would rather Khawaja's temperament than Warner's.