What Would You Have Done?
So news is starting to trickle out about Zinédine Zidane heat-butt incident and no surprise, many people believe his actions were motivated by a racial slur delivered by Marco Materazzi (the unfortunate recipient of Zidane's bald head). As I argued with friends on Sunday night, someone of Zidane's stature, experience and Zen-like composure doesn't snap in the crucial final minutes of what will most certainly be his last World Cup final appearance over nothing. Wayne Rooney, maybe, but not Zidane. Granted, this was not always the case. As it's been noted in the press, Zidane has been ejected 14 times in the span of his career and has been known to have a bit of a sparky temper. But to throw it all away...for what?
If indeed Materazzi called Zidane a "dirty terrorist" - this seems to be the most popular claim so far - then I have to admit, I can't help but in my heart to continue to stand by Zidane. Was it shocking, inappropriate and violent behavior that had no place in an international sporting event? Yes, of course. Was it a disgraceful way to end a brilliant career and tarnish his name forever? Undoubtedly.
But if you were in Zidane's shoes, what would you have done?
If you were the son of Algerian immigrants living in France (not exactly the bastion of racial equality and harmony), an outspoken anti-racist who has fought against bigotry inside and outside of sports, a man in the twilight of his career who is looked up to and admired for carrying his team to the World Cup finals with dignity and poise, how would you stand up to the pressure? In a world where having the wrong name will bar you from a flight, or subject you to unwarranted detention, search and surveillance, how do you find the resolve to maintain your calm? When people regularly hurl racial slurs at you, spit at you or physically assault you on the street because of the way you look, how do you not react?
I know, violence is not the answer, it is never the answer. But let me tell you, I've never had to deal with half the inexcusable garbage any of my Arab, Pakistani, Muslim and/or African-American friends have, and I can't even count the number of times I've wanted to beat the shit out of someone on the street for the way they've spoken to me just because I look Asian. If I were Zidane and some asshole had the balls to call me a terrorist in the middle of the World Cup, I probably would have punched his nose right into the back of his head. And then probably added a Rooney to his crotch for good measure. But, hey, that's just me and I do not have a tenth of the composure Zidane has.
So what now? Zidane has to make a statement this week as to what actually happened. And when he does, you better believe shit is going to fly. People have already made statements that Italy should give up the Cup if the accusations are true. I wouldn't be surprised if protests and a boycott on Italian goods took place here à la the Danish cartoon incident. Materazzi, in my book, should be banned from international competition. Maybe that seems overly severe to some people, but if FIFA really wants to "Say No to Racism," they need to punish Materazzi appropriately and put their money where their mouth is.
If indeed Materazzi called Zidane a "dirty terrorist" - this seems to be the most popular claim so far - then I have to admit, I can't help but in my heart to continue to stand by Zidane. Was it shocking, inappropriate and violent behavior that had no place in an international sporting event? Yes, of course. Was it a disgraceful way to end a brilliant career and tarnish his name forever? Undoubtedly.
But if you were in Zidane's shoes, what would you have done?
If you were the son of Algerian immigrants living in France (not exactly the bastion of racial equality and harmony), an outspoken anti-racist who has fought against bigotry inside and outside of sports, a man in the twilight of his career who is looked up to and admired for carrying his team to the World Cup finals with dignity and poise, how would you stand up to the pressure? In a world where having the wrong name will bar you from a flight, or subject you to unwarranted detention, search and surveillance, how do you find the resolve to maintain your calm? When people regularly hurl racial slurs at you, spit at you or physically assault you on the street because of the way you look, how do you not react?
I know, violence is not the answer, it is never the answer. But let me tell you, I've never had to deal with half the inexcusable garbage any of my Arab, Pakistani, Muslim and/or African-American friends have, and I can't even count the number of times I've wanted to beat the shit out of someone on the street for the way they've spoken to me just because I look Asian. If I were Zidane and some asshole had the balls to call me a terrorist in the middle of the World Cup, I probably would have punched his nose right into the back of his head. And then probably added a Rooney to his crotch for good measure. But, hey, that's just me and I do not have a tenth of the composure Zidane has.
So what now? Zidane has to make a statement this week as to what actually happened. And when he does, you better believe shit is going to fly. People have already made statements that Italy should give up the Cup if the accusations are true. I wouldn't be surprised if protests and a boycott on Italian goods took place here à la the Danish cartoon incident. Materazzi, in my book, should be banned from international competition. Maybe that seems overly severe to some people, but if FIFA really wants to "Say No to Racism," they need to punish Materazzi appropriately and put their money where their mouth is.
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