Speaker
Description
Racism is unmistakable present in club-organized junior football and is also identified in other sports and age categories. This has not gone unnoticed by policymakers. They try to ban racism with different initiatives and punishments. These concern overt racism and direct racial language that is universally seen as problematic. However, racism under the guise of fun, humor and positive stereotypes remains largely untouched. This racism is often seen as innocent or even as a social binding agent, although scholars emphasize the power of this racism to maintain power relations. In addition, considered harmless racism is widespread in various social contexts and social institutions.
We wonder whether measures in the junior football setting that only target overt racism are capable of offering solace. This study draws on findings from large-scale mixed-method research and includes both quantitative field observations (32 matches) and qualitative interviews (n = 15), carried out in Belgium. Additionally, interviews with sport policymakers are conducted. The aim is to critically examine if considered harmless racism exists in junior football and whether or not it is overlooked. Secondly, we outline through Butler’s performativity how individuals perceive this type of racism and how it may preserve racism and racial inferiority. We argue that answers to these questions might come a long way in explaining why racism persists despite the measures. In identifying where anti-racism policies may fall short, we hope to contribute to the development of effective anti-racism measures in junior football. Data analysis has yet to take place.
