Playing on a level field

I just wanted to write a quick post to show my support, while this agenda has so much attention and momentum. This is highly relevant to my industry of recruitment, but also around the workplace in general. Working together, understanding each other and giving opportunities to all

I for one hold black people/culture/lives - very close to my heart, always have and always will, to the point half my family is black. 

One of my greatest heroes, Ian Wright, recently praised the England football team for how they reacted to racist taunts and abuse to our black players. I personally find this an excellent example to show that the whole team needs to act and not just the individual.

He described it as not a Martin Luther King moment of turn the other cheek, which had been the response from Wrighty’s generation but as a modern-day moment of action and a collective response that made the difference.

Being told to ignore racist abuse and beat them on the pitch was the common protocol and it didn’t work as they still gave him racial abuse. Strangely one of the England players in the recent game I’m referring to actually said we beat them on the pitch, so we’re not in the clear yet! Also walking off the pitch alone would not work.

It was therefore a monumental occasion for him to see the modern-day England team say enough is enough - we’re not having this anymore. With white players putting their arm around their teammates suffering abuse and refusing to play on at several points. Collectively and as a team, they made a difference. Although it could be seen that more could have been done. But it’s a clear step forward and I would imagine if it happens again in the future a greater step will be taken.

If I feel something is wrong in my heart I will act the same and not turn a blind eye or pretend I didn’t hear. If we choose to educate ourselves or help educate others on the deeper imbalance ingrained in society then we can all make a difference. We have the choice of how we act on this, it’s about moving forward positively and I think the key is to put ourselves in other people's shoes, rather choosing to not understand someone or embrace positive change.

This post is not to spark debate - it’s just to show my support and if it makes a difference to one person then it’s a result.