Raheem Sterling Has Had Enough

Britain is far more stained with racism than Britons like to admit. And yes, Liverpool certainly has a portion of whites who are very happy to physically assault people of color who dare to enter the same space as them. I speak from experience. The whole thing becomes exhausting and depressing.

Sadly, I don't hold a lot of hope that the media will "do better". But I agree with him that media coverage creates and exacerbates many biases and sterotypes. Sterling is a great player and seems like a thoughtful person. Unfortunately, there are some really awful people in this world, and we need to speak up against this. I hope Sterling continues in his desires to help others and doesn't focus on the few bad apples in the barrel.

Title in grasp. C’mon Rory. On a serious note, thank you for giving him the page. As a Liverpool fan that saw him rise through ranks and leave us, I’ve had grown to dislike him. Racism is suppressed in Europe so it’s difficult as a foreign fan to understand how difficult it might be. UK comes off as very progressive despite what last few years have shown. ‘All that glitters ain’t gold’ is incredibly apt for that region. Internet is helping uncover that. If Trevor Noah hadn’t gotten in a fight over Twitter, I wouldn’t have even known that whole Europe were about suppressing race and diversity in the name of unity.

Consider the insidious effect of racism. Last yr, Sterling had trouble finding the goal, even on short, relatively easy shots. He was portrayed as "lacking concentration." Wonder how much of it was having to deal with the blind hatred of the type described in this article.

I love watching soccer, and Raheem is one of those players that makes it fun to watch. I appreciate him for using his position to call out the British media, and the media in general. There often is this ugly antiquated racist idea animating writing about Black folks and money. The idea that white people earned their money, but "we" "let" black folks have theirs. It happens constantly, it's disgusting, and it should stop.

The British tabloid press finding its scruples is about as likely as finding another untouched King Tut tomb.

It's about time. Black soccer players have endured jaw-dropping racism for decades. All anyone has to do is spend a few moments in the stands at a soccer game to know what it feels like to be at a Nazi rally in the 30s or in Charlottesville a few years ago. The league pretends to be interested in fighting racism but basically all that means is including Black and Brown children in ceremonies before the games. It's time people started losing money, big money. I hope more players follow Raheem Sterling's example. Enough is enough.

Vinnie said "...it’s not the fault of the people writing the stories...." Oh yes, it is their fault, and of their editors. Anyone who tries to make excuses for bigoted journalists is still fearful of them. Vinnie is just making nice so as not to stir up more of their bigotry. Can't say as I blame him, but higher powers need to step up and crack their whips in order to discipline the rowdy press.

Sterling is generous about journalism. Not necessarily wrong, though. New York Times, You clearly aren’t one of the papers he’s talking about, but what do your newsrooms and editors’ offices look like? How are you doing with making sure that when you are filling leadership positions, your serious candidates include people who aren’t white, who have lived in something other than upper-middle class, or higher, social space, who...?

Too often articles stop after calling out the obvious verbal abuse. Thanks to Smith for delving further and challenging the lazy racist tropes in the media that exacerbate the problem, and for showing examples of the problem. This article belongs on the front page where The Times put it; not buried in the Sports Section where many don't visit. Well done all. Now let's challenge the stereotype about how "naturally" gifted, powerful and lithe black athletes "all" are, as though determination and a lifetime of dedication and effort aren't the key ingredients.

Seriously? A twenty something is making millions of dollars playing soccer, but wants us to pity him because tabloid articles are talking about how much money he makes? This guy is way too sensitive. Nobody would look at those articles and think "racism". He's reading way too much into it

I am sorry Mr. Sterling doesn't feel comfortable flying first class and relishing in his financial accomplishments. It is no one's business what he does with his money. One of the most striking instances he shared in the article was a man who called him a "black something" was with his son, or with some one's son. Generational stupidity at its finest. Racism is built on ignorance, hated and grave indifference. Sports seems to attract these goons. You are on the top of the world Mr. Sterling, don't let those rotten cherries ruin it for you.

Every time I read an article like this it increases my sensitivity on the effects of racism on people's lives and how it operates in our society. I hope it opens my heart and mind to be aware of my own conscious and unconscious bias. I am a nurse, and racial and ethnic disparities are well documented in health care. Education and training are good steps but taking personal responsibility and having the courage to confront racism hopefully will lead to change.

What a classic example of having Grit and Mental Toughness, leading to great successes!

Even as a die-hard Liverpool fan, have to admire Sterling's stand on this and the way he called out the press on their reporting double standards with specific and undeniable facts. Well played, Raheem.

Good man, Sterling. Sadly, there's a class of people in this world who must run down others in order to boost themselves, and there's a class of media who cater to them. They're loud and lousy, and I hope Raheem and others can inure themselves to the abuse without losing their own goodness.

This is a great, but sad report. What Sterling writes is absolutely true of the American press as well. Every news editor should be looking at stories about black athletes, black artists of all types just to root out the elements that are stereotypical and not found in stories on white athletes and white artists. Sadly, most people are prejudiced against black people, not wanting to be, it just happens growing up in the US and in Europe. I think the situation is changing and that young people today in the US are less apt to be prejudiced, but it will take lots of time and lots of conscious raising by people like Sterling.

Good on you Mr. Sterling. All of these micoragressions that never seem to be called out and identified. I sincerely hope that you have given this discussion some new life and energy. Thank you.

The US is light years ahead of the UK and Europe on the issue of race in sports.

It probably started with the great boxer, Ali, and so, the media has been fixated on finding another Ali who likes the banter, the back and forth, the limelight, to be both loved and at times, not loved by the fans and the media. Some black athletes today don’t mind that “tradition” but it appears that many are like Sterling and are demanding respect and to be seen differently.

I read the the links on the house buying. The house buying comparison in this story doesn’t seem racist at all. The black player makes good money but doesn’t play that often. It looks like the comment in the story was more about a player who doesn’t play that much is making lots of money. The white player makes a little more and is a rising star. And the white player bought the house for his mom. Don’t see how Sterling sees this is racist. I am sure if the roles were reversed the stories would be reversed.

Who keeps track of "banned fans"? It makes much more sense to impose a one-game penalty on all fans. A telecast game played before empty seats would chasten viewers who couldn't be there because of the bad behavior of their fellows.

Good to hear Sterling’s voice on this and good for the NYT for getting it out there. The same resentment of undeserving “winners” in an unequal society gets doubled in a distorted way when resentment about immigrants, and most especially brown or black immigrants gets mixed in. Tabloids feed off those clicks so they have incentives to distort. Racist, lazy, vicious cycle. On the bright side, we do live in a time when there are so many men and women of color who are exemplars of success, discipline, talent, creativity in many fields (not only sports, entertainment, politics, but those catch a lot of attention) there is room for good reporting to push back. People can be portrayed more multidimensionally; no one has to “shut up and dribble” ; no one has to be sketched, or tolerate being sketched, using bad old cartoons.

Always liked Mr. Sterling and as noted here an exceptional Premiership player. Thought he would play longer for Liverpool but as we know great players are always sought after in the competition for silver. With the twin items of having football sports fame but also receiving taunts laced with bigotry by racists who cannot control their hatred, Sterling has shown he can rise above it all. From his comments he has the wherewithal to deal with it and he knows what’s going on. Both the Premiership and FIFA might want to pay attention to Mr. Sterling’s ‘giving his mind’ towards racism in the sport. Perhaps for FIFA to take account especially since there are some places in Europe where racism toward black players on the pitch is as overt as you can get. In some of our ‘Colosseums’ today the football gladiators don’t die by the sword. They are made to die by mouths unleashing racist fury.

Thanks for the article and giving the man a chance to share his unique perspective from the inside looking out. Most sports fans are on the outside looking in, or trying to with the help of the media; many soccer fans obsess on all aspects of their teams, judging the refereeing, team owners and managers and especially the players. Sounds like Mr. Sterling was lumped in with other young athletes (of all colors) that have let success and sudden money go to their heads. Still to most of us outside of the UK, the English tabloid sensationalism is hard to fathom... as is its popularity: "In the UK the three most popular daily papers are tabloids: the Sun with a circulation of 2,955,957, the Daily Mail with 2,096,074 and the Daily Mirror with 1,239,691, respectively. In comparison, the most popular UK quality newspapers, the Daily Telegraph and the Times, only boast circulations of 683,220 and 506,997." Splashy headlines sell these rags and their rear sports pages are even highlighted on BBC evening news programs... The English FA works pretty hard at getting rid of unruly and/or racists fans including lifelong stadium bans. But looking at the assault this past weekend where a white Birmingham fan got onto the pitch and punched the white Aston Villa captain in the face, it's not always about race. But it is always about ignorance... So Mr Sterling, if the stereotype doesn't fit, don't wear it. Keep speaking out. Lot's of folks are listening.

The media types writing these stories and their bosses know exactly what they are doing, it's all about clicks and likes. They don't care about the image they are creating.

Professional black athletes have to deal with being perceived as ungrateful to the billionaire owners and local (also increasing unequal) community. Rather than anger, based on income and wealth inequality and economic anxiety, being channelled at the key figures in business and government... the black athletes are used as scapegoats. Colonialism led to the global imbalance between Jamaica and the UK, and why Sterling's family moved. Crony capitalism ensures people like him, who grew up in government housing projects, will be the easy welfare targets for the 99% when they spend money -- not the oligarchical and inheritance-based policies and status quo in the US and UK.

For awhile I have been against public use of facial recognition technology as an invasion of privacy as a matter of principle. Yet, the video of those three loathsome brothers-in-ignorance screaming their tribal epithets at Mr. Sterling makes me want complete HD facial-recognition coverage in every stadium. Each and every one of these types of thugs kind should be barred from patronizing such venues for life and if that technology makes this easier, so be it. This is worse than yelling fire in a crowded theater. After being identified and sanctioned the courts might mandate completion of civic education and oral examination to possibly reacquire the privilege of attending a match where a national treasure like Mr. Sterling performs, at the highest level, the worlds most popular sport. The mental image of those three idiots having to grovel while rethinking their understanding of the world in order to do so seems pleasing and constructive all at the same time.

Bravo Raheem! We love to watch your play and I hope you can ably revel in your reward, you're out there on the pitch, in the match, playing for club and country. Racism is such an ugly, pervasive, and prevalent attribute of humanity. The dialogue on this reality has never been more keen both here and in England. Each country has its crisis today, Trump for us and Brexit across the pond. Each crisis has brought out the racists in the closet, given them backbone, but it has also brought them to our attention. I for one, had no idea how many people around me identified with hateful rhetoric. Well, we're on to you now you racists! You've outed yourselves, and we are mobilizing to remove you from power and influence. Your children will inherit only shame for your behavior they will not follow in your footsteps.

Really nice article about a really nice guy. Thank you.

Racism and racist attitudes are a terrible thing. It is our collective responsibility, meaning in particular people in the media and positions of leadership in all walks of life. On a personal level, it means (a) driving out racist ideas or feelings that we all have at some level, regardless of what "race" we may be identified as ourselves, and (b) actively calling out, chastising and resisting anyone we know who is spewing racism and is willing to listen to us.

It will take more players of all colors speaking out, and it will take more clubs taking action as Chelsea FC did, and it will take more education from governments, before real progress will be made against racism. Likewise with physically violent fans like the one who invaded the pitch and attacked a player in the recent Birmingham City - Aston Villa game. Keep up the good work, Raheem, and you too, Rory.

Raheem doesn't ask for much. Just that people "pause and think." Heartbreaking isn't it?

Just curious, why are the only photos printed the sports section in color in this article? One would think that the article was about NYCFC with all of the baby blue. Good thing that it’s about Manchester City and their same terrible baby blue kit who owns NYCFC along with the Yankees. Sponsored content tugging at the heart strings.

The BBC has published numerous in-depth articles and produced more than a few documentaries chronicling racism in America. Perhaps a look in their own backyard is a bit over due. Tabloids are not in the business of uplifting society and offering insightful perspectives; their business model is to weed down to the bottom of the bin and scrape out the rot below to feed the worst of human tendencies. The BBC and other legitimate news outlets have a platform to educate and promote a more civil society, but unfortunately they seem most interested in evaluating other countries and prefer not to consider their own culpability in matters they generously criticize others for. Man’s greatest cruelty and difficiency is in his inclination to deny the existence and value of other’s humanity...as cohabitants on this earth we all have a responsibility to stand up for everyone’s humanity and right to dignity. Responding with complacency is no better than promoting it. Each of us has a role to play in making our world equitable for everyone.

When one of the commentators for the Match of the Day in the English Premier League, Robbie Earle, was discussing the incident that happened to Sterling, he was close to tears. The “beautiful game” is made up of great athletes from all over the world, and these players, and the coaches, and the media all have the greatest admiration for all of them, regardless of where they come from. My grandchildren, two young boys, have memorized the names of virtually every player in the Premier League. They cry when their teams don’t win. They look up to these people, and admire them. They don’t see the color of their skin or where they come from, they just see great footballers. I wish everyone could be like them. Thanks for the article.

Well played, Raheem Sterling. Solid point and solid argument to bring it home.

I cannot recall anyone being so open minded about, and almost apologizing, for daring to stand up for themselves and for their right to identify as ordinary. Not even dogged as does it comes without doggedly fighting for the right to doggedly do it. It seems.

"Just as he did, he wanted those who create these images, who perpetuate the stereotypes, to look up, and to tune in." I'm left feeling this is a comment about Sterling having been young and sometimes flash, then becoming aware of his falling into a stereotype? It is a complete about-face comment. Were you even listening? Way to end the article with the hint of a stereotype-turns-worthwhile-in-our-eyes final sentence. Good lord...great article, then your conclusion left me cold and shaking my head. That last sentence contains all the ignorance to which Sterling is referring.

Fantastic write-up, Times. Sterling is a gifted player, and clearly a gifted person, too. As a devout Premier League and European soccer fan, I read plenty of English journalism covering the game, including the manner in which the media discuss players of color. A case in point is Paul Pogba: most often, articles will describe his athletic prowess, strength, pace, and power. In other words, the press and pundits focus too often on his physical attributes. But if you follow the sport, you know that Pogba's greatest attributes are his football intelligence, his deft touches, his clever and (sometimes) audacious passing, and his overall tactical astuteness and ability to carve open defenses.

The English press is relentless and Raheem and other persons of color will face this onslaught as long as people who don't share or empathize with his background write about him. Stereotypes are so much easier to go to than doing true research and true and hard journalism. I'm glad he chose to speak up. So many will be thankful for his voice.

Raheem is an exceptionally talented athlete and, from this article, an exceptional human being. The immense pressure these players are under requires a level of emotional maturity that few of us could muster. Bravo, Raheem...you're inspirational and will positively impact many lives -- of all ages and colors. Thank you.

About 20 years ago I was in London on business meeting with bankers from RBS. I was living in Ireland and working for an Irish company. I was not as senior my colleagues at the meeting. The executives from RBS had all the trappings of OxBridge and Eton. And were completely dismissive of my colleagues. My family is Irish but I am a yank. When it came my part to speak the executives from RBS literally sat up, paid attention and engaged constructively. What I was speaking about was reaffirming a point one of my Irish colleagues made. The only thing different was I was not Irish. My accent was American. Why mention this at all? Because bias is everywhere and often manifests in racism when race is involved. I am a fan of Sterling. He is a great player. And I have no doubt that he has faced some serious racism. He plays on a good team. He has a great coach that is not afraid to reprimand him publicly when he showboats. He seems to care that much. Raheem, if you reading this please note that we are proud of you. It cannot be easy. Nothing worth doing is easy. Keep up the good work on the pitch and speak out like you have. The best cure for disease is often bringing it to the open.

It’s time to institute major penalties for racist actions by managers, players, and even fans. No one should have to take racist taunts as the price of playing. This is a moment for the EPL to show some true leadership

Good article on a good guy. We need to stop putting all the onus only on black success to change the narrative. Many blacks answer the call every day of being our best; those who choose to tell our stories have got to do better. That means you white media. Step up, there's room on the podium for all of us.

I agree with the assessment of the media’s fondness for the hard scrabble background of black players. It’s a cliche and needs to be examined and rewritten. It fits into our firmly held stereotypes and it’s lazy thinking. He’s a young man who is thoughtful about his unique place in the world and his legacy. I’m going to continue reading about him. Excellent article. Thanks.

Raheem is an outstanding player. I didn’t know until now what an incredible person he is too.