Omoseye Bolaji writes on the idiocy of racial prejudice

As I watched the recently concluded Euro 2012 with South African friends, the arrant, blinkered idiocy of racial prejudice hit me like a ton of bricks!

This was particularly so during the 2nd semi final between Italy and Germany of which the latter were the hot favourites to win. Yet Italy won thanks to two
superb goals by their so called black striker, Mario Balotelli who played a blinder. Italians in their millions celebrated, crying with joy.

Yet Balotelli is as "black" as anybody could be, came into this world courtesy of authentic Ghanaian parents. He was brought up by Italian foster parents. In fact he dedicated his goals to his white Italian adoptive mother.

 Indeed sports, especially football has done a lot in reducing the centuries old prejudice against blacks by the western world. Now it is no longer almost impossible to see black players strutting their stuff for traditionally white countries.

Pele has always been a legend in football, hailing from Brazil, arguably the most racially mixed country in the world. Pele during World Cup finals starting in 1958 showed the world how brilliant and dexterous a black man can be with the ball.

 By the mid sixties Portugal became the first European country to benefit from fielding a brilliant black player. This was Eusebio, actually born in Africa but
starring for Portugal. He was by far the top goal scorer in the 1966 World Cup finals.

 France and England began to benefit from utilising black players too. Some 30 years ago the sleek Marius Tresor, a black player, actually captained France in a couple of
matches. In the 80s the superb black midfielder, Tigana, lit up matches for France.

 In 1998 many black players helped France to winthe World Cup for the first time. Apart from then young Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, Marcel Dessailly was actually born in Ghana, whilst even Zinadine Zidane was the French born son of Algerians.

 By the 80s black players in England were doing well too. Winger Mark Chanberlain used to remind me of Nigeria s Segun  Odegbami. John Barnes became a household name especially after scoring a fantastic goal for England against Brazil. When Des Walker a superb black defender began to play for England the latter even made it to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup.

And during the recent 2012 Euro tourney many black players were now ensconced in the squad, it was no longer a novelty. In the attack alone, there was Ashley Young,
Walcott, Danny Welbeck, and young Oxlain Chamberlain. Not to mention
Daniel Defoe!

In many other quote white European countries, they can now boast of black players representing them internationally. Think of Vincent Khampony of Belgium, stalwart of his club, Manchester City. Many of these players, like Balotelli, have their roots in Africa. 

Another example of this that we saw at Euro 2012 was Thodor Halessie who played
for the Czeck Republic; with an Ethiopian father. Angelo Ogbonna who played for Italy was born in that country of Nigerian parents. Then there is Jores Okore  - Ivorian born – playing for Denmark...

The trends extend far beyond football. In boxing for over 50 years the great Muhammad Ali brought glamour, wise-cracking, and zest to the sport. British boxer, Frank Bruno, though black, is a household darling. David Haye is charismatic too.

The Williams sisters - though naturally aging now - dominated world tennis for a decade or more. Venus and Serena. In the sphere of golf, despite his recent problems, Tiger Woods is largely synonymous with the sport.

 And never mind music where blacks rule the roost! Let us just conclude by very briefly looking at acting where there are now many black superstars. Yet incredibly, just over 50 years ago, there was almost no important black actor. Then great Sir Sidney Poitier as a black actor went on to show the idiocy of racial
prejudice...
Photos: Balotelli (top), Eusebio (middle) and John Barnes (below)