Heather Small - A Nation Against Racism

The levels of racism and vile abuse directed at the England football team since the Euro 2020 final on the 12th of July has shocked many people across the nation and the world. The fact that many in the world of politics and media who have pandered to a culture of division and hate have been public in condemnation of racism in football has added fuel to a growing sense of outrage that tackling racism only appears important to many if it means positive publicity – a fact pointed out by several of the England players and sports commentators covering the issue and its aftermath.

We at the Rio Ferdinand Foundation are fully aware of the impact online trolls and bullies can have on peoples lives and mental health as they hide behind fake names and accounts. We are also fully aware of the racism and xenophobia that is seen not just online and in football stadiums but in our communities and in public life, and we are working hard to create positive change and cohesion on the streets and in the buildings where we work. Social media companies and civic society now need to take steps to identify and call out racism and hate online and beyond.

We also believe that there are far more people outraged and moved to stand up against racism than those who wish to adopt those views and see them grow. There are more people who want to see a united and more caring society than those who want to propagate hate. This is especially true of our young people. It is why we started the United Against Racism programme this year – to support and enable young people to make a change. 

Our founder and trustee Rio Ferdinand has been vocal and outspoken on tackling online hate and addressing racism through his media work and his personal social media. 

Here our ambassador for the music industry Heather Small, herself a high profile activist for equality and diversity, presents her thoughts on the abuse aimed at the England footballers and our responsibilities as a society:

“We lost a football game and so to a greater loss of dignity integrity and world standing.

A loss dealt, by a vile vocal racist element in our society.

We can come back from the defeat of a sporting event learn the lessons dust ourselves off and regroup.

Not so easy to come back from the racist onslaught that ensued.

We as a nation need to address a racist system that would be so bold as to try and strip our young warriors of their humanity.

Young men that gave their all to fulfil an entire nations hopes dreams and pent up frustrations of fifty-five years of defeat. These young men fell at the last hurdle and were rewarded with vile ignorant and damaging rhetoric.

Yes, our young England team should feel saddened and disappointed but what no player should feel is dehumanised and terrorised by the experience due to race colour or creed.

We cannot any longer be a silent majority our nation depends on us being the vocal active majority.

Racism has no place in our sports our society our hearts.

Yes, it takes effort and vigilance but I'm convinced we as a Nation are up to this even greater challenge”.

Heather Small

#UnitedAgainstRacism

Foreword by CEO Gary Stannett