👀⚽️ Copa America Controversy and Community Updates 🌳👊

This week’s edition covers stories
from July 11th to July 17th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 850 words, a 7-minute read.

Hey Besties! Isabella here.

It’s a new week and that means news recap! I’m finally settled into my new place after a crazy move. Man, I forgot how heavy furniture can be! Huge thanks to my amazing friends and family for helping me out. You’re all lifesavers!

Between the move and everything else, it’s been a whirlwind of excitement. And guess what? This weekend is a full moon in Capricorn! For those of you who follow astrology, it’s a big deal. It’s like the universe is giving us a second chance to wrap up stuff from the last Capricorn full moon.

Music Taste of the Week

While some of us have been living a Brat summer, some pretty dope artists have released their albums. Clairo released “Charm”, Remi Wolf released “Big Ideas”, Omar Apollo released “God Said No”, and Hiatus Kaiyote released “Love Heart Cheat Code”. There’s plenty more out there, of course. Tune in to our playlist update next month to hear some team faves! (Current playlist at the end of this newsletter)

Stonewall Sports 10th National Event

Stonewall Sports players at the 2023 tournament in Philadelphia. *📸 Star Tribune*

Today Stonewall Sports, an LGBTQ sports nonprofit, kicks off its 10th national event! Over 2,500 people signed up to compete this weekend on sports like dodgeball, bocce, cornhole, pickleball, and tennis. Shout out to our team member, Nick, who spoke to the Star Tribune about his experience with Stonewall. Sporting events will be held at the University of Minnesota, parks and venues across Minneapolis. More info about related events here!

Argentina’s Bitter Victory

In other news, although I’m ecstatic that Argentina won the 2024 Copa America last Sunday against Colombia, with a goal at their 112th minute, I’m disappointed in my country’s team. The team was seen singing a racist chant about France in a live video of Enzo Fernandez following their Copa America victory.

In the chant they sang: “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.” The song came from Argentinian fans before the 2022 World Cup final. The full lyrics of the song call the French players “cometravas”, a term to call people who have sex with transgender people.

The issue has gained much controversy around the internet due to blatant racism, which arose a bigger question about accountability in sports. Fernandez’ video is a mere reflection of Argentinian society and beliefs, where racism and descrimination against LGBTQ+ people is very much alive and woven into the daily language.

The French Football Federation has filed a complaint to FIFA to launch an investigation into racist and homophobic chant by Fernandez and other Argentinian players. Chelsea has also begun disciplinary action against Fernandez.

As for players in the league, the only one to have acknowledged this incident were Black football players, such as Wesley Fofana, a French Chelsea defender, who called it “uninhibited racism”. The New York Times highlights the fact that Black players are left with the responsibility to do the emotional work of dealing with a racist incidenet and “enforces the idea that racism is a problem only for black people, when it’s a blight that shames us all.”

Fernandez has spoken out on a Instagram story stating that the song doesn’t reflect his character or beliefs, despite getting caught up in the “euphoria” of the Copa America celebrations. Other players on the Argentinian selection haven’t spoken out.

What’s interesting is the Argentinian commentary online. There is a lack of understanding about the responsibility that being a public figure brings. People argue that the chant alludes to France as a colonizer and in no way descredits or descriminates the black players themselves. Others argue against the French saying that their reaction is plainly hypocritical, reducing their right to call out the unacceptable behavior. Only few feel ashamed for their team.

Racism in the U.S. and Europe presents itself quite differently than in Argentina, or Latin America, where racism and classism become (in a strange way) blended. Yet, the players’ behavior is a reflection of their poor education and training, which unfortunately is a reality for many in Argentina.

Argentina’s victory was undoubtedly a moment of national pride. However, this incident serves as a sobering reminder that true progress requires more than just athletic achievements.

Harris Condemns Attempt on Trump’s Life, Calls for Unity Amid Political Tensions

The vice president underscored the importance of “engaging in a vigorous and civil exchange of ideas. 📸 *Carlos Osorio/AP*

In other agitating news, Vice President Kamala Harris strongly condemned the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, calling it “heinous, horrible, and cowardly.” Speaking in Michigan, she stressed the need for unity against political violence and underscored the importance of a robust competition of ideas as a hallmark of democracy. Harris emphasized that while rejecting violence is crucial, so is engaging in meaningful discussions about the future.

The Biden-Harris campaign has been vocal about Trump being a threat to democracy, citing his record and legal issues. However, after the shooting at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in one death and two injuries, both Democrats and Republicans have united in condemning political violence. President Biden urged for calm and unity, while Harris echoed the need to balance denouncing the attack on Trump with highlighting the risks of his potential second term. Meanwhile, Republican VP candidate J.D. Vance commended Trump’s leadership in calling for unity after the incident.

Stay informed, stay connected.

See you next week!

–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team