A slur is a slur
The World Cup phenomenon is about global passion for a sport that became part of local cultures, traditions and customs. In some cases, it enriches them, in others, it debases themdepending on who is watchingbut always in the name of the fun that goes along with the game.
Mexican fans are an example. They are the most enthusiastic when it comes to doing the wave in the colorful stands of a stadium. Thanks to them, the lyrics of “Cielito Lindo” can be heard from the stands in joyful celebration.
In the name of that sports fiesta, this time Mexico’s fans brought to Brazil a new custom that can be heard in Mexican soccer stadiums. They joyfully insult their opponent’s goalie when he clears the goal, with the homophobic cry “pu–!”
This is not a joke, even if the one shouting it considers it funny and not necessarily the worst way to insult a gay person. The reaction of FIFA, which condemned this slur and is doing everything possible to prevent its repetition, is reasonable.
Since FIFA is in the middle of an anti-racism campaign, it would be inadmissible for it to turn a blind eye to what seems like collective homophobia. That in Mexico this word is used as a strong insult (without sexual connotation) deserves its own idiosyncratic analysis, because the word is what its definition means and no morewhether used in a song by Molotov, at a stadium or in a fight.
Latino immigrants should be the most sensitive to this situation. They know first-hand that the effect of a wordespecially when it is a sluris measured by the person it is said to and that it refers to, not necessarily the one who says it. There are many racist jokes that are not racist to the one telling them; however, they are a blow to whomever they target.
Therefore, the explanation that what was said is not what was meant is secondary. It is not hard to understand why.
The World Cup is a true global celebration of the cultures that embraced this sport and made it their own. Every four years, fans from all over the world meet up and spend time side by side. They should bring along the best of themselves instead of their prejudices, even if they seem like fun.
A cry from the stands is no less offensive when the one saying it finds it fun
