Radical-revolutionary or gestural-superficial communications? Unpicking recent discourses of race, ethnicity, inclusion and representation in cycling

Marlon Moncrieffe

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

When watching on television an earlier stage of the 2021 Tour de France, a family member commented: "I see that the black rider from last year is doing well again this year". I chuckled a bit, then of course, explained that Kévin Reza had retired from the sport and it was Nicholas Dlamini who was racing. But how many once-a-year in July cycling viewers would also have been thinking in the same way as my family member? The media narrative that we have been given about Nicholas Dlamini taking part in the Tour de France is one of 'historical revolutionary change'. "The first" black South African to ride in the race. A role model for Black people living in the impoverished townships of South Africa. Communications on how they can also become like Nicholas, by striving to reach heaven, in Europe where all that glitters is gold. Hang on! Apartheid in South Africa ended over 30 years ago, after many great struggles led by black people in their emancipation. Since then, only white South Africans and white people from the African region have been afforded the privilege to compete in the race and even win it. This notion of 'the first' black man/black women is imposed upon the public for fitting the white narrative-history of the sport, as if ethnic representation of black people in the event is now advancing. Well it clearly is not. The announcement of Reza's retirement coincided with the announcement Dlamini's participation. Black face was swapped for black face. Stop the fooling. Black riders are invited and represented as guest actors in the Tour de France world.
Original languageEnglish
TypeCommentary
Media of outputBlog
PublisherScience in Sport
Number of pages1
Place of PublicationLondon, UK
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jul 2021

Keywords

  • Cycling
  • Black Cyclists
  • Anti-Racism
  • Black History

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