Racism is a powerful force in society. It is no surprise, then, that it has played a large role in sports as well. We might hope that players would be treated based solely on their ability, but that has not always been the reality. In Brazilian soccer and American football, racist stereotypes have played a large role in determining the positions black athletes have been discouraged from playing.

(more…)

This is the slow season for soccer. With many leagues on vacation, the number of interesting stories has decreased. Thank God, then, for Hugo Chavez.

Hugo Chavez speaks at the opening ceremonies of the Copa America

The Venezuelan president has been basking in the worldwide attention that his country’s hosting of the Copa America has brought. There have been many reports on the Copa America, many of which have looked at the political context that surrounds the tournament.

(more…)