Pele was ensnared by 'Brazilian-style racism' but stood firm as dictatorship tried to keep him playi

[Judi Lynn]

Last edited Mon Jan 2, 2023, 08:43 PM - Edit history (1)

Pelé was ensnared by ‘Brazilian-style racism’ but stood firm as dictatorship tried to keep him playing

Published: January 2, 2023 2.49pm EST



Pelé inspired millions with his exploits on the soccer pitch, but also had to confront power to extract himself from the sport’s social constraints. Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images


As arguably the greatest soccer player of all time is laid to rest, Prof José Paulo Florenzano of the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo considers Pelé’s incredible legacy off the field. This article was originally written in Portuguese.


Pelé occupies a central, albeit problematic, place in the construction and affirmation of Brazil’s national identity. His role in helping forge the identity of modern Brazil has roots in helping the country win the World Cup in Sweden in 1958 and in the global role taken on soon after by his club team, Santos.

Santos in the Pelé era travelled the planet as sporting diplomats, crossing ideological divides between communism and capitalism and celebrating the political emancipation of nations emerging from colonialism.

There is no doubt that the main achievements of the teams led by Pelé were encouraging the playing of soccer in countries where the sport was rarely played, and, conversely, to have transformed the way the game was played in traditional soccer nations. In doing so, Pelé transcended the role of “national idol.” He became something much more significant: a symbol of the Black diaspora, a pan-African reference point and a cosmopolitan icon.

It was no coincidence that Bob Marley – who similarly was held up as a hero to the Global South – made a point of wearing Pelé’s number 10 shirt during the singer’s brief visit to Brazil in 1980. To Marley and others, Pelé embodied the aesthetic of soccer as art and an expression of freedom.

More:
https://theconversation.com/pele-was-ensnared-by-brazilian-style-racism-but-stood-firm-as-dictatorship-tried-to-keep-him-playing-197109

[GreenWave]

1. And Muhammed Al refused to kill (something in the Bible about that!)

So the powers that should never be tried to lock him up for five years. They failed. But others took his title from him and outlawed him from boxing.

It seems they take the offspring of former slaves and make them entertain the rest of us or trouble will find you. Maybe some athletes in Alabama, Mississippi etc. will fight for social justice or play elsewhere.

Both Pelé and Alí became international icons, among two of the most popular people ever world-wide.

[Judi Lynn]

2. So hard to believe evil in the form of racism has NOT been repudiated yet.

What a shame the racists don't realize what a dead weight they are upon the entire planet, while their targets have brought so much to admire and respect.

Great post, GreenWave.