Knee taking … now only occasionally for prem league

[NYSRich]

If all sports stars, commentators, actors etc who speak out against the online abuse united and boycotted a website I think it would be a good thing. It would be similar to boycotting a brand due to using child labour or mistreating animals. Although I was under the impression that racist comments where a common theme on twitter.

It’s not just the racism. Kids are killing themselves due to online bullying. I’m sure the parents wished their kids would have boycotted the website.

Regarding the black footballers, there are already threats of walking off the pitch if there is racist abuse. I think they should do it. It would be a similar stance.

But why are footballers on Twitter in the first place? I am guessing most don't log on in the hope of having a civil and informed debate with supporters. They just want to promote their latest sponsorship deal, they don't actually want to interact with regular fans. Social media amongst celebs isn't about altruism. So yes, if the cons of being on Twitter outweigh the pros, isn't the obvious answer to simply leave the platform? Would Raheem Sterling's wellbeing really be disadvantaged by doing so?

[ragingpup]

But why are footballers on Twitter in the first place? I am guessing most don't log on in the hope of having a civil and informed debate with supporters. They just want to promote their latest sponsorship deal, they don't actually want to interact with regular fans. Social media amongst celebs isn't about altruism. So yes, if the cons of being on Twitter outweigh the pros, isn't the obvious answer to simply leave the platform? Would Raheem Sterling's wellbeing really be disadvantaged by doing so?

But this seems to suggest that if you don't like the racist abuse, take the financial hit and leave? Where else would you see that as a solution to a problem where you are the victim?

And besides, most sports folk using social media as part of their commercial enterprise are far from wealthy and need to maximise their income including lower league footballers. Does this apply to them also?

[NYSRich]

Not at all pup. What I am trying to understand is what benefit there is to a professional footballer being on Twitter? And I am talking Premier League here. Maybe it's just that I despise Twitter so.much and view it as a stain on 21st Century society!

[John2]

Not at all pup. What I am trying to understand is what benefit there is to a professional footballer being on Twitter? And I am talking Premier League here. Maybe it's just that I despise Twitter so.much and view it as a stain on 21st Century society!

Communicating with people is one of the most fundamental parts of the human experience. Twitter is arguably the best way for players to engage.

It's easy to be cynical of their motivations, but like our reasons for using MillersMad they will be varied, and what they get out of it will vary. Many will simply be genuinely happy to engage positively with fans/community and enjoy their role as professionals. I doubt lower league players make any money out of Twitter so clearly many players just want to use it, rather than leverage it for gain. Even if the latter, that's a valid reason too.

It's a sad reflection on society where the solution being proposed is for people to exclude themselves from the largest open communications platform in human history.

[great_fire]

Hallelujah!
The whole thing finally summed up in one sentence.

So that's two people with the same weird take.

[John2]

So that's two people with the same weird take.

Just to remind you, your take was that players taking the knee were somehow participating in a conspiracy theory to oust Donald Trump as President.

[CAMiller]

Just to remind you, your take was that players taking the knee were somehow participating in a conspiracy theory to oust Donald Trump as President.

It worked though!

[great_fire]

Just to remind you, your take was that players taking the knee were somehow participating in a conspiracy theory to oust Donald Trump as President.

That is why the Democrats supported and encouraged BLM's "mostly peaceful" rioting a couple of years ago.

[John2]

That is why the Democrats supported and encouraged BLM's "mostly peaceful" rioting a couple of years ago.

I love that rather than acknowledge the absolute madness of your position when put into context, you choose to double down instead. You're committed to your nonsense, I'll give you that.

Did it ever occur to you, just for a second, that the reason many democrats would support BLM might simply be because they don't want racial discrimination to occur? Is that even a comprehendible idea for you?

[animallittle3]

What was your point then? If you're acknowledging there is still an issue with racism, then what is the harm in additional actions to address it?



It isn't me who believes that either, just that it isn't really relevant to the reason they take the knee.



Will you be boycotting the world cup then, even if England make the final?

One of my favourite things about the Euros was all the numpties who made a big song and dance that they were boycotting watching England because they were upset about them taking the knee. Those people will be as ridiculed in history as they were at the time.

No John I won't be boycotting the World Cup .

I concluded some time ago that individual protest actions are more the domain of the cranks .

I could be attracted to a collective group and more so if a well known figure was attached to it which would obviously carry more weight than a 60 year old bloke from just outside Wombwell turning his tv off in December .

However what I will say is this , if my name was Rahem Sterling and I looked at the human rights record of Qatar in relation to the work I did in anti racism campaigns I think I'd be having a fairly serious word with myself .